They may not quite meet bigfoot status, but strap-on cleats make all the difference for winter days out on the trail – and they do make an odd enough track.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance’s Winter Trails Project has been helping to profile trail opportunities throughout the region this season.
And while higher elevation trails warrant snowshoes or skiis, the lower trails are equally enjoyable with ice-cleats and poles.
A recent ‘Get Your Bigfoot On’ Shuswap snowshoe hike shifted gears a little and explored these smaller tools for winter walking – the strap-on ice cleat – or ‘little’ bigfeet, as the group joked. Light and inexpensive, strap-on cleats coupled with a pair of ski poles transform icy trails into welcome gateways to the wintery forests and hills.
The next guided Get Your Big Foot On snowshoe trek explores the Larch Hills Nordic snowshoe trails in partnership with the Unplugged and Play Literacy Week on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 1 – 4 p.m. (meet at the main Larch Hills Chalet.) All ages and experience levels welcomed. Program includes snowshoe orientation for beginners and etiquette with the Shuswap Trail Alliance JCP Winter Trails team. Bring your snowshoes and poles. For snowshoe rentals call Skookum Cycle and Ski or John’s Ski Shack.
To find out more about Shuswap Trails throughout the region, visit www.shuswaptrails.com or call 250-832-0102.
