Little is known of the true history of snowshoeing but it is clear it has been used for thousands of years to help make snow travel easier for our ancestors. In modern day snowshoeing has become a popular winter activity for many all over the world and modern innovation has improved the design. Using snowshoes allows people to help distribute their weight to prevent sinking in the snow and making hiking in the winter more accessible.
To those new to the sport its proper etiquette not to walk on snowshoe trails without snowshoes and not to snowshoe on ski trails! It is your responsibility to yield to fast skiers and step out of the track for a break to allow others to pass on trail. Also a friendly reminder to stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife! Don’t forget to wear insulated shoes to keep your feet warm and to wear layers to stay properly regulated on your adventures. No problem if you dont have snowpants there are gators available to help keep snow out of your shoes and off your pants! It is also very common to see people using trekking poles while snowshoeing to help keep balance on uneven terrain and help you navigate obstacles.
Snowshoeing is an amazing way to explore Grand Teton National Park in the winter! It allows visitors who may not be familiar with snowshoeing a way to enjoy the views and wildlife in the parks and surrounding areas. Easy trails in Grand Teton National Park include Taggart Lake Loop (about 3 mile loop) or you can make it longer by combining it with Bradley Lake (making it about 5.5 mile loop) via Taggart Trailhead. Some more moderate trails include; Phelps Lake via South Granite Canyon Trailhead (4.6 miles in and out), Jenny Lake from Taggart Trailhead (9 miles in and out) this trail is on the closed park road or head up north in the park to Colter Bay and hike Hermitage Point Trail (about 10 miles).
If you are interested in wanting to go snowshoeing while on your trip in Jackson Hole we have snowshoes available for rent. We also have snowshoe packages that include gators and trekking poles to make you more comfortable while out on your adventure. We are open seven days a week during our winter season from 9am to 6pm. Come stop in and feel free to call (307) 828-1885 with any questions.
