The main event:

Snowshoes

When it comes to procuring showshoes, you have several options.

Rent

See what’s available at your used sporting good store. Play It Again Sports offers a $20-$25/day (or $80/week) package including a carrying bag and poles. Renting is a good option for beginners, since it allows you to experiment with different styles and sizes. The best showshoes for the job will depend on weight and terrain.

Buy Used

(Buyer beware: Used snowshoes are much harder to come by during winter.) Play It Again Sports stocks some decent options for $70-$150.

Buy New

New, quality snowshoes range in price from $139 to $300.

Buy Cheap

Discount retailers like Costco sell new showshoes for $60 to $80. They might do the trick for an entry-level jaunt, but lower-quality options may not hold up (or hold you up) as well.

What lies beneath

Snowshoes don’t go right onto your feet — you put them on over your shoes. So make sure your feet have a functional base layer. The right footwear will be warm and waterproof or water resistant, and offer good ankle support.

Gear up

While the snowshoes will be your primary gear, supplemental items that might be helpful include gaiters, an outer garment worn over your shoes to keep the snow out, and poles for balance and ease of use.

Sizing it up

There is no definitive size guide for snowshoes, but in general, more weight, between you and your gear, requires more snowshoe surface area. Here are some sample scenarios and sizes:

Also consider terrain. A good rule for beginners: If the snow’s light and powdery, think big. If it’s dense and wet, think small.

You’ll also find variations among men’s, women’s and unisex snowshoes. Snowshoes designated as men’s and unisex tend to accommodate larger and wider shoe sizes and heavier loads. Snowshoes designated as women’s tend to be narrower. Try different styles to find what works for you.

Away we go

Ready to hit the snowy road? Think flat. Entry-level routes with minimal elevation will help you to get the hang of walking in snowshoes. (They’re also simpler logistically — when you’re ready for more challenging terrain, you may need more technical showshoes.)

Plan ahead. Check weather conditions and trail status reports where you’re going, and carry the 10 Essentials. A map, a water bottle, snacks, waterproof and insulating layers, and sun protection can be especially helpful.

Want some guidance on your maiden voyage? You can go snowshoeing with a ranger! Seriously. Learn to snowshoe with a Forest Service ranger. You can register online at discovernw.org.