(Cross Country Skiing Sequence courtesy of UW-Stout) 

Snowshoe Shortages Abound as Families Seek the Outdoors to Cure the Pandemic Blues

"It's been crazy, we can't make snowshoes fast enough," says Tanner Dunn, Vice President of Crescent Moon Snowshoes out of Boulder, Colorado. And it's not just snowshoes, cross-country and alpine skis are seeing a huge uptick as well. This seasonal trend mirrors the generous uptick in bicycle and kayak sales recreational equipment retailers saw over the summer. Add in the work stoppage of Los Angeles dock workers which precipitated the "Supply Chain" price hikes in durable goods finding your next pair of snow shoes is challenging.

Families want to be outdoors. It's a safe and enjoyable way to socially distance, for family bonding, and maintain mental and physical health. Many Americans have experienced year-round, cabin fever as they navigate county/municipal COVID-19 guidelines to remain safe, keep our healthcare workers, loved ones, and our community healthy. La Crosse-based, Redfeather Snowshoes, also seeing brisk sales in 2020-21 due to the pandemic, is recording even higher sales in the kids demographic. Acoss the country Crescent Moon's dealers are needing more kids gear this winter season to keep up with the strong demand Dunn noted.

Coupling outdoor recreation trends with NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) projection of a snowier/wetter La Nina year for the Great Lakes region there will be ample opportunities for families to recreate along southern Wisconsin's numerous state and county trails.

One of the region's largest state parks, Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit (KMSF) at over 20 miles from end to end offers some of the better snowshoe and cross-country trails around giving southern Wisconsin the experience of the Northwoods right at our doorstep With 22,000 acres of forest and more than 100 miles of trails the KMSF Southern Unit is great destination for all trail sports and a quiet get away to enjoy the bounties of what the winter season has to offer.

Winter time trails are generally less congested at most parks across the state. At KMSF because of its' close proximity to the Milwaukee metro area it's usually best to avoid parking lots all together on the weekends unless you have a weekday or early morning available. No matter which state park you visit always remember to choose the trail less traveled.

Snowshoe Rental

While many sporting goods stores are scrambling to fill their shelves with snowshoes renting is another great option. Rock County Parks offers snowshoe rentals from the Department of Public Works Office in Janesville. Snowshoe rentals are available for 24 hours at $12/adult pair and $6/youth pair. Or if you are a little more adventurous rent snowshoes for the entire weekend at $16/adult pair and $10/youth pair.. Reservations for rentals must be made in advance with a $50 refundable deposit. The Rock County DPW office is open from 7 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. The DPW office is located at 3715 Newwille Road in Janesville. Call 608-757-5450 to reserve your snowshoes now.

About KMSF Southern Unit

The Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit is located 34 miles northeast of Janesville at S91 W39091 State Road 59 Eagle. KMSF is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. A state trail pass is not required of snowshoe hikers Be mindful of posted trail signs as snowshoes are not permitted on trails used by cross-country skiers. Due to COVID-19 DHS guidelines the forest headquarters and museum and gift shop are closed.

Visit Lakes Edition's Weather section for the latest, southern Wisconsin snow forecasts.