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Why are more and more people strapping on snowshoes for the first time? Dave Felkley, editor of Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master, 5th Edition, explains.

· Snowshoes have in recent years become smaller, lighter, less cumbersome, and easier to use and maintain, thanks to new materials and new designs (including the use of plastics).
· The sport gives people access in winter to the same trails they use in summer. Also, snowshoers see more on nature tours than skiers do because they aren’t confined to the trails, and the sport is less equipment and technique-intensive.
· Older baby boomers are looking for low-impact sports to replace skiing.
· Snowshoeing is popular as a new fitness exercise (many resorts now offer strenuous fitness tours).
· Runners and joggers are no longer confined to the gym during winter months; they can continue their training on snowshoe.
· Snowshoeing is a relatively low-cost sport in terms of equipment, rental, and trail fees (a basic pair of modern snowshoes can be found for about $100; snowshoeing in urban parks is free!).

- Adapted from Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master, 5th Edition by Gene Prater, edited by Dave Felkley, The Mountaineers Books, $16.95

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