Walking on frozen water
A beginner’s snowshoe experience
BY TRACY KAY
VRIC
MY VERY FIRST snowshoe trip was to only a bit further to your car and your trip Although there are terrain-specific
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Hogarth Lakes, and that’s all it took to get home, filled with some new memories, great snowshoes, as a beginner, you only
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me hooked. photos and a sense of accomplishment. need the recreational snowshoes for
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Hogarth Lakes are located in peter Just like everyone who tries something trails and flat terrain. poles are optional
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Lougheed provincial park, about 150 new, I had a bunch of questions and a bit and are not required for flat terrain.
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kilometres from Calgary. The trail is a 4.5 of apprehension before I made my first There are a few places to rent from
–kilometre loop that can be done in either snowshoe trip. But with a little guidance it such as Mountain Equipment Co-op
direction in two to three hours from the was easy to find what to wear, what to bring (www.mec.ca), U of C Outdoor Centre
Burstall pass trail head. please remember and how to rent snowshoes. (www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca/rentals),
not to hike on the groomed cross-country It is recommended to dress in synthetic or from your local sports rental centre. Be
ski trails; move off to the side, about one or wool materials and in light layers. You do sure to call ahead to check availability.
metre away. work up a bit of a sweat, so wear easy-to- To get to Hogarth Lakes, take Highway 1
If you hike the trail counter-clockwise you remove clothes, like tops with a zipper. A west, out of town. Go south on Highway 40
will encounter a beautiful tree-lined trail waterproof jacket made of GORE-TEX will for approximately 56 kilometres. Turn right
that takes you northwest of Hogarth Lakes. block the wind and wetness if it snows. onto the Kananaskis Lakes Trail just before
Look for the fluorescent orange diamond Don’t forget your toque, gloves, scarf and the winter gate. Turn north (right) onto the
snowshoe signs that mark the trail. sunglasses for maximum comfort. Smith Dorrien and park at the Burstall pass
After rounding the corner you head south Hiking boots or winter boots – preferably trail head which is 30 kilometres ahead on
to a view of Commonwealth peak. Go down waterproofed — will fit most snowshoes, the left-hand side.
the hill and you are walking on the frozen but ensure you take your boots to the It’s a good idea to contact the park’s
lakes. Be sure to look for the snowshoe signs rental location for fitting. A pair of gaiters visitor’s centre (tpr.alberta.ca/parks/
on the other side of the lake to direct you will help keep the snow out of your boots if kananaskis/flashindex.asp) both before
back to the trail head. there is fresh snow on the trail. Take a small you travel and again in person to check the
Just after the second lake, a view of Mount backpack and fill it with water, snacks, a trail conditions.
Chester appears right in front of you for an camera and a hot beverage for an enjoyable
excellent photo opportunity. From there it’s break on the trail.
10 CALGARY >> WINTER 2008/2009
www.CalgaryOutdoors.ca
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