Snowshoeing a great way to get active this winter

WASILLA — We are officially “over the hump!”

I realize that they may just be a few additional seconds of sunlight each day, but I sure am excited to see our days grow longer. After our past few winters with more ice than snow, I am encouraged to see moonlight reflecting off of the white landscape. Snow lessens my temptation to follow the bear’s example and hibernate during these cold winter months, which is a good thing since we know how important it is to keep physically active all year long.

Regular physical activity is important for the health of our bodies (lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of heart attack and stroke, lowers risk of diabetes, etc.), as well as for the health of our brain (reduces depression, assists our ability to focus and improves memory). In children, research has consistently demonstrated a connection between fitness and activity level to academic performance. In older adults, recent studies suggest a link between regular exercise and a lower risk of senility. These benefits are good for us all, at every age and stage of life.

In Alaska, we are fortunate to live in nature’s playground. During our long days of summer, we get outside to hike, run and bike the many trails around the Mat-Su Valley. We paddle, swim and fish into the night on our numerous lakes and rivers. Sometimes we forget that these same resources also create a winter playground that the whole family can enjoy.

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to experience nature in wintertime. Today’s lightweight snowshoes are simple to use, making snowshoeing easy to master and opening up a winter world that may otherwise go unexplored. After a bit of practice tramping along packed pathways and breaking trail through deeper snow, it becomes quite comfortable to travel on snowshoes. Searching for animal tracks, identifying different types of trees, breathing in the cool wintry air, listening to the songs of winter birds – these are the unique experiences of snowshoeing that make it such a great choice as a winter physical activity. (As an added bonus, snowshoeing uses a significantly higher number of calories than walking, helping those of us who are committed to honoring the annual New Year’s resolution to lose those pesky extra pounds.)

Cross-country skis offer another great option to get out and explore nature’s winter beauty. The ever-expanding Government Peak area at Hatcher Pass offers a variety of groomed trails for skiing, as well as trails to snowshoe or hike with your favorite pet – but remember: don’t walk, or allow Fido to run, on a groomed ski trail. Volunteers spend many hours keeping ski trails safe and clear for skiers, and holes punched into the trail by feet (human or dog) can create hazardous obstacles and frustration.

Frozen lakes present another venue for outdoor adventure. With a pair of ice skates (and perhaps a bike helmet, and elbow/knee pads for beginners), many an afternoon can be spent practicing your turns and spins or passing a puck between hockey sticks. Skating is great exercise, developing muscle strength and balance as it gets us outside in winter’s limited sunshine for our daily dose of vitamin D.

Winter is a large part of life for us as Alaskans. Finding fun and active ways to get outside and enjoy it is crucial. Whether snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, fat-tire cycling, ice-skating, ice hockey, skijoring, or another pursuit, enjoying active winter fun makes life better.

Yes, winter sports equipment can be expensive, and you can spend a ton purchasing top-of-the-line gear. However, a lot of great equipment can be found at summer garage sales, thrift stores, and wherever used sporting goods are sold. The best part is that once you’ve got access to the gear, it doesn’t cost another penny to get outside and play in your own backyard.

So, get outside and have some fun!

Nancy Blake teaches physical education at Goose Bay Elementary School.