If it snows, they will come. Snowshoeing – the simple act of hiking on snow – is experiencing a surge in popularity says Hike Nova Scotia.

And judging from the over 30 events registered as part of its upcoming Winter Guided Snowshoe Hike series, there will be a flurry of snowshoeing on trails from one end of Nova Scotia to the other this season.

“We’ve heard from retailers that snowshoe sales are up in the last year,” says Janet Barlow, Communications Coordinator with Hike Nova Scotia. “And we were overwhelmed with hike events from groups across the province this year. We began to see interest rise over the last two winters, but this year there’s been, well, an avalanche of interest.”

Hike Nova Scotia and its many partner groups offer a series of guided snowshoe hikes in January, February and March. The hikes, supported by Mountain Equipment Co-op, are meant to help get more people outside in winter and being active on our trails. The events are led by local folks and participants qualify to win “trail prizes.”

In addition to the guided snowshoe hikes, Hike NS pulled together a list of businesses and organizations where you can borrow, rent or buy snowshoes.

Find a complete list of over 30 Guided Snowshoe Hikes as well as the Where to Borrow, Rent or Buy Snowshoes guide at www.hikenovascotia.ca.

Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes hiking, walking and snowshoeing throughout Nova Scotia. Membership in Hike NS means keeping up-to-date on the latest hiking news and having a say in its many projects. Hike NS is supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

For those with a real interest in hiking and snowshoeing, Hike NS will host its first Hiking and Snowshoeing Summit on January 28 in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Maitland Bridge.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/snowshoeing-snowballs-in-ns