Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 01:43 pm
Snowshoeing over 60 is an easy winter activity to keep you moving and experiencing nature. In fact, a woman named Hulda Crooks snowshoed her way up Mt. Whitney at the age of 91. In short, it’s a perfectly fun outdoor activity for anyone that can walk.
Snowshoeing is a low impact exercise. And, not only is it great to stay active, snowshoeing is a fun way to spend time with family. Seniors snowshoeing over 60 will find comfort in knowing that this sport is accessible and easy to learn.
Can a Senior Snowshoe?
Here in Ohio, we have a program called Golden Buckeye for seniors over 60 years. It’s a government program that welcomes you into a special group to receive discounts while on your fixed income.
Who knows, maybe your state offers the same; it may even have steep discounts on snowshoes at your municipal park system
I absolutely loved the fact that it is, essentially, welcoming you to join a club full of other nuts. And every time my grandma flashed her Golden Buckeye card at McDonalds for her small diet coke, she would indeed let out an insanely tiny giggle.
We’d then go for long walks in a neighborhood park to enjoy our spoils in nature among the other nuts.
She was amazing; she was very active and had tons of hobbies, which I know she took pride in and enjoyed sharing with me well after she turned 65.
And, if you’re like my grandma, you are still very adventurous in your exploits. So, yes, even with knee replacements, you’re able to enjoy winter walks in snowshoes over the age of 60.
Am I Too Old to Snowshoe?
Firstly, NO, being welcomed into this stage of life does not exclude you from any low impact sport. And, snowshoeing is very inexpensive and easy to do.
Also, did you skip past the part about Hulda Crooks?
She was 91 on her last snowshoe trip up Mt. Whitney in East-Central California. In fact, she made the trip 23 times between the ages of 61-91. Plus, her active lifestyle aided her in entering into the centenarian club, Hulda Crooks made it to the amazing age of 101.
But, we know cold weather can exacerbate aches and pains in the joints.
However, staying hydrated throughout the day, and starting with a few easy hamstring, calf, and arm stretches can help alleviate those.
Plus, continuing an active lifestyle will help your body stay mobile.
How Difficult is Snowshoeing?
As mentioned earlier, snowshoeing is very easy-to-learn. When you hear the word ‘sport’ you might be fooled into thinking that it involves lots of technical effort.
However, snowshoeing is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.
In fact, with the aid of trekking poles, proper winter gear, and just a few safety guidelines you’re well on your way.
Other than that, it’s as simple as just walking through the snow, but with less risk of falling on ice.
The Snowshoeing Basics for Seniors
While seniors may be concerned about making the trip out into the winter wilderness, fret not! Snowshoeing gear will keep you upright and stable.
However, as simple as snowshoeing is to begin, there are a few things to keep in mind for safety before heading out.
Plan a Shorter Route to Start
Firstly, if you’re new to the sport, it can be quite a surprise to learn how aerobic the effort will be. Trust us, when you first start out there are quite a few new muscles being used.
So, we strongly advise beginners to plan an easy trail at first.
To avoid pulling anything right off the bat, we choose nice flat, groomed trails at the start of every season.
We find that bridal trails are a great option for snowshoeing, as they’re flat, wide and relatively easy!
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Because you’ll be lifting your legs higher than normal, snowshoeing is a good core workout. Thus, we start short and small and turn around at about 1-2 miles on the first go.
It never helps to pull something on the first trip, so start small and head out on increasingly difficult journeys as the season progresses.
Dress in Layers
In winter we tend to bundle up for strolls in cold weather, and as we age, our bodies tend to chill easier. However, dress in layers and prepare to shed them as you travel.
We usually wear just enough layers to feel chilly in the first couple minutes, because as the hike moves along, you’ll start to feel the heat of the exercise.
Of those layers, don’t forget gloves, something to cover your ears, and waterproof, insulated boots. We’ve also compiled more recommendations in our post on What to Wear for Snowshoeing.
