3 minute read

Snowshoeing - Try it. You’ll like it

from Destination Deadwood Winter 2021-2022

by Black Hills Pioneer

from Destination Deadwood Winter 2021-2022, page 6

Article from: Destination Deadwood Winter 2021-2022

Diversifying Deadwood

hat if someone told you that you could take up a brand new sport that you’ll likely fall in love with, risk free with no initial monetary investment, and with no special skills required?

Whether you’re a first-time snowshoer or a seasoned veteran, the Black Hills delivers when it comes to this fast-growing snow sport segment. The best part is, there’s really no reason to say no because in these parts, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks takes care of snowshoers, providing free snowshoes to borrow for the asking. Now the question becomes, why not?

“If you’ve never done it before, snowshoeing is just like walking. If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” said Dana Garry-Reiprich, Mickelson Trail manager, for the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. “The joy of snowshoeing is that you can snowshoe wherever there is snow. You can be in your back yard. You can be in the forest.”

And, of course, you can take to the Mickelson Trail, a highly sought-after destination for those in the snow.

“In my opinion, snow shoeing is very popular,” Garry-Reiprich said. “We’ve got 100 pairs of snow shoes to lend out and 60 to 80 pairs are out on any given weekend.”

Garry-Reiprich hosts snowshoe walks for those who would like to snowshoe in the company of others. Tentative dates for 2022 are Jan. 1, Jan. 15, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, and Feb. 26.

“Typically, they’re held at 1 p.m. And

Snowshoeing between 40 and 60 people attend,” Garry-Reiprich said. “The sites are to be determined. Depending on where the best snow is, that’s where we hold the walk.” Try it. You'll like it. Check Facebook for last-minute changes or any other information. W Garry-Reiprich begins the walks by making sure everyone has the right fit, with comfort an important part of making any snowshoe adventure enjoyable. “Snowshoe fit begins by weight,” she said. “Then we put the straps over the shoes you’re wearing. I can fit children as young as two to three and folks as old as 100 years. A good choice for footwear is an insulated, waterproof boot. Tennis shoes are bad for the simple fact that you’ll have wet, cold feet by the time you return because they’re not insulated and they’re not waterproof.” For a proper fit, place the ball of your foot over the two screws in front of the snowshoes, right over your grips. Garry-Reiprich said that the best snow depth for snowshoeing is between 12 and 18 inches. For a list of area trails or more information on borrowing snowshoes from GF&P or to make reservations for a Snowshoe Walk, call (605) 584-3896.