1. How old/young should my baby be?
There is no firm age limit for babies, however as a general guideline, we recommend that babies be at least 8 weeks old and up to 2 years. Babies younger are difficult to keep warm enough and babies older may not wish to be carried for 90 minutes, or may be too heavy to carry!
2. Can I just drop-in?
Yes, you can drop in; however, we encourage parents to register in advance. Purchasing a Book of 5 is a great way to save!
3. How long do we snowshoe for?
90 minutes is scheduled for the snowshoeing portion of the program; however, that includes the time it takes to put on and take off snowshoes. Realistically, actual snowshoe time will be closer to 60-70 minutes but will vary depending on the group.
4. What if I have my own snowshoes?
You will receive $5 off the program price if you use your own snowshoes.
5. Is there somewhere to leave my personal belongings while we snowshoe?
You may leave your belongings in the indoor meeting space. Please lock valuables in your vehicle or leave them at home.
6. Can dads and/or grandparents come?
YES! You are welcome to bring an additional adult. See above for rates.
7. Can I bring my twins?
If you have twin infants and can comfortably carry both of them while snowshoeing, then go for it (and kudos to you!). It’s best if you bring someone who can help you carry one of the twins.
8. Can I bring my baby and my toddler/child?
Sorry, the program is for parents and only the baby(ies) you can carry and we will be going at a moderate adult pace. We would encourage you to bring the whole family to our family-oriented snowshoe programs. Check our website for details.
9. How should I dress myself?
You should dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. Once wet, cotton stays wet while drawing heat away from your body and you may work up a sweat snowshoeing while carrying your baby. A synthetic or wool under layer (polypropylene) would be ideal, which wicks away moisture from your skin and keeps you warm even if you sweat. Then thin wool or fleece layer(s) on top, depending on how cold it is. A windproof/waterproof outerlayer is recommended to keep you dry from the elements. Don’t forget gloves and a toque!
10. What should I wear on my feet?
Warm winter boots that are comfortable to walk in are recommended. Hiking boots are also good with warm wool or synthetic socks. Cotton socks will not keep your feet warm, especially if they get wet.
11. How should I dress my baby?
Layers are also recommended for your baby so you can adjust to the temperature when you arrive. Cotton is fine for baby since presumably he/she will not be sweating; however wool or synthetic layers are better. The base layer should be warm and comfortable. One or two mid-weight fleece or wool layers can go over the base layer, depending on the temperature. For the outer layer, a windlayer or snowsuit is strongly recommended; however, a series of warm layers will suffice for most weather. A warm toque that covers the ears, mitts and warm booties are necessary to keep baby’s extremities warm.
12. What else should I bring?
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Water for yourself
- Prepared formula or baby food as needed (microwave and kettle available)
- Baby’s favourite small toy
- An extra layer or two for you and baby
- A warm scarf is great for keeping baby’s face covered if it’s snowing heavily or sunny
- Wool adult socks are great to go over baby’s hands and feet
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Warm blanket in case your baby needs an on-the-trail diaper change (our guides bring a portable change pad)
- An extra diaper or two
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Sun protection (sunglasses for you and baby, hat with visor)
13. How should I carry my baby?
There are numerous ways to carry your baby; however, comfort is the most important factor. Either a front carrier or backpack style carrier would work well. A front carrier is better for smaller babies so you can share body heat and also see your baby to monitor his/her temperature. Backpack style carriers with aluminum frames are good although you don’t have the advantage of sharing body heat or being able to see your baby. It is recommended that you carry your baby facing you due to exposure to wind, snow, and sun. You must be able to carry your baby for at least 90 minutes. If you don’t have a good carrier, let us know in advance and we’ll try to help you out with a loaner.
14. What if I have an emergency diaper change on the trail?
Diaper changes will be encouraged before we set out, however accidents can happen at any time! Not to worry though…the guide will bring along a portable change pad lined with a warm blanket.
15. What if I have to feed my baby on the trail?
Not to worry – foam seat pads will be brought along to insulate you as you sit in the snow to feed your baby. We do encourage you to feed your baby before we set out though and to bring snacks for older babies.
16. What if my baby gets fussy out on the trail?
If your baby needs your attention, the group will stop along the trail while you tend to your baby. This will give the rest of the group an opportunity to chat, take a break, or just to appreciate their surroundings! If your baby becomes so fussy that you wish to end your snowshoe outing, either the group or a guide will accompany you back.
17. What if I fall?
Falls can happen while snowshoeing – there’s an inherent risk in any activity you undertake with your baby – but there’s a snowy surface to break your fall! Prevention is the key to keeping you and your baby safe. That translates into a slower snowshoeing pace, using ski/hiking poles for balance, taking care to place your feet securely in the snow, and supporting each other however we can. In all likelihood, if you fall, it will be very minor with no injuries resulting; however, in the unlikely case of injury, our guides carry a radio and would dispatch a patroller to assist you.
18. What if there’s a medical emergency?
If a medical emergency transpires, our competent patrollers will be on the scene in short order to administer first aid. Our guides carry a basic first aid kit and two way radios and would immediately request assistance if necessary.
19. What if I’ve never snowshoed before?
Beginners are welcome! We will take it a bit slower than usual since everyone will be carrying our babies. We provide ski poles for stability and advise that you use them. The first one or two times may be challenging, but after that, you’ll notice it gets easier each time!
20. Do I have to be super fit to do it?
No! You recently had a baby, so are likely hoping to get back into shape! Or if you are just seeking to improve your level of fitness. This series is designed especially for parents to get active with their babies. If you are already super fit, please keep in mind that our pace will only be as fast as the slowest snowshoer as we need to stay together for safety!
21. What if I get tired?
It’s okay if you get tired…snowshoeing is physical activity! We will adjust our pace to suit the group’s needs. If we’re tired, we’ll go slower. If we’re full of energy, we’ll pick up the pace! Keep in mind that we’ll always travel as a group, so our pace will only be as fast as the slowest snowshoer. Remember to eat a good meal and bring snacks for yourself as this is crucial to keeping your energy levels up.
22. What if the weather gets bad on the trail?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. If the weather changes for the worst while out on the trail, your guide will make a decision to end the snowshoe outing if necessary, or to continue on if it is safe.
23. What if the weather is bad that day?
Before you leave home, please call the Mt Seymour Snowphone at 604.986.2261. The Snowphone will provide you with pre-recorded information about the weather conditions on the Mountain and any closures or program cancellations. If the program is cancelled for that day, either a make-up session will be scheduled, or you will be given a voucher for free snowshoe rentals and a guided drop-in snowshoe tour.
24. How else can I find out about outdoor activities with my baby?
If you’re on Facebook, you can join the Mom & Baby Outdoor Adventurers Group where outdoor events, including Baby & Me Snowshoeing, are posted.
