While we are hoping for a winter with lots of snow, it’s good to be prepared when heading out with your skis or snowshoes. Experienced hike leaders Tom Swales, Martina Furrer and George Lennon led a webinar Dec. 5 to walk through some tips, along with explaining the winter coach program and scheduled trips. If you missed the on-line webinar, we recorded it here. Just punch in the passcode (B.^jq9%3) to gain access at your leisure.

“Winter Fun 101” first laid out why you shouldn’t hibernate in your home all winter. In the colder weather you can still stay in shape, with low-impact exercise. You burn more calories, especially going on hilly terrain. People who attend the coach trips are from all ages and abilities – you will make new friends and be active at one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Clothing and Gear
To Beat The Cold

George Lennon started off by talking about clothing and gear. The first principle for beating the cold is to dress in layers, he says. Avoid cotton and choose synthetics and wool. For footwear he suggests a waterproof boot and choosing socks with a thin liner and a thicker wool sock. Poles help with stability and security – just make sure the poles have a big basket on the end for deep snow. Hikers will want icers to have at the ready if there is crusty or Icey conditions, George says. Gaiters for your pant legs keep the snow away and they are also good in the spring for muddy conditions.

Some people who want more flexibility choose gloves rather than mitts, although mitts are warmer he says. Bring two pairs in case one pair gets wet. For a hat, avoid cotton and make sure you wear it, because so much body heat is lost from your head, George says. A backpack should be comfortable for you to wear and between 20-30 litre size. You’ll want outside pockets and a pack that is waterproof and durable. Some important items for your pack include, first aid kit, emergency clothing and blanket, flashlight, lighter, knife whistle phone, sun protection, maps, food and snacks, water and an itinerary that you shared with a friend.

Skis and Snowshoes

George says snowshoes are good for established trails and deep snow. Make sure you find bindings that you like – sometimes plastic bindings are harder to adjust in the colder weather, he adds.

Martina talked about the types of cross-country skis. Most use classic, which means you stay in a track. Waxing depends on the type of temperature for the day. Skis with scales mean they help grip the hills in any condition. A new trend is skis with skins, and not scales, but they require more maintenance. Martina suggests renting a pair of cross-country skis to determine what you like best.

Winter Coach Day Trips

The Toronto Club has five coach trips planned from January 11 to February 8.  Trip descriptions are available on the hike schedule. The pickups are at York Mills subway station and on highway 400. You can leave your gear on the coach and it is recommended you bring two sets of clothes. Some resorts have food and you can eat inside. You will need to bring cash for resorts that charge an entrance fee, collected by the hike leader. Registration is available two weeks before the trip.

Nordic Highlands near Collingwood is one of the places the club goes and it has great views of Georgian Bay while being sheltered from the wind. Horseshoe Valley is another stop that has snowshoeing or cross-country skiing available as well as snow-tubing. Arrowhead in the Huntsville area has an ice-skating rink in the forest, says Martina.