Want to try snowshoeing? Options to get you started

Haven’t gone snowshoeing before and need a place to start? Find out about introductory tours offered by Everett Parks and Recreation, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, The Mountaineers and REI:

Everett Parks and Recreation’s Andy Boos, otherwise known as Alpine Andy, offers a long list of snowshoe classes and tours throughout the season, which goes into April.

Introductory classes are $9, and trip fees range from $39 to $59 for adults, depending on the tour and location.

A full list of what is offered is at tinyurl.com/prmqkbh, or call the parks office at 425-257-8300.

Introductory lectures are available on Jan. 2 and Jan. 13, with introductory tours available on Jan. 5, 18 and 25. Very easy tours are set for Jan. 12 near Leavenworth