Make sure to keep the group together.

The winter woods are a glorious place for a hike, a place where nature lovers can experience the peace and quiet of a cold day and commune with wildlife. One way to make winter hiking much easier is to strap on a pair of snowshoes, which distribute your weight over a greater area and make it possible to walk on top of the snow, rather than breaking through. Invented as a means of transportation, snowshoes are now recreational equipment for millions of adventurers in search of a unique wintertime experience.

Jan Joseph is a third generation Idahoan who moved around the world for 20 years in the US Air Force before finally setting down in Idaho in 1996. Since 1999, Joseph has worked for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation as the Backcountry Yurt Manager of the Idaho City Area Yurts. Here she offers some tips for beginner snowshoers:

• A growing sport.
  According to Joseph, snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the United States.
  
• Factor in total weight.
  When choosing the correct size for your snowshoe, you must take into account the total weight you'll be placing on it, including gear, rather than just your body weight.
  
• Stick together.
  When you're out snowshoeing in a single line along a trail, make sure to only travel at the speed of the slowest person. If a member gets separated from the group, accidents can happen.
  
• Roll out of trouble.
  If you punch through the snow and become stuck, try to roll onto your stomach and lift your feet behind you.
  
• Straight up, zigzag down.
  When you're going up a mountain, you should climb straight up towards the summit. Coming down a mountain it is easier to zigzag down the hill in a back and forth direction.
  
• Yield to skiers.
  Snowshoe etiquette states that you should always yield to skiers. As a snowshoer you have much more control over your body, and can get out of the way.

For more about snowshoeing, check out the following websites:

Idaho State Parks and Recreation
www.idahoparks.org

United States Snowshoe Association
www.snowshoeracing.com

The Winter Backpacker
www.backpacking.net

Rock and Paddle.com: Snow Shoeing
www.rockandpaddle.com