Snowshoeing in Central New York

Though the snow is far from plentiful so far this winter, odds are it will come soon enough in the tundra we call Central New York. And when it does, it comes with a vengeance. No need to stay inside watching re-runs of the Bachelor and complaining though. Skiing and snowboarding are all well and good, but some people are not able to handle the icy East Coast slopes and rigors of balance that come with those endeavors, not to mention the average lift ticket is 50 dollars. An active alternative you're looking for then? Snowshoeing!

Beaver Lake Nature Center, a quick 20-minute drive from the Syracuse University campus, presents the perfect opportunity to try this interesting endurance activity that is gaining national popularity. Snowshoe rentals are only $3 per hour and there are 9 miles of trails to explore. It’s up to you whether you want to stroll at a leisurely place or test your mettle in competition. On Sunday, February 12 (weather-pending) at Eastern Mountain Sports & Beaver Lake Nature Center's Snowshoe race, snowshoeing runs the gamut.

Find you've taken a liking to the sport? Pick up a pair of entry-level 'shoes for under $100 through L.L. Bean, and you'll be able to go wherever you want whenever you want for about the same price as one day of skiing with rentals on a mountain. The Guaranteed Lifetime Warranty is also an added bonus.