Part or all of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the US Bureau of Land Management & US Forest Service. Outfitter #1920 and Permit # CO16003-06004.
Snowshoe Trips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much advance notice do you need for a reservation?
2. How do I make a reservation?
3. What are your booking policies?
4. What is your cancellation policy?
5. Can I change my snowshoe trip date?
6. When can we snowshoe?
7. When and where do snowshoe trips start?
8. How many people can go on a snowshoe trip?
9. What if something happens out there?
10. Can we still snowshoe if we're not used to the altitude?
11. What if the weather is bad?
12. What if I don't have snowshoes?
13. What if I've never snowshoed before?
14. What should I bring and wear?
15. Do you have lunch on your snowshoe trips?
16. Can we bring kids and dogs on snowshoe trips?
17. What is a customary tip?
If we have openings in our schedule, you can walk-in and go on a snowshoe trip that day. However if you are planning your vacation and want a specific day or set of days, then at least a two-week notice is suggested. You can always change the date with a two-week advance notice, or later if we have openings. We always try to accommodate your schedule and schedule changes if we can.
Feel free to call us (970-944-2526) or or use our online reservation form (
reserve now
) or email us (info@lakecitysportsman.com
3. What are your booking policies?
We normally charge you half the cost of the snowshoe trip at the time of booking as a deposit. At the end of your trip, you arrive back at the store and we charge you for the remainder. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
4. What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least two weeks in advance of your snowshoe trip date, we refund your deposit in full. If you cancel after the two-week deadline, we retain the deposit in full. However if you have an emergency, we try to work with you as best we can. If you simply need to change the day, we do our best to accommodate your schedule changes.
6. When can we snowshoe?
If you have a scheduled snowshoe trip and need to change your date, we do our best to accommodate your needs. Keep in mind that during the holidays, especially Christmas, we can book up quite quickly.
Almost anytime in the winter is a good time to snowshoe or ski the San Juans. You need about 4 inches of snow on the ground and that's all. We can see that much snow on the trails by the end of October and it sticks around into April some times. Generally, however, December starts the great conditions and it goes through March. Every season is different, so we're happy to work with you to determine the best date for snowshoeing.
7. When and where do snowshoe trips start?
Full-day and half-day snowshoe trips begin at 9 am of the booked day. For some trips, we might suggest an earlier start. We'll work with you to determine the best start time. Full-day snowshoe trips normally end around 4 pm. Half-day trips typically end between 12:30 and 1:30 pm.
All snowshoe trips begin and end at our store - The Sportsman. We can pick you up and drop you off at other Lake City locations, but let us know if this is something you want to do.
8. How many people can go on a snowshoe trip?
As many as you like! If you have more individuals than is safe for one guide to handle (usually about six people), we take more than one guide.
Lake City is situated at an elevation of 8,671 feet (2,643 meters), with most of our snowshoe trips going up from there. We recommend that visitors acclimate: allow yourself a day or two to get used to the altitude and stay properly hydrated, drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco.
Not everyone will feel the effects of the high altitudes but some visitors will experience nausea or lightheadedness, and headaches. Know yourself, give your body time to adjust, and never over exert yourself. We take the snowshoe trips as slowly as you need, but will not compromise your safety if you want to continue snowshoeing and we feel that your health is at risk.
11. What if the weather is bad?
Weather conditions in the San Juans change rapidly. Be prepared with layers of clothing and an outer layer that is wind and waterproof, as well as plenty of snacks and water. Our guides always check the weather before heading out and our staff knows where you are going. We do not proceed with a winter trip if weather or other conditions are dangerous.
We provide the snowshoes, skiis, poles, and gaiters, if you don't have your own. The gear is included in the price of the winter trip. If you are snowshoeing, you need to ensure that you have winter boots that are insulated and waterproof or leather hiking boots that have been waterproofed.
Anyone can master the simple-to-follow techniques, and our interpretive snowshoe trips are suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. If you can walk, you can snowshoe " is a popular and true saying. What snowshoe techniques there are, we show you how and what to do.
Want more? Click here http://www.redfeather.com/content.asp?id=548 .
You must have the appropriate gear when performing any winter activity, including snowshoeing. Here are the recommended items:
● Water bottle (32 oz or larger) or camelbak
● Sunscreen
● Lip balm
● Sunglasses
●
Microfiber, wool, or wool/silk socks
(Never wear cotton socks when in the snowy elements.)
● Synthetic wool, microfiber or wool/silk
underlayers (underlayers are
essential), preferably with zippered tops so that you can regulate your
body heat
● Polyester fleece or wool layer (provides great insulation)
● Insulated, waterproof jacket (perferably something GORE-TEX)
● Waterproof, windproof pants
● Winter gloves
● Liner gloves
● Winter hat
● Neck gaiter or bandana
● Fanny pack with your favorite snacks and water (We bring snacks and
water too, but we won't always have your favorites.)
● Camera (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)
If you do not have these items or can't bring them with you, don't worry. We have a 4,000 sq ft retail store filled with clothes and other gear.
Full-day trips always include lunch and beverages. Half-day trips include beverages only; however, you can add lunches with a $7 per person fee. If you have the time, we recommended extending your trip to include lunch. It's a great way to spend some time in the outdoors.
Guide tips are not included in the snowshoe trip fee and are discretionary. We recommend that you tip your guide because it is customary. If you do tip, a standard amount is to provide at least 20 percent of the total trip fee for your group.
Of course! Keep in mind that minors under the age of 18 will require adult supervision, so you'll want to make sure that you have an appropriate number of adults for the group. Also dogs are welcome, but they need to stay on leash. To ensure the safety of others and for the dogs, we want to make sure that your dogs are by your side. The last thing we want is for a dog to run after the wildlife and get lost in the woods.
Our guides are experienced professionals who know the area and the dangers. We always ensure that we carry survival and support gear; for example, repair and patching materials, maps, SPOT beacons, first aid supplies, compass, food, water, and so on. If something does happen, which is highly unlikely, our guides are trained in emergency procedures and rescue.
970-944-2526
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