“If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” goes the old saw. More and more believers are discovering the truth in that statement, apparently, as sales continue to climb.

“The early winter was great for sales of snowshoe products and sales were really solid through the holidays,” Trevor Hintz, Redfeather Snowshoe’s sales manager told SnoCountry.com during the recent Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show in Denver.

SIA’s own statistics show snowshoe sales jumping up 21 percent in units and 20 percent in dollars. Sales at specialty shops rose to $7.1 million.

One reason for the jump, notes Hintz, and others SnoCountry talked with at the Snow Show, is people are discovering how easy the sport is to learn and enjoy added to the pure fitness benefits. Besides that, you don’t need to buy a lot of gear to go with it – you probably already have it in your closet. Removable layers, hiking boots or anything waterproof, warm socks, and you are ready for a hike.

Hintz touts Redfeather’s Hike for recreational snowshoers. The crampons use a proprietary Sure Grip system made of stainless steel in the front and rear for stability. They are powder-coated  to shed snow and ice. The “western” (rounded) tail provides maximum flotation and the decking is TX 35 Rip Stop that is puncture-resistant and stays soft in sub-zero temperatures. Rugged, secure bindings keep your foot in place. Finally, a live-action hiunge lifts the tail of the shoe from the snow with every step.

The Hike 22 is only 20 inches long and the suggested retail price point is $129.95. That works for a guy up to 150 pounds, and models go up to handling men over 220 pounds. There are women’s models in the Hike line that can serve weights up to 175 pounds.

lines include lightweight products for recreation, technical snowshoers, racers (getting very popular), backcountry, and kids. The Snow Paws shoes are colorful and fun to use for youngsters and the price point of $29.95 makes them affordable.

The company introduced a new line at the Snow Show dubbed Trek with a price point of $169.95. It has an aluminum V-tail frame that helps with mobility and speed. The Trek 25 weighs four pounds.

“Snowshoeing is really a great family sport,” Hintz says. “The learning curve is so broad that someone trying it will just get quickly hooked on it.” He noted that snowshoeing is possible on as little as 6-8 inches of snow. 

Snowshowing trails are available at most Nordic or cross country centers and at many parks and recreation locations. Rentals are generally available.

What It Means: The world of outdoor winter recreation continues to build on itself. Snoeshoes, of course, have been around since the days of the Vikings. But with the economy struggling and families looking for fun activities they can enjoy together in winter, snowshoeing becomes a natural. The current crop of lightweight, much shorter snowshoes from lines like Redfeather, Atlas, Tubbs, and Crescent Moon, are building excitement.

Photo: Redfeather Hike 22 recreational model snowshoes for men.