Bring Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets
Trust us, trekking poles will be your best friend, regardless of the season. Everyone benefits from assistance on the trail, and you’ll find lots of stability with poles. Whether you’re climbing a hill or trudging through thick snow drifts, poles will propel you forward.
Additionally, trekking poles alleviate back strain and take pressure off knees and ankles by spreading the workload.
Know the Trail and Stick to It
While snowshoeing can take you to trails unexplored, scenic views can be a difficult climb.
In short, it’s recommended that beginning snowshoers stick to trails that you know.
Even if just at first, beginning on familiar or marked trails will help you keep your bearings.
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However, don’t be afraid to travel where you’d like, just be wary of heading off trail to avoid roots, tree wells, and frozen water.
Furthermore, as a rule, do not snowshoe over any lakes or rivers and stay a good distance back from ridges and cliffs.
Snow and ice can create shelves over water or cliffsides creating extremely dangerous false ledges.
In general, take it slow and steady when walking up steep slopes. Really push your spikes toe in toward hills to travel up in a stepping motion.
Stay Hydrated
Finally, there is a misconception that since it’s winter, you won’t get thirsty. Because it’s colder out doesn’t mean we don’t dehydrate just as quickly. Especially with such an aerobic workout as snowshoeing!
Additionally, it’s just as important to keep hydrated so you don’t pull a muscle, cramp up mid-hike, or exacerbate joint pain.
We suggest carrying a water bottle in a back pack or water bottle sling for the trip. Even for shorter hikes, hydration is a must.
And, if you’re desperate for hydration, pure white snow can be consumed.
However, snow must be melted before drinking to avoid further dehydration.
Benefits of Snowshoeing for Seniors
For those over 60, snowshoeing is great way to stay active through the winter and experience new things. If the winter trails are calling, get ready to make new memories you’ll definitely feel proud of!
Aside from snowshoeing, many park systems offer other great winter activities such as group hiking, bird feeding, and wildlife spotting.
Great Exercise
First and foremost, if you’re looking for exercise, snowshoeing is an amazing aerobic activity.
Snowshoeing strengthens your core, builds muscle, and provides plenty of cardio.
We’ve found that after even 1-2 hours out on the trails, snowshoeing gives us enough energy for the remainder of the day.
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As we age, it’s important that we continue to strengthen our core and keep moving. Just be sure to do a few light stretches before heading out.
Staying Active
Let’s face it, winter gives us an easy excuse to stay indoors. Oftentimes, we find ourselves cozied up with a good book or movie, and it’s justified because it’s just easier. However, the winter is the best time to break from that habit.
From our experience the winter trails are about 90% less busy than the same trails in summer or autumn.
So, while other people are staying in, you can enjoy the peaceful serenity of winter’s beauty all to yourself.
This why snowshoeing is such a great option. It can help you continue your usual outdoor activity, and keep you healthy and active year round!
Experience Breathtaking Views
If you can imagine the world at it’s most natural, you can imagine how peaceful it would be. And, trekking through fresh powder in snowshoes is the best way to safely experience it for yourself!
Nature trails in the winter are just breathtaking. The wildlife is quiet, people aren’t crowding at trail heads, and life seems to stand still.
Once you set out on your favorite trail in the winter, you’ll see what we mean. It’s extremely rewarding to absorb this beauty.
Sense of Accomplishment
Finally, snowshoes can be the vehicle for an exhilarating adventure awaiting discovery.
While most people feel inclined to stay indoors, you on your glorious snowshoes, are heading out to grasp the bull by its horns.
Trust me, after your first trek I guarantee you’ll be going back for more. The sense of joy and accomplishment is incomparable!
Get Up and Get Moving
Although some people take winter as an opportunity to veg out, it’s a perfect time to get outdoors! And, snowshoeing isn’t just for the youth.
Snowshoeing is definitely one of the best and easiest outdoor activities, and we highly recommend everyone give it a go!
For those of us over the age of 60, snowshoeing not only keeps us active, it also helps us experience nature’s beauty! So whether you’re 6 or over 60, get out there and go live life to the fullest, there are so many memories to make, give snowshoeing a go!
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