Snowshoeing
Exploring Red Lodge, Montana on Snowshoes
If you find yourself in Red Lodge in the winter with a small budget and a huge passion for exploring the outdoors, snowshoeing is the sport for you. Snowshoeing is easy enough for any novice and is fun the whole family. Located in the Beartooth Mountains, virtually everywhere you look is snowshoeing terrain. more info
Snowshoeing Listings: (add your listing)
Pine Edge Cabins - Snowshoeing Headquarters
Warm cabin accommodations in Silver Gate, just 2 minutes from NE entrance to Yellowstone. Silver Gate is the undiscovered jewel for snowshoeing, X-C skiers & wildlife viewing.
(406) 223-3666
What are snowshoes?
Snowshoes are designed to distribute body weight over a surface area larger than your foot so that you will not sink into the deep snow with each step. Modern snowshoes are strapped on normal hiking boots. Native Americans are thought to have invented snowshoes in order to travel long distances and hunt during the winter. The first snowshoes were made out of wood, skins, and leathers. Today they are made out of lightweight metals, nylon, and plastic.
Where do I purchase or rent snowshoes?
Snowshoes are available for sale and for rent at many outdoor gear shops in Red Lodge. Snowshoes cost about $100-$300 to purchase, and about $10 a day to rent. If renting, you won't want to forget to ask for poles. Also, if your shoes are not waterproof, some rental shops rent over-boots that slip on over your hiking boots to keep your feet dry. Snowshoes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are designed for tall people, short people, runners, and people with heavy packs and long hauls. Ask your salesperson which ones are best for you.
What do I wear?
Snowshoeing is an aerobic activity; you will heat up as you go. It is best to wear several of layers of clothes: a base layer (long underwear), an insulating layer (fleece jacket, fleece pants, etc.), and an outer layer (wind and waterproof shells). Do not wear cotton; it traps moisture and will keep you cold when wet. Instead, opt for wool or synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away from the body. Layering is essential because it allows you greater control over your body temperature. Gloves, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
What else do I bring?
As with any backcountry winter sport, you want to bring plenty of food and water, extra clothes, a backpack, a compass, maps, matches, and a first aid kit. Poles also make hiking in the snow easier.
Where do I go?
Basically, you can snowshoe anywhere you can hike or bike in the summer. Your favorite summer hiking trail makes an excellent snowshoe trail. Snowshoers are able to go more places that snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. For instance, snowmobiles are not allowed in Wilderness areas and cross-country skiers cannot go up steep terrain. You could try following ski or snowmobile tracks, just make sure you know where you are going so as not to get lost. When you come across a snowmobiler or cross-country skier, keep to the right of the trail to avoid collisions. Red Lodge Nordic Center offers excellent snowshoeing, but be considerate of the skiers and do not walk all over their tracks. For safety purposes, tell friends and family where you are going and when you will be back. Also, try to mark your trail incase a storm comes in and covers up your tracks.
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