outdoorADVENTURES - Be a trailblazer

Be a trailblazer—on snowshoes

FEBRUARY 2007 — VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

Like any ski resort, Sun Peaks attracts all types of visitors throughout the winter months. While most come to ski or board, there are also many who want to try their hand at other winter sports.

One activity that gets both skiing and non-skiing visitors out into the winter wonderland is snowshoeing. Snowshoeing dates back thousands of years to North American and Asiatic nomads who used snowshoes to travel over vast expanses of frozen territory. Also used by early trappers and explorers, the classic symbols of Canada’s rugged wilderness were a must-have item for pioneers of the Canadian North.

Now the fastest growing winter sport, snowshoeing is becoming a mainstream recreational activity for people from all walks of life. The sport is as simple as it gets—if you can walk, you can snowshoe. And it’s great exercise. Snowshoeing is a great cardiovascular workout and can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour.

There are several options at Sun Peaks for trying this time-honoured winter transport. One is to rent a pair of snowshoes, grab a trail map and head out. You can also book a tour with Sun Peaks Snowshoe Adventures and experience the sport with expert assistance. Owner Colin Cannon acts as good-humoured guide, naturalist and instructor on the various tours offered—a “not-to-be-missed” experience. Whether you choose a moonlight tour, a daytime jaunt to Cannon’s bird feeding station or a moonlit evening snowshoe followed by a gourmet fondue, there’s a tour for everyone.

Sue Avery, a recent visitor to the resort, was thrilled by the sport.

“Snowshoeing at Sun Peaks was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The fresh powder enhanced the winter scenery and increased the workout. I would highly recommend it,” Avery said after a two-hour jaunt along some of the many trails that zig-zag the valley floor.

The trail system at Sun Peaks is designed for all abilities. It’s clearly marked and mapped, making it a perfect outing on your own or with the whole family. Mary Tanner, a mother of four from Kamloops, took her kids on a marshmallow roast snowshoe tour with Sun Peaks Outdoor Adventures over the holidays.

“We had a ball snowshoeing through the woods,” enthused Tanner. “It was very beautiful.”

She also adds that the guide was very skilful.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful with the children. He also was a bit of a comedian and made the tour very enjoyable for everyone,” Tanner notes.

Whether your objective is getting fit or simply experiencing another great winter activity, snowshoeing might be just what you’re looking for.

For more information about snowshoe rentals or tours with Sun Peaks Snowshoe Adventures call 250-578-5542.

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