Jan 9, 2006

WalkIcon: Jael Young ::: SnowWalker


WalkIcons(tm) is the Walktopia interview series that explores the walk universe...people, places and activities of a new walk culture. Our goal is to connect dispersed elements of this dynamic, global walking community through talking and sharing. Here are excerpts from Q&A with Jael Young, Director of ASI Peak Adventures.

Jael’s first name (pronounced like Gail but with a J instead of the G) fascinated us so much that we had to ask about its origins. She said it wasn’t her parents original intent but it turns out her name is biblical. There is a Jael in the Book of Judges—a woman who was a kind of hero. The fact that the translation is, “mountainclimber” is a fortuitous one that turned out to be perfect.

Q: Is snowshoeing just another form of walking?
A: Snowshoeing is just like walking! The idea of going outside in the winter environment can be an intimidation factor but you can overcome that by remembering it’s just a day hike you take with snowshoes on your feet.

Q:What are some of the elements that make snowshoeing a unique form of walking?
A: The temperature and the terrain.

Q: Where can I find out more about locations for snowshoeing?
A: I would go to my local outdoor store to find information about the best trails. They’re the ones who specialize in books about the surrounding area. I know for certain I could go to REI and find information about the snowshoe trails in my area.

Q: If you’re showshoeing solo, how do you find your way?
A: On a hike, you follow a trail. On a hike in the snow, you look for markings on trees and follow what’s usually a well-traveled path. Also, there are some wonderful books about trails that you might want to read.

Q: What are the origins of snowshoeing?
A: Originally it was a mode of transportation. The sport has been going on for centuries. Now, snowshoeing is a popular form of recreation and exercise. At Peak Adventures we’ve noticed extreme interest in the last 2 years. Snowshoeing has really come into its own and has gotten more promotion in the last five years. The idea is, if you don’t downhill or cross-country ski, how else can you get people out to enjoy the winter environment?

Motivation to promote snowshoeing has come from several entities including book publishers, local entrepreneurs starting their own snowshoeing companies, and through the National Forest. Recently, the Forest Service has provided more information about snow park passes, snowplay and hike locations.

Q: When is snowshoe season?
A: As soon as snow is deep enough. Depending on where you live, December is the onset and you can snowshoe until there’s no more snow…usually through March.

Q: Who goes snowshoeing?
A: Snowshoeing is a friendly activity in a playful environment. They make snowshoes for kids and, in fact, snowshoeing brings out the kid in all of us. It's a lifelong sport--I see all ages of people snowshoeing. In fact, that’s one of the draws and a big reason for snowshoeing’s increased popularity. You don’t need any technical knowledge and you don’t have to walk for miles and miles and miles to have fun.

There aren’t as many people out there snowshoeing (vs.hiking in summer) so it’s easy to avoid crowds and have a pristine experience in the snow. You can go right off the freeway and find a short hill designed for kids to go sledding or go just a bit farther off the beaten path, find and enjoy snowshoe trails. Whether you look for animal tracks (rabbit tracks are often readily visible), build a snowman, or just hike, you'll find a unique environment where you PLAY with the element you’re IN--and that’s neat.

Q: What kind of gear is required?
A: Layers. Get synthetic and wool but avoid cotton. There’s a plethora of snowshoe brands from basic and entry level to hi-tech mountaineering. Entry level is fine.

Jael Young: I’d like to add an important safety note here. Going into the snow environment, you need to know what about avalanche danger. If you’re sticking to the popular trails, it doesn’t take much to learn basic facts about how to avoid avalanche terrain and avalanche conditions. The rules of thumb are easy. It’s like anything you do in the outdoors-the more safety info you have, the better off you are.

Q: How can we get avalanche-saavy?
A: You can take an avalanche workshop, find an online resource that has the information, or buy a small booklet on avalanche safety. Generally, if it’s snowed a foot in 24 hours or less, that’s NOT a good time to go into the backcountry unless you’re expert at assessing terrain. If you’re snowshoeing for recreation, you won’t go out in the middle of heavy snow or a blizzard therefore most of us avoid avalanche conditions.

