SNOWTRAVELERS SNOWSHOE CLUB

Since 1998, we've been getting together as an informal snowshoeing group that meets most weekends and serves as a contact point for people who are looking for company to get out and enjoy the winter season. Our snowshoe club is open to everyone; our goal is to promote snowshoeing as a sport that is both recreational and a outlet for winter fitness. If you would like to contact us please do! We would love to hear from you, whether you are a local or on vacation in the area. You can reach us by phone: (406) 522-9439 and ask for Chuck Hudson our information director.

Here's some snowshoe facts. Snowshoeing is over 6,000 years old. Early indigenous people used snowshoes to travel across continents. And the early snowshoes were modeled after animal paw prints. Like the bear paw. In the early 1900's Snowshoe clubs were very popular in Canada and the northeast. Sometimes having as many as 200 members. Various clubs wore brightly colored costumes and also had musicians playing for the clubs. In the 1980's the popularity of snowshoeing began to resurface as a great way to stay fit in the winter.

SNOWSHOEING IS EASY!! If you can walk you can do this. There is no need for lessons, and in about two minutes you have got it! This is a sport that is great for children and families, as it is inexpensive.

Early Dec.  A public slideshow by Doug Chabot of the Gallatin Valley Avalanche Center on "Avalanche Preparedness" to improve awareness and minimize risks; hosted by the Snow Travelers at the Bozeman Public Library. The GVAC also provides a great community service with daily risk reports and classes!

COME JOIN US FOR AN OUTING! Most Weekends! (Once the snow gets deeper ... starting Dec. 1?)
Last year, we had lots of outings on both Saturdays and Sundays, as easygoing or strenuous as the participants desired. Either meet us at 9:00 am at the far side of K-Mart's lot by the recycle bins (we leave by 9:15 sharp!) or give Chuck a call to arrange a meeting point along the way if you live outside of town.  Suggestions for trails and new destinations are always welcome. If there are those that want to organize more involved trips, please come forward!

Note: For safety's sake, if the temperature will be subzero all day in town ( < 0 F ) the club policy is that there will NOT be a SnowTraveler's Club trip that day. Please be careful if you choose to be outdoors then; such weather presents extra challenges.

Dress in layers (avoid cotton - it's unbelievably cold when wet!) -- snowshoeing can be quite a workout -- bring water, a snack and lunch, first aid kit, hat, gloves, sunblock, sunglasses, and poles are recommended to aid with balance. Hiking boots, Snowboard, or Pac Boots are all fine for snowshoeing; you want to keep your feet warm and dry! Trips to Yellowstone can be chillier due to higher elevation. There's a link to a useful checklist at the top of this page.

Make a habit before each trip of calling the Avalanche Center hotline, 587-6981, for a brief recording on the present snow conditions and risks. It takes just a couple minutes, and the more you know, the better.

Before going out, we ask you to fill out an information slip with your name, address, who to contact in case of emergency,  any special medical concerns, i.e diabetes, arthritis, etc. We want all of our trips to be safe and to have this information in case of emergency.

If you don't have your own snowshoes, you should visit http://www.esnowshoes.com to survey the different styles and companies. Next, many area locations have them available for rental or for sale. Renting is a great opportunity to try out a few kinds and sizes to see what works for you.
 

Army Navy Store                    522-4050 Bangtail Bike and Ski              587-4905 Barrel Mountaineering             582-1335 Bob Ward's Sporting Center    586-4381 Chalet Sports                          587-4595 MSU/SOB Barn                      994-3621

Northern Lights               586-2225 Panda Sport Rentals        587-6280 PHD Skis                        587-5227 Powder Horn                  587-7373 Round House                 587-1258 Second Wind Sports       586-7441 (no rentals, but lots of 2nd-hand outdoor clothing, poles, and gear)