Joel Gratz of Open Snow says the snow is coming and that means it’s time to hit the trails! Back for their third season, the snowshoe guides at Walking Mountains Science Center are ready to awaken a sense of wonder in our gorgeous winter environment. Snowshoe hikes are open to the public and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, now through the end of March. Snowshoes, poles, and transportation from Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon are included with registrations so there is truly nothing holding you back from a grand snowshoe adventure!
“This winter, we are looking forward to again taking visitors and locals to our awesome snowshoe trails throughout the White River National Forest,” said Community Outreach Coordinator Peter Suneson. “We’ll be focusing again on all the educational and recreational opportunities our public lands provide and hopefully all our snowshoers will leave with a renewed sense of stewardship.”
While exploring the great outdoors does require some motivation and commitment, the guides at Walking Mountains take their time in introducing locals and visitors alike to the Colorado wilderness. These hikes are designed with a wide variety of interests and abilities for participants ages 14 and up, so make it a family affair! Hikers should be prepared to spend 3-4 hours exploring trails, observing the changing snow conditions, or tracking winter wildlife. Whatever winter snowshoe experience you are looking for, the guides from Walking Mountains will be sure to please.
“Snowshoeing with our experienced and knowledgeable guides is best way to experience and learn all about what our local environment has to offer,” says Suneson.
The weekly snowshoe excursions will follow a rotating schedule of trails depending on where conditions are best. However, guides at Walking Mountains will do their best to accommodate requests for specific trails.
Walking Mountains Science Center and merino wool outfitter Icebreaker have also partnered this season to bring a special series of free snowshoe tours to the valley. Test demo layers, challenge yourself with a gentle snowshoe run led by Josiah Middaugh, and discover the local trails by night. Learn more and register at www.walkingmountains.org/snowshoe.
Walking Mountains guides also love special events! Whether you have a family reunion this winter or a bachelorette party, a private snowshoe excursion is the perfect way to welcome visitors to Colorado or experience the trails on your own terms. Contact Peter Suneson, Walking Mountains Community Outreach Coordinator at peters@walkingmountains.org to plan your private snowshoe outing today!
Hikes are led by instructors trained as Certified Interpretive Guides, Wilderness First Responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Join them on the trail and in the snow to make friends, get off the beaten path, and experience the wonderful winter environment in ways you will never forget. Click here to view the full schedule and to register for your snowshoe adventure today!
