Winter Snow Resources
(Any reference to a specific dealer is not an endorsement, but only a suggested source.)

Gear
A selection of links that help you decide what type of gear needed for winter activities.

Safety Notes
Here are some rules and practices that are best followed to decrease your chances of becoming injured, lost or frozen (in part or whole.)
Get Ready for Icy Winter Hiking - In order to safely navigate our local trails in the winter, you need more than just good hiking boots. You need some kind of traction platform. It is treacherous to be on the icy trails without such equipment. All the following products are linked to vendors to show you what they are like. This does not mean that we are recommending any particular vendor. Traditionally 'in-step' crampons have been used for years and are still available. Campmor is one site that sells the CMI brand. They are very agressive on hard ice and simple enough that you could make your own. Less agressive and recommended for general use are Stabil-Icers about $44+ and available at the Cranston REI. There are three types of Stabil-Icers for various agressiveness and price. Similar and a little more agressive (review link) are the Katoola Micro Spikes, $59, available via direct order, and also at REI. There are less expensive options that we have tested and can recommend. The Yaktrax is about $20.00 and they will do a good job, but they are not as durable and do not grip hard ice as well. REI and EMS carry them, as does Dicks Sporting Goods and Sierra Trading Post (reduced price). (Update, mine pulled apart while shoveling my driveway. I think the twisting around did them in. MK) Here are Backpacker Gear Reviews for some of the mentioned traction devices.
Good Environmental Practices
Rules to minimize impact on nature.

Resources
Websites that promote, support and provide information on winter snowsports.

Cross-country ski areas within reasonable driving distance: Cross –country ski equipment packages and snowshoes - Two retailers that provide sales and rentals of these items: Unfortunately, due to the vagaries of winter in Rhode Island, it is not cost effective for Rhode Island stores to stock cross-country skis:

Rev 3-16-08


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Rev. Feb. 3, 2010