By Mark Elmore
You run. Or, you train for triathlons or cycling. Regardless of your primary sport, I have an alternative that is sure to spice up your winter: snowshoe racing. You heard right. In North Carolina, you ask? Absolutely. North Carolina boasts a number of fine ski resorts in the western part of the state that offer great snow.
Historians believe the snowshoe was invented in Central Asia approximately 6,000-8,000 years ago and assisted our ancestors in traveling to North America across the Bering Sea land bridge. Snowshoe racing has been popular in regions of the United States for nearly 150 years. With the advent of the running boom of the late ’70s and early ’80s and the reinvention of the “modern” aluminum snowshoe, it wasn’t long before snowshoe racing experienced a rebirth. The latest research tells us millions of Americans are taking to the trails on snowshoes each winter. Why try snowshoeing? The answer is simple: If you can walk, you can snowshoe. If you can run, you can snowshoe race. There is no learning curve.
So what is stopping you? Most resorts rent out snowshoes. You don’t need to purchase your own. Even most snowshoe races provide free loaners that you can use for the event. These are not your granddad’s old wooden snowshoes that require the user to waddle around like a duck. Those days are long gone. Today’s lightweight aluminum models are like a new Porsche compared to an old Model T Ford. You do not need to alter your normal stride at all to snowshoe. The thrill of running trails at top speed is suddenly a year-round treat. You’ll improve your aerobic capacity and quickly develop core strength and power. There’s no pounding to absorb, you can get off the roads and enjoy beautiful scenery, it’s fun, it’s inexpensive, you burn lots of calories, it doesn’t require any special equipment other than the snowshoes, and you can do it anywhere there’s snow.
Make this winter the season that you give snowshoeing a try. Who knows – maybe one day you’ll represent North Carolina at the annual United States National Snowshoe Championships (www.snowshoeracing.com) or at some large international snowshoe race like the La Ciaspolada (www.ciaspolada.it) in Italy or the World Snowshoe Championships (www.raquettequebec.com). Or, maybe you’ll enjoy a Sunday afternoon among the snow-covered beeches and pines of your favorite park or trail.
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
State Championship Snowshoe Race Set for Beech Mountain
Not many people think of snow when they think of the Southeast. But high atop Beech Mountain, N.C., the winters are white and the locals enjoy winter sports to the fullest. Favorite pastimes include skiing, sledding and ice skating at the local Beech Mountain Resort. This winter, beautiful Beech Mountain will play host to the first USSSA North Carolina State Championship Snowshoe Race. Endurance athletes of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this unique winter event, to be held in conjunction with Beech Mountain Resort’s Winterfest weekend. This event will include a recreational and competitive 5k run, a kids snowshoe scramble and a competitive 10k state championship race. The 10k will serve as an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the 2012 U.S. National Snowshoe Championships in Frisco, Colo., on Feb. 24-26. Previous experience is not necessary to participate and free snowshoe loaners will be available. The race will start and finish on the highest peak of the mile-high town and is sure to provide a unique experience with gorgeous views, challenging elevation changes and fun for all participants and spectators.
The Who, What, When, Where …
The Inaugural North Carolina State Snowshoe Championships
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012
Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain, N.C.
Schedule
- 1 p.m. – Recreational and competitive 5k snowshoe run/walk
- 2 p.m. – Competitive 10k state snowshoe championship race
Presenting Sponsors
Town of Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department
Lees McRae College Cross-Country Program
Loaner snowshoes will be provided at no charge.
The inaugural North Carolina State Snowshoe Championships is part of the Beech Mountain Resort’s Annual Winterfest celebration. Check out all of the other activities at www.skibeech.com.
For more information regarding the USSSA please contact Mark Elmore, USSSA sports director, at 518-420-6961, or via email at usssasnowshoeguy@gmail.com. You can also contact Brie Powell, program coordinator for the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department, at 828-387-3003, or via email at bpowell@townofbeechmountain.com for information regarding the weekend’s events.
