We would like to try snow shoeing and are looking for ideas on great places in New England for this sport (beginners!) and advice on purchasing snow shoes for recreational use. There are so many out there we don't know where to start. Can anyone help here or maybe direct me to a forum that deals with this stuff?? Thanks!

Sue -

Do you have your heart set on buying instead of renting? If so, why? If you're a novice, I'd definitely recommend renting (which can be done easily and inexpensively) before purchasing. All of the snoeshowing I've done has been primarily in the Rocky Mountains (and some in the Midwest) so I can't recommend any specific places. Dress in layers and be prepared to remove some - you'll get warm much like in cross country skiing if you're moving fairly quickly.

I second the advice to rent before you buy-if you buy and end up not enjoying the sport, you'll be out a hefty sum of money! I am from New England, but do not snowshoe, but can give you some advice as to where to start your search-First that comes to mind is Stowe, VT. Stowe is a winter-sports paradise. Try looking at www.gostowe.com for some information. Another area to look at would be Jackson/Conway, NH area. Again, this area is known for it's winter sports. Hope this helps!

Sue
I am planning a winter trip to Jackson NH area and also intend to snowshoe (As a beginner), Here are some useful resources
www.greatglentrails.com (Gorham NH)
www.crosscountryskinh.com (Intervale NH)
www.jacksonxc.com (Jackson NH)
Also there are snowshoe/Ice skate/Sleigh ride packages available at Nestlenook farm, Jackson NH

All of the above rent snowshoes (around $10 -$12 for 24 hours)and will offer advice and answer questions.

Hope this helps

There is a wonderful, quaint, quiet resort in Bethel Maine called Bethel Inn. On sight they have a rental shop for snow shoes and cross country ski equipment. They have a beautiful and varied network of snow shoe trails - clearly marked, woods, meadows, streams. It is exquisite. What I love is to not have to get in the car. They also have delicious meals and a fanatstic heated outdoor pool open all winter.

Hi Sue,
I'd have to agree with the posts that
recommend renting first, however, I have
my own snowshoes (I made them) and I've never been sorry. It is the MOST fun! Do follow the 'dress in layers' advise and consider renting poles (hiking poles). They can really make a difference in your endurance and balance. Enjoy the snow!

Sue, the beauty of snowshoeing is that you can go nearly anywhere there is snow - you don't need a resort, tickets, groomed trails, etc. However, as a beginner I would reccommend going somewhere that does offer groomed trails ,rentals, and some guidance. One place that comes to mind is the Queechee Inn at Marshland farms, which has a very nice cross country trail system that meanders thru pastures and forest. I believe they also offer snowshoeing. This Inn is very beautiful, and is located right outside of Woodstock Vt. where there are lots of interesting restaurants and shops. As mentioned above, I probably wouldn't buy snowshoes until I tried it out. I have snowshoed and cross country skiied, and prefer skiing, which is actually not much harder than snowshoeing. Both activities are lots of fun, however, and fantastic exercise.

dougD: I love to cross country ski; have never tried snow shoeing. It would seem to me that shoeing would be harder than skiing - no? Don't those wide shoes trip you up? And, does the sport mean to literally walk in them - as opposed to gliding in skis - I am curious.

Snowshoeing is actually a little easier than cross country skiing, but more tiring. You actally have to 'clomp' along over the snow, with your feet a few feet apart. With a little practice, you can actually run. I still prefer skiing however, I save the snowshoeing for breaking trail, or just getting around in the woods.