Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the world, according to Snowshoeing Magazine, (www.snowshoemag.com). The sport is popular because it is much cheaper than other winter sports, and it is simple to do. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. 

Unlike some winter sports, you can snowshoe most anyplace where there is snow.  But Washington has some prime locations that you can check out.

For military members and their families the NW Adventures, (http://www.fortlewismwr.com/adventureprograms.html) located on the Fort Lewis military installation, offers inexpensive rentals as well as some day trips to people looking try the sport. Snowshoes are $12 a day, and the day trip adventures are $30 per person.

The Summit at Snoqualmie (www.summitatsnoqualmie.com)

This resort offers a snowshoe package that includes a full day snowshoe rental, trail fee and guided tour.  The special is offered Friday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.  The lessons only fee is $42, and the guided tour and trail fees only are $32.

Military appreciation day will be held February 6, and Military Appreciation Weekend will be held March 19-21.  For more information visit the Web site.

Commonwealth Basin

This trail is located north of Snoqualmie Pass.  The trail is about 10 miles long and takes about seven hours to complete. It is open from January to early March.   

Big Four Ice Caves Viewpoint

This trail is located on a section of the unplowed Mountain Loop Highway.  It is six miles long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.  It is open from January through March.

Amabilis Mountain

This trip starts at Exit 63 (Cabin Creek). The trail offers views of Lake Keechelus Valley. It is eight miles long, and takes about 5 hours to complete.

Keechelus Ridge (www.trails.com)

This trail is located near Easton, and is designed for people who are experienced, and like to climb. The trail is 6.5 miles long and takes about 6 hours to complete.  

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, BC (www.grousemountain.com)

The Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park offers lessons and four trails for snowshoeing.  Lessons are available on Sundays for beginners at the rate of $69 for four lessons and for ladies only on Saturdays for $69 for four lessons. Admission to the resort is $37.95 per adult, $22.95 for youth ages 12-18, and $13.95 for children ages 5- 12.  For large families there is a $200 family membership. 

Regardless of where you decide to go for your winter sports activities, the Washington Trails Association (www.wta.org) offers these tips for a safe snowshoeing experience:

1. Check avalanche conditions by calling 206-526-6677, or by visiting www.nwac.us.

2. Use a guide book to determine which trails are safe for winter sports.

3. Tell someone where you are going.

4. Pack the ten hiking essentials: a topographic map, compass, extra food, extra clothing, firestarters, matches, sun protection, a pocket knife, first-aid kit, and flashlight. 

5. Bring extra food and keep your energy level high. 

6. Snowshoeing requires much more energy than hiking, so keep your mileage goals small, and turn around when conditions are beyond your skills or your energy level is low.

7. Pack plenty of water and keep hydrated by drinking often.

8. Carry an emergency shelter and/or sleeping bag in case you have to spend a night outdoors. 

9. Bring a portable shovel to assist you in digging snow caves in which you can survive a bitter, cold night, or to dig someone out of an avalanche.   

10. Consider carrying an avalanche beacon, and know how to use it properly.