This intrinsic beauty of winter pumps up my explorer spirit. The perfect way to trek through winter and get close to nature is to strap on a pair of snowshoes. After reading and talking to enthusiasts of the sport, I've decided I'm lucky to live where the snow is plentiful. This year I plan to make my own tracks on snowshoes.

After all, it's much easier to find ways to enjoy the snow than it is to try to hide from it.

Born more than 6,000 years ago, snowshoes were one of the earliest forms of transportation. Once constructed with wood and rawhide, snowshoes provided a way to float on deep snow and allowed an easier method of traveling across frozen terrain. Since snowshoes were used more for utility and survival, they were designed for weight carrying capacity and tended to be quite large.

In the early '70s, there were just a few choices in design, and only a couple of choices for lacing material. Nylon was a common substitute for the traditional rawhide lacing, but the frames all were crafted from steam-bent wood. Snowshoe bindings were little more than a few straps attached to the toe cord, and snowshoe traction came from the grip of the lacing pattern in the snow. Practically all of the snowshoe styles were about twice the size of those recommended today.

Modern-day snowshoeing is much different. Today's snowshoes and bindings are easier to use than the comparatively large, wide snowshoes of the past. Now constructed with aluminum or cold and impact resistant plastics, the designs cut down on weight and provide maximum traction and control. With the ease of learning the skill, many people now find snowshoeing to be a great way to stay healthy during the winter months.

Snowshoes also are comparative in price to other winter sports gear but allow for exploration and accessibility to secluded winter areas. "Snowshoes are more versatile than cross-country skis and just as much exercise. It's also easier to get off the beaten path with a pair of snowshoes," said Daniel Miller, a sports specialist at Scheels All Sports. He said many hunters buy snowshoes to gain an edge in the winter because they are the perfect tool to track game in remote, snow-covered areas.

Besides being highly maneuverable, allowing access to places skiers and snowmobilers cannot go, snowshoeing is a low-cost way to experience the splendor of winter. The cost of snowshoes can range between $70 and $290, depending on quality and purpose. The average new pair costs about $140, but used snowshoes can cost half that much.

Snowshoe poles cost about $30 and are kind of like 4-wheel drive. They are optional but useful for balance, long-distance hiking and uphill climbing. They take 30 percent of the load and push it off the legs and help disperse the aerobic activity throughout the upper body.

For an enjoyable and safe experience, make sure your body is able to handle the physical exertion.

Also wear proper warm clothing. Layers of clothes should include long johns, wool socks, shirt and pants, sweater, insulated parka and pants, hat, scarf, mittens and insulated boots. Cotton is not recommended because the idea is to stay dry and keep moisture off the skin. When cotton becomes wet with perspiration or melted snow, it tends to wick away essential body heat.

There are numerous ways to stay in shape during the winter, and the first prerequisite is to make sure to have fun. Merely walking in snowshoes will expend more energy, elevate the heart rate and test muscles. Snowshoeing has a short learning curve with minimal impact on joints, which makes it the perfect winter activity for all ages.

The three basic types of snowshoeing are recreational, mountaineering and fitness. Snowshoers consider these categories when deciding which type of snowshoes to purchase. It doesn't matter if the snowshoe is a bear paw style with a curved heel or a teardrop style with a tail or a variation of these; all snowshoes with similarities in overall frame geometry and size will perform the same way in similar conditions. In fact, all properly designed snowshoes work; however, some are more specifically designed to perform better in certain conditions than others. A well-selected pair of snowshoes will last a lifetime with normal use.

Renting or borrowing a pair might be the best way for beginners to get a taste of the activity. If you like it, do some research and gather advice on the best snowshoe choice for your budget and planned activity. Avid snowshoers say the exhilaration will hook you. It is a fast-growing winter sport and one that is easy to do with the high average snowfall in North Dakota.

Many of the trails that are hiked or biked in warm weather also are available for winter recreation. Many trail systems remain accessible for winter hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

In North Dakota's state parks, snowshoers are not allowed on groomed cross-country skiing trails, but they may blaze trails through undisturbed snow. Call North Dakota Parks and Recreation at 328-5357 for more information.

The Earth offers abundance and beauty during the winter. Snowshoeing is a safe and fun way to witness its reverence. Whether a seasoned veteran or a beginner like me, follow a trail or make new tracks in the snow with snowshoes. I'm looking forward to making my own path this winter.

And the best part: Snowshoeing requires virtually no prior experience. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.