Snowshoeing in Idaho back country provides stunning views

NORTH OF IDAHO CITY, Idaho — It’s not long after you start snowshoeing that you wonder: Couldn’t I walk this trail in boots?

That’s when it’s time to get off the packed trail.

On a recent Tuesday, I joined a group led by avid snowshoer Leo Hennessy of the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department. He promised 5 miles of total hiking, a chance to check out a couple of the department’s six backcountry yurts and at least a couple of miles of off-trail fun.

Five hours (including maintenance stops at the yurts) and 5½ miles later, my body was exhausted, my hips felt like they were going to shut down and I had a new appreciation for the sport I took up last winter, when powder was almost impossible to find.

Our journey led us to the Idaho Park N’ Ski system in the mountains northeast of Idaho City. Four parking lots provide access to 60 miles of varied trails for snowshoers and cross-country skiers — groomed and ungroomed, challenging and mild — with some gorgeous views (detailed info below). And all around, you’ll find untouched powder that flies when snowshoes land.

“It’s a great workout. It’s beautiful — the snow, the trees,” Bea Purchase of Boise said. “Going off trails, it’s a matter of doing it. That’s what snowshoeing is kind of all about. It’s kind of boring if you stay on a packed trail. We all fall — everybody falls. It’s OK. It’s soft.”

Said Hennessy: “When you get out here, stay on the trails initially just so you feel comfortable. And then after you get comfortable with the trails and how to read maps, then you can take off off-trail and see beautiful places. There’s some amazing stuff when you get off-trail.”

The vastness of the system and lack of crowds make for an exceptional place to play. The area has 7 feet of snow.

“Definitely bring your snowshoes,” said Hennessy, who is the non-motorized trails coordinator for Idaho Parks and Rec, “because if you think you’re going to walk off-trail, you’re going to be right up to your neck.”

What I learned

Pack well: You’ll work harder than you think, so make sure you have plenty of water and food for the day. Hennessy recommends a second pair of gloves, a whistle, headlamp with extra batteries, sunscreen, maps, sunglasses, a GPS to mark your starting location, a lighter, fire starter and handwarmers — plus other winter gear as you see fit. Good leg gaiters also are necessary if you’re going into the powder (my boots were waterproof and I wore snow pants but my feet still got soaked). And don’t forget your poles — they might seem unnecessary on the groomed trail by the parking lot, but you’ll miss them later. A shovel is a good idea for your car in case of a storm.

Dress in layers: If you dress for the cold, you’ll be peeling off clothes quickly.

Don’t go alone: Twice on our trip, someone ended up needing assistance. One of the snowshoers in our group fell and landed in a way that prevented him from moving. Without friends on the trail, he would have been in trouble.

Powder is where the fun is: Snowshoe trails, Hennessy explains, are for climbing. Powder is for going downhill. On gentle slopes, try running with short, choppy steps like you’re riding a bicycle. For steeper slopes, you’ll need to slide — put one foot forward, toe up, and shift your weight back. If you’re good, you’ll slide. If not, you’ll fall on your rear and slide like a kid. Either way, it’s a good time. Also, going downhill, fresh tracks are slick. Make your own trail. When you’re on flat ground or climbing, rotate trail-breakers to spread the considerable workload and follow in your friends’ footsteps. Try to avoid wet, heavy snow and make sure you know where the groomed trails are so you don’t get lost.