Trevor Delaney
Sports Editor
If you are looking for an enjoyable and socially distanced way to get some exercise during these long winter months, then look no further than the abundance of local options to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors through snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While many people are stuck inside this year trying to do their part to aid in stopping the spread of the pandemic, cross country skiing and snowshoeing both can be enjoyed safely individually and in small groups with appropriate social distancing and safety measures. This time of year our local hills and mountains in the Pocatello area are typically graced with a blanketing of striking white powder, which will before we know it in the coming months will once again be transformed into a completely different landscape with the lush green growth of spring.
With the snow here to stay for a while, students on the Pocatello campus can find many opportunities to satisfy their desire to get outdoors. For college students on a budget, the OAC provides a great way to dip your toes into outdoor winter sports without breaking the bank. Earlier this month, the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center sponsored free snowshoeing for ISU students. The OAC gave out maps of a local snowshoeing trail and free snowshoe rentals. This was a Level I Trail, and that could be tackled by even the novice snowshoe adventurer. While the free snowshoe and cross country skiing rentals have ended, the ISU OAC still rents out these items all winter long. Rental packages for winter sports range from backcountry gear starting at just $15 a day to cross country touring gear or snowshoe gear packages both starting out at $10.50 for a day rental, with packages including skis, poles, and ski boots. Renting individual items starts out at $6.50 for each item, making bundling the gear in the packages the best deal for your money. To reserve snowshoes, cross-country skis, or other winter gear ahead of time or to check for availability, please call the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center at (208) 282-3912.
For anyone who wants to stick to the groomed trails, the Mink Creek Nordic Center south of Pocatello offers a wide range of accommodations for cross country skiing. Also close to the Nordic Center are miles of ski and snowshoe trails operated through the Park N’ Ski program with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department. Locally, Park N’ Ski Passes can be purchased for $25 dollars at the Ace Hardware/Element Outfitters on 4th Street close to the Pocatello campus. These passes are good until April 30th, and prevent incurring an otherwise costly ticket if found parked at a trailhead without a pass.
As with any outdoor activity, the most important thing to remember when recreating outdoors in the winter is to let someone else know where you are going and when to expect you back. This can be a friend who you talk to, a roommate, or a family member, but it is imperative to follow this rule each time you go out. Additionally, while getting outside can be a great place to get some time to yourself, using the buddy system is the best way to stay safe in case of an emergency. Bringing along a friend helps to make sure that no one gets lost or injured unattended when going outside. Each winter the Bannock County Search and Rescue is stretched to their limits dealing with slide-offs and other car accidents caused by unexpected driving conditions. You can help to do your part to keep yourself and others safe by checking local weather conditions before driving out of the city, and maintaining tires with adequate winter traction on your vehicle. Our area of Idaho has so much to offer in terms of winter recreation, so get out and enjoy the snow while it is here.
