Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a simple, fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. Unlike skiing, you don't have to buy pricey equipment and lift tickets. You can snowshoe on almost any groomed trail and the scenery is often spectacular. Many winter resorts and ski areas offer groomed trails that are perfect for snowshoeing, but you may need to share them with cross-country skiers.

COST

Shoe rental is $10 to 20 per day. Allow for gas and lunch. Parking is usually free.

EQUIPMENT

You will need to rent snowshoes. They come in wood or metal. You will also need to wear hiking-type boots and you might want to rent poles to help with your balance.

ATTIRE

In addition to hiking-type boots, wear warm clothing, but be sure to layer. After a few minutes on the trail you may be ready to shed some of your clothing, but probably not everything. (There are reasons why they don't have clothing-optional ski resorts. Removing the final layer is for afterward.) Bring a jacket, sweater, shirt, jeans, boots, socks, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

FOOD & WATER

Carry a backpack with water for both of you and some food such as nuts, dried fruit or energy bars.

PREP TIME

Try to reserve the snowshoes, poles and boots ahead of time. Also get maps and driving instructions.

FINDING A PLACE TO SNOWSHOE

Call a couple of sporting goods stores in your area. Ask them where the locals like to go for snowshoeing.

BE SMART!

If this is your first time, find an easy trail that's no more than 2 miles long. The 2 miles should take you about 2 hours. Take it easy on the trail and enjoy the day. This should not become a forced march.

There's no reason for you or your date to be throwing up unless one of you tells really bad jokes. Also, snowshoes can be awkward. You may need some time for getting used to them.

ALTERNATIVES

Sit in the lodge with a good book and sip brandy in front of a roaring fire.

GOOD RESOURCES

Go to www.rei.com. Under the "Learn & Share" section of the menu is the "Snow Sports" option. Under that is a section on snowshoeing. They offer some very good advice and we encourage you to read this if you've never gone snowshoeing before. They also offer trail information.

Another outdoor website that has solid information on snowshoeing is www.gorp.com. Go to "Activities," then "Skiing," and then "Other Snowsports.