Q: How much does it cost to begin snowshoeing?
A: As with any activity where you must have proper layering, you make an investment in clothing. Your snowshoes are an investment, too. Clothing you wear for snowshoeing can be worn throughout the seasons and the snowshoes are versatile in terms of usage and durability. Snowshoes will last years and years. Also, snowshoes are interchangeable—friends and family members can borrow them. The strapping adjusts to fit.

Q: Who’s the most famous figure in snowshoeing right now?
A: The Tubbs brand of snowshoe was one of the originals. They created a promotional video that became very popular and the company is considered an icon in snowshoeing. In the Olympics, snowshoeing is combined with archery or precision shooting. There are also snowshoe races held.

Q: Does Peak Adventures offer snowshoeing trips?
A: Go to the Peak Adventures website to see our Snowshoe Day Hikes and to register. It’s generally a full-day experience by the time you meet, load equipment, drive to snow, get situated, go out on the trail for a couple of hours, enjoy lunch, hike back, get back in the van and travel back down the hill.

We offer a starlight snowshoeing trip where you can enjoy the winter environment in the dark. It’s beautiful because the snow reflects the starlight so much that you don’t need any headlamps. The tradeoff is that it’s a bit colder at night but you stay warm enough by moving.

Q: Tell us something about Peak Adventures snowshoeing trips vs. other ways of participating in the sport.
A: Because Peak Adventures is a non-profit and we’re based on a college campus yet open to the general public, many people don’t realize what a great bargain they get with our trips. Price comparisons show what a bargain we offer. (Note: Peak Adventures also provides gift certificates, corporate teambuilding services and a full service bike shop.) Of course, our rental line includes snowshoes. Even if you aren’t going on a Peak Adventures excursion, you can still come in and rent your equipment.

Q: What are other tricks of the trade for staying warm while snowshoeing?
A: Some of the hottest situations I’ve been in are during outdoor winter activities. For example, if you’re snowshoeing on a sunny day you’d better use sunscreen, sunglasses and layers because the snow reflects so much. You can get down to your base layer (e.g., thermal underwear) on top! Sometimes it gets very warm but that’s my preference. Nobody likes to be cold. That’s why it’s important to have the right gear--so you can enjoy all of the beauty!

Q: Anything else beginners should know?
A: One thing beginners need to know is that snowshoeing is easier if you go ahead and rent poles, too. You may find yourself a little off balance and you may sink down a bit. When you’re not used to having something so wide on your feet, it’s definitely better to have the hiking poles to help give you a little extra momentum and bracing—just like walking with a walking stick.

Q: When you’re snowshoeing, what keeps you from sinking in the snow?
A: Snowshoes create a flat surface area that distributes your weight and gives you flotation. It’s similar to what happens with snow skis or water skis.

Q: Now that you've provided a snow walk intro, we’ve got a few quick questions about pop culture to help us learn some “Jael Trivia”. Are you up for that?
A: Go ahead!

Q: How did you get involved with Peak Adventures?
A: I’ve been part of Peak Adventures since I was a student at CSUS over 15 years ago.

Q: Most liked form of exercise?
A: Walking is in my top 3 but yoga is my favorite form of exercise. I like yoga for the relaxation. Massage, the passive form of relaxing, is my #2. Walking is in the third spot.

Q: Favorite TV show?
A: The Apprentice.

Q: Book currently on your nightstand?
A: There are four books about Native American storytelling on my night table. One is about storytelling itself (In my secret life, I’m a storyteller and would like to become a better storyteller). Another one is a book about a woman’s personal account of her spiritual journey.

Q: What’s stocked in your fridge right now?
A: Organic food.

Q: Describe the best picture in the photo file in your cell phone.
A: If my cell phone had a camera, it would a picture of my baby.

Q: Top walk experience?
A: When I did the John Muir hike of 250 miles. It’s a favorite because I was out there for an extended timeframe—18 days. I did that five years ago and it’s my most memorable walk.

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