Business & Tech

Is Willow Festival The Center Of A Snowshoe Craze?

Patch catches up with REI about preparing for the winter.

We're only three months in but 2013 has been pretty snowy. Fortunately, this week hasn't been terribly cold. Maybe when the snow settles around the North Shore, folks might even find themselves in the mood to get some fresh air. 

Patch visited the REI at Willow Festival on Tuesday to find out what locals can do for fun in this weather, and what they might need to keep themselves safe from Jack Frost. 

Snowshoes

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The idea behind snowshoes is simple — they're long and wide contraptions that attaches to your boot or shoe and lets you walk over snow, without caving in, by distributing weight over a wider surface area. 

Snowshoeing seems to be a popular hobby among people from the North Shore, according to an REI staff member, and they're available for rent or purchase. 

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Prices start at around $150 for a new pair, $20 for one-day rentals plus $7 for additional days for REI members, and $25 one-day rentals plus $10 for additional days for non-members.

A lifetime membership costs $20.

Staying Warm

Hats and gloves are the most obvious item that people might overlook, but important to remember because a lot of body heat is released from the head. 

REI staff also recommend people own a pack of individual use hand warmers, for some instant heat. 

The store also sells pre-packed emergency kits to store in a home or car. The kits include various first aid and medical supplies that can be hard to find in an emergency. 

What are your favorite winter activities or best winter preparedness advice? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.


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