Related Resources • Maine Winter Wonderland • Skiing • X Country Skiing • Snowmobiling

From Other Guides • Skiing, from About.com • Snowboarding, from About.com

Do you feel cooped up during Maine's long winters? Are you looking for a cabin fever reliever? Maine has many winter recreational opportunities but if flying down a steep slope on two long, thin pieces of wood, scooting around on an expanse of ice wearing shoes with two blades the width of a knife's edge, or similar activities are not for you, what's a person to do?

The answer may be snowshoeing. Athleticism is not required. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. If you're not in great physical shape, that's okay. Whether you're a stroller or a jogger, you determine your own pace, and you can enjoy the benefits of getting out in the brisk air and expanding your lungs and moving your limbs while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape.

It's not necessary to invest in snowshoes to try it out. Snowshoe rentals are available at many of the places across the state that provide groomed snowshoe trails. If you do decide to buy your own, you can find a wide selection at Eastern Mountain Sports in Augusta and South Portland, or LL Bean in Freeport. It's important to choose the right snowshoe for your weight and the type of snow they'll be used on. Eastern Mountain Sports offers a booklet on snowshoeing that tells you how to choose snowshoes, what accessories you may want to have, what to wear, and safety advice. Ask a salesperson for assistance in choosing your snowshoes.

When dressing for snowshoeing, remember that you'll warm up very quickly once you start moving, so it's better to be a bit cool when starting out. You'll also cool down quickly once you stop, so layering is a good idea.

For accessories, consider ski poles, which help you maintain your balance and pick your way over rough terrain; gaiters, which keep snow out of your boots and pantlegs; a headband to keep your ears warm and sweat out of your eyes, sunscreeen, a water bottle, and sun glasses or goggles. If you're a camera buff, by all means take along your camera. You may or may not want to wear a small backpack, depending on how far you're going.

For some ideas on places to snowshoe on groomed trails, see Maine Winter Wonderland.