Because of the invention of snowshoes that allow for greater ease of movement, snowshoeing has become increasingly popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. Now, you can join the growing number of people who are discovering the fun and fitness benefits of snowshoeing--this complete guide shows you how. Whether you're a beginner who wants to learn the fundamentals or an experienced snowshoer who lacks formal instruction, Snowshoeingprovides everything you need so you can enjoy this great winter fitness activity for many years to come. Sally Edwards, the woman responsible for popularizing triathlons in the 1980s, and Melissa McKenzie are avid snowshoers who developed a new user-friendly snowshoe design. Combining an engaging writing style with dozens of colorful photos, they explain what you need to know before you even set foot in the snow. You'll learn how to: - determine which type of snowshoe works best for you, - choose the proper size of snowshoe for your needs, and - select comfortable and safe clothing and accessories. Next, the authors present the skills you need to learn so you can snowshoe correctly and safely. You'll find: - illustrated instructions for 16 snowshoeing techniques, such as stamping, turning, kick-stepping, and breaking trail; - tips for identifying snow that is perfect for snowshoeing; - advice on how to avoid getting lost outdoors in the winter; - a three-phase training plan to help you get your body ready for more than a leisurely walk on the snow; and - information on how to recognize symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, altitude sickness, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, as well as how to treat these conditions. But you won't put Snowshoeingaside once you've mastered the basics. The book is loaded with valuable information for snowshoers of all skill levels. You'll read about creative ideas for finding great local snowshoeing sites and descriptions of 45 of the world's best snowshoeing destinations. And for those who want to pursue snowshoeing further, there's information on additional activities that complement snowshoeing, such as tracking animal prints and mountaineering. The book also provides a glossary of snowshoeing terms as well as an appendix describing snowshoeing organizations, reading materials, and snowshoe manufacturers. Like all the books in the Outdoor Pursuits Series, Snowshoeingemphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and--most of all--the fun of outdoor activity!