What to do when winter finally comes

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Snowshoeing doesn't have much of an adrenaline rush, but it does get your heart pounding.

Despite his reputation for being a jolly old man, Santa Claus must have a hate-on for southern Manitoba.

What else can explain the absence of snow and ice on a landscape that should resemble the North Pole on Christmas Eve?

No snow means no skiing. No ice means no skating. No winter -- or at least not our normal sub-Arctic deep freeze -- means no winter recreation.

People who've just moved here must be wondering about the absence of the mighty Manitoba winter they've been warned so much about.

But this situation is bound to end. When winter finally arrives, here are three ways for newcomers and lifelong Tobans to take advantage of the season, abbreviated as it is.

Cross-country skiing

What's good: Cross-country skiing offers an extremely balanced cardio workout that'll keep you warm even when the windchill is well below -20. You've heard it before, but there are few better ways to exercise your entire body.

Picking up this habit will also provide you with a great excuse to get the heck out of Winnipeg, as some of nicest courses in southern Manitoba are located near Pinawa, Morden, Portage la Prairie, Grand Beach and La Broquerie.

What's not so good: You need snow to ski, and this year there isn't much of it. Yet.

Skill prerequisites: Almost anyone can strap on pair of skis and begin shuffling around a level track. But a handful of lessons can never hurt. Beginning in January, the Windsor Park Nordic Centre offers lessons to new skiers, beginners and skiers with some experience. Details are online at www.ccsam.ca.

Most people find the learning curve fairly easy, though it can take a couple of seasons to develop an efficient technique.

Costs: Beginners can pick up complete cross-country ski packages -- skis, boots, bindings and poles -- for as little as $320 at shops such as Olympia Ski & Cycle on Portage Avenue. Shop around, but don't let any retailer talk you into more expensive high-tech gear, as that stuff is wasted on most mortals.

Right now, there are no admission fees for ski trails in provincial parks. Private courses typically request a $5 donation for trail maintenance.

Winter cycling

What's good: Although skiers despise it, this year's mild weather is a boon to winter cyclists, who are enjoying all-but-unprecedented conditions for commuting and recreational riding. Winter cycling can be exhilarating and liberating, especially if you've never tried it before.

What's not so good: Even on a little ice or snow, bikes don't behave the same way they do on dirt or asphalt, so you need to adjust your braking technique and be mindful of sharing the road with motor vehicles. As well, the copious quantities of salt applied to Winnipeg's streets will rust away almost any bike in a couple of seasons, so you'll probably want to devote an old beater to the cause.

Prerequisites: If you can ride in the summer, you can ride in the winter, providing you're prepared to pedal a bit more vigorously and outfit yourself and your bike for the task.

Costs: A pair of knobby tires, waterproof overshoes and an ice-resistant chain will set you back about $150 at a shop such as Woodcock Cycle Works on St. Mary's Road, which has promoted the Icebike Winnipeg race. You should also consider fenders if you want to commute on sloppy days.

Dress in layers to minimize sweating, using outdoor clothing you already own. You'll need extra-insulative gloves or pogies for your hands and you may also want to pick up a neck tube, neoprene mask and ski goggles for the coldest days.

Snowshoeing

What's good: Snowshoes open up opportunities for day trips and winter camping, as summer destinations can be accessed year round. You can also use snowshoes to head on to lakes and rivers and easily climb or descend hills using the crampons built into most modern aluminum-frame snowshoes.

What's not so good: There's no adrenaline factor involved in snowshoeing, although you can get your heart rate up with the help of a good pace. Snowshoes also are not magic -- only the largest touring shoes will provide enough flotation for deep powder.

Prerequisites: None whatsoever. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Costs: A decent pair of recreational snowshoes will set you back at least $140. You don't need more expensive touring shoes unless you're going to be toting a heavy backpack around the bush. Consider renting before you purchase.

bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 24, 2011 C12