What to bring on Snowshoe and Ski Days

  • Snowshoe Boots – Winter boots or FULL LEATHER hiking boots are best. It is essential that keep your feet warm and DRY! If you need to rent boots please call the U of C outdoor program center (220-5038). They rent winter boots.
  • Snowshoe Poles (downhill ski poles are the best) – These are optional. Some people like using pools since they help with balance.
  • Cleats - You can purchase cleats (many brands to choose from) at MEC or many running stores. You need these if we we are doing an “ice walk”.
  • Backpack – To keep contents dry, put pack contents in a garbage bag before putting them in your pack.
  • Extra clothing – This comes in useful at the lunch break. You cool down quickly when you stop moving. An extra fleece, wool sweater or down vest will keep you toasty warm.
  • Hat  & neck warmer
  • Leg wear –Use the same layering system outlined above. Cotton pants and jeans are a bad choice for outdoor activity because when they get wet they stay wet and you get chilled.  Long underwear, fleece pants and a windproof shell are a good combination for winter activity.
  • Mitts or gloves – Choose fleece or wool since they stay warm when wet. You can also layer your mitts using fleece and a Gortex mitten for the shell.
  • Gaiters (optional) – Gaiters keep snow out of your boots so your feet stay dry and warm.
  • Water – 1 to 2 liters of water with you on each outing.
  • Extra socks and shoes (for the drive out and back!)
  • Thermos – A hot drink is wonderful on the trail in the winter!
  • Food – Hearty Lunch and lots of snacks. (i.e. trail mix/ GORP) This is no time to diet!
  • Sunscreen & lip balm
  • Any medications that are essential to your good health. (Asthma, angina, diabetes, bee-sting)
  • First Aid Kit – keep a blister kit in the top of your pack for easy access. You can buy blister kits at most drug stores. For a huge selection of first aid gear you can visit Vereburn Supply at  2235 – 27 Ave., NE (250-7944). They are a wholesaler with a warehouse set-up but will also sell retail. It is best to know what you want before you visit them since they won’t want you walking through their warehouse to browse!
  • Bag to pack your garbage out (a Safeway bag works great)
  • Toilet Paper (baggy to carry it out)
  • An insulated pad to sit on or you can sit on your backpack. (You can buy thinsolate bum pads at MEC)
  • Camera (the scenery is SPECTACULAR!)