snowshoeing with kids

I recently had the opportunity to write an article about tips for snowshoeing with kids for Yukon Charlie's. I had added a few parts of the article below but I hope you choose to head over to their website to continue reading. 

Writing this article, I have had to really pay attention to what it is that we do to make our adventures possible. (I know, what a crazy concept!) So often I just get in the zone that I don't really stop to think about the details of it all.  It was so fun to go out with a new set of eyes, almost like I was a spectator trying to take it all in. By the end of of our walk I was left with some great insight and tips for how to make snowshoeing a family affair!

First tip (and bare with me): Set your standards low
This is something that we try to do with every outing, but especially with snowshoeing. If you set your sights on it being a work out or that you will hike 5 miles out to some awesome frozen water fall you will, more likely than not, be let down. When we go out we know that we are going to go s.l.o.w. and we are not really going to get very far. The really awesome thing about this though is that we are able to really take in all that is around us and we are able to just be in the moment. Also remember to start at the skill level your kids are currently in. It is so easy to see other people's adventure and think that is the only way to do snowshoeing the "right" way. The reality is we all have to start at the beginning.

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Q&A:

Q: What are good snowshoes trails around Anchorage Alaska for little ones?
A: We love anything that is flat, and not too long. I would look for something that is either a loop or has a good turn around point. For Anchorage/Mat-Su folks I LOVE the North Fork trail in Eagle River. It is only .5 miles one way to a frozen river and it is very flat. It is the perfect starter trail for little ones!

Q: Is it expensive to snowshoes with kids who have rapidly growing feet?
A: NO! It is actually so awesome, my girls' shoe sizes range from 7-12 they all share snowshoes and I know they will be able to wear them for years to come. I have been really impressed with the wide range in shoe sizes the Yukon Charlie's snowshoes accommodate! To make it even easier for parents they have created a binding that is very easy to change size, even mid hike. This makes sharing snowshoes so easy and stress free!

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Personal Testimony:
Last year we used a pair of Tubbs snowshoes with our oldest and it was terrible! She hated them and wouldn't walk more than 10 steps at a time. This was when she was 4 years old. Our Yukon Charlie's snowshoes have been a completely different and much more positive experience for us! They are lighter, easier to put on/adjust, and our daughters are excited to go snowshoeing. If you have tried snowshoeing with young kids before and have not had success give the Yukon Charlie's Youth snowshoes a try, I am genuinely confident that you will have a much better experience!!