Snow Shoe Links:
Wiki Snow Shoeing
First Timers Information
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Snow Shoeing in Mammoth
Lakes and Southern Mono County
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Snow
Shoeing in Mammoth Lakes is one fun sport. From
a family event, to a full on workout or working
in your yard. Snow shoes are a fun and
useful tool to learn how to use.
Snowshoes have been around for many centuries.
The older types were made of wood and
rope, they where heavy and really only used for
travel and survival.
Today's Snow Shoes have evolved big time over
the last 30 years. When you rent or buy a pair
of snow shoes today you're getting a light
weight highly effective version of what has
been used for centuries.
Here in Mammoth Lakes snow shoes serve many
purposes. Everything from the sport of
trail hiking to use around the house. Just about
every utility company carries snow shoes as
well. |
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The Snow Shoes keep
you on top of the snow rather than having to body plow
through it. When our winters bring monster storms and
turn Mammoth Lakes into a winter wonderland, just getting
around your home can be impossible. Snow shoes allow
you to get enough float and surface area so traveling
and working in deep snow is possible.
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There are a number
of reasons to enjoy the benefits of snowshoeing:
* A fun, inexpensive and active way to visit
the outdoors
* Simple to learn and easy to access places
covered with snow
* Great cardiovascular exercise for adults and
for kids
* An entertaining social group activity
Here are some local areas you can go and check
out:
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Mammoth Lakes
Visitors Center - Shady Rest
Use this parking area as a launching point to
miles of trails and off track areas to explore
on shoe shoes. Before you venture out stop in
the visitors center for maps and current conditions
in the shady rest area.
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The Mammoth
Meadow
Once the meadow is sealed in with snow it's
time to explore this area on snow shoes. The
views from the meadow are some of the best in
the town of mammoth lakes. The meadow trail
is about 1 1/2 miles if you do a loop of the
meadow. Watch out for the creek as a deep snowpack
can hide the water just underneath.
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Sierra Meadows
Area
This is a mixed use area so be ready for snowmobile,
and cross country skiers. The sierra ranch road
serves as your main gateway to fun in this area.
The town plows out a parking area and your must
obey the signs and rules they have posted or
risk getting a big ticket. Once you've
parked and have gotten your Snowshoes secured,
you can access all of the Sherwin range from
this starting point
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Mammoth Mountain
to the Minarets View Point
Park at the ski area and then walk with your
gear up to the mammoth mountain inn. From the
inn parking area you can snow shoe right up
a snow covered hwy 203. The first section you
will be sharing with downhill skiers, the rest
of trail its shared use with snowmobiles and
cross country skiers. This is a nice long snow
shoe track that leads
you to the sierra crest and some very impressive
views. Round trip it's a moderate trip at about
5 miles.
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Mammoth Lakes
Basin
During the winter they plow the road up
to tamarack lodge and then gate off the rest
for winter use. This is a great place to go
if your looking for a quite time. No Snowmobiles
are allowed in the lakes basin until the third
week of April so it's peaceful and nice in this
area. Tamarack Cross Country area takes up all
of the paved road areas in the Lakes Basin.
Snow Shoeing in this region is allowed,
but you have to stay off the groomed cross country
ski trails. Stay to the side and all is well.
Once in the lakes basin there is a lot of room
to roam with out interfering with the cross
country skiers.
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Mammoth Creek
Park Trail
Park at the Mammoth Creek Park off of Old Mammoth
Road just past The Stove restaurant . The trail
starts just across the road from the parking
area.
The adventure follows Mammoth Creek for about
1/4 mile before it breaks away and follows a
very scenic route all the way down to the Mammoth
Lakes Skate Park. This route can take
on a lot of wind and sun exposure so conditions
are going to vary. Round trip is around 3 miles.
The trail is mostly downhill to the skate park
and uphill back to the car. Bring a camera for
this snow shoe adventure, as the views over
the open land are awesome.
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During a storm
cycle it's always fun to put your snow shoes
on at home or the condo and take a stroll around
the area. Snow shoes add a new dimension
to storm fun. They let you glide thru
the freshly fallen snow, almost like skies or
a snowboard.
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Safety from Snowshoe Magazine:
Snowshoeing
is an extremely safe sport. It is also one of
the only winter-specific sports that do not
depend upon sliding or speed. The manageable
and maneuverable nature of modern aluminum-framed
snowshoes and the soft forgiving nature of snow
combine to make the risk of injury while snowshoeing
very low. Snowshoeing involves a natural motion
similar to walking, to which the body is accustomed,
and is very low impact due to the cushioning
of snow. Any wintertime outdoor activity has
its risks and snowshoeing is no exception. Take
care to avoid the following hazards:
* First it's a good idea to always bring Food
and Water with You! Just do it....
* Thin ice: Do not walk over frozen water unless
you are sure of its safety. Even after a long
freeze, a body of water may have thin spots.
Be careful!
* Hidden obstacles: Beware of barbed wire fences,
holes, or uneven terrain under the snow. Tread
lightly!
* Getting lost: You can usually follow your
tracks out but beware of storms and wind that
can cover them up. Always let someone know where
you are & when you expect to return.
* Wildlife: Please keep your distance and respect
their environment. The critters out there in
winter have a rough time as it is!
** Frost bite: Protect all exposed appendages,
especially as the temperature drops or the wind
increases. Insulated gloves or mittens and thick
hiking socks will keep those digits toasty,
and a mask or balaclava can keep your nose from
growing icicles.
* Hypothermia: Staying warm means keeping your
body dry inside of your clothes and out. Dress
properly for your time outside. Wearing a damp,
sweaty, cotton t-shirt outside in the winter
time can be just as chilly as falling in open
water. Know your limits, stay hydrated, and
bring extra layers on long outings in isolated
areas.
* Altitude sickness: Higher elevations may have
better snow, but bring the risk of altitude
sickness. Stay within your limits, keep well
hydrated, and ascend gradually.
* Avalanches: Familiarize yourself with the
terrain and potential dangers before you depart.
If you travel in areas where avalanches are
a possibility, it is strongly recommended that
you seek proper safety and rescue instruction
and carry the appropriate equipment. |
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