Snowshoeing is for everyone!

One of the best activities to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland is snowshoeing. It's easy (if you can walk, you can snowshoe) and it's a great family activity--everyone from young children to seniors can do it.

If you're picturing something like this:

times have changed! Today's snowshoes are lightweight, aluminum-framed and much smaller than the classic wooden snowshoes. 

Here's what you need to know to get started:

Gear and clothing

• You can rent snowshoes at many outdoor outfitters. They'll help you select the size that is right for you and the terrain you plan to hike.
• Poles can be helpful on uneven terrain and for when you fall down. (We all do at some point!)
• Wear warm, comfortable footwear and wool socks. Nothing will ruin your day faster than cold, wet feet.
• Dress in layers. You may work up a sweat once you get going. Wool and polyester fleece can help you stay warm even when wet. A waterproof, breathable outer shell is essential to help regulate body heat.
• Don't forget your sunglasses! Sun reflecting off of snow can be blindingly bright.

Technique

• Snowshoeing really is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. You may need to widen your stance slightly, but that's all.
• If you do fall down, the easiest way to get up is to roll over on your front and then push up until you are kneeling. From there, you can lift one leg and then the other so that you're crouching and then use your knees to brace your hands and push the rest of the way up.
• To turn around, walk in a big circle if there's room. If the trail is too narrow, you'll have to turn in place. Make a T with one foot in front of the other and then bring your other snowshoe parallel with it so that you've done a 90-degree turn. Then repeat so that you're facing back in the direction you've come.
• For moderate hills, you'll need to use a slightly different technique. You'll notice that there are claws on the bottom of your snowshoes. If you step into an incline with your toe (heel raised), the claws will help you gain traction uphill. To go downhill, if it's not too steep you can walk normally. For steeper downhills, you may need to side step with your snowshoes perpendicular to the trail. Remember to step wide enough that you don't step on one shoe with the other. It helps to keep your weight on the uphill edge of your snowshoes.

And, most importantly, have fun! Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or soup along, find a sunny spot to sit, and revel in being out in the snow!

There are two fabulous places near Colonial Bay for snowshoeing:

• Arrowhead Park, located just north of Huntsville, has trails for everyone from beginners to experts. With 29 km of track-set, cross-country ski trails, 12km of skate skiing trails and 6 km of marked snowshoe trails, you’ll be able to spend the whole day exploring. Classic ski, skate skis and snowshoes are all available to rent. A day use fee applies to access the park.
• Limberlost Forest Reserve is just 10 km north of Colonial Bay. Access is free to the public and they have 70 km of trails for backwoods skiing or snowshoeing.

If you want to visit us this winter, you can view our availability here.

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you and yours a happy New Year!

Have fun in the snow!
The Howell Family

Christmas in Muskoka

Christmas, and winter in general, is a great time to spend with family, friends and community both indoors and out. There are three local events that will help you do just that and get in the Muskoka holiday spirit.

On December 21 from 5-8pm, the Portage Flyer takes the young and young-at-heart on an open-air train ride through snow-covered trees to visit Santa. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are served while you wait to board. Tickets are just $5 per person. It's an annual Muskoka tradition that shouldn't be missed.

On December 21-23 from 11am-4pm, visit Santa at his other home before he heads out to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. SantaFest at Santa's Village has a bunch of activities included with the price of admission ($8/person, 2 and under free):

❄ Horse drawn sleigh rides (from 12-4)
❄ Seasonal Kids Activities
❄ Face Painting
❄ Gingerbread Cookie Decorating for kids
❄ Craft Making
❄ Colouring
❄ Petting Farm
❄ Marshmallow Roasting
❄ Letter Writing
❄ And of course visits with Santa!

You can even head back to Santa's Village on December 28 for Thank Santa Day!

On Christmas Eve, head out to Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area for the Torchlight Parade. An annual family-friendly favourite, the parade features skiers and boarders descending the Flying Dutchman carrying brightly lit torches. There are complimentary cookies and hot chocolate in the chalet and live music from 5:30-6:30pm.

Whether you're spending Christmas in Muskoka or somewhere else, we wish you and yours a very merry, relaxing holiday season.

All the best,
The Howell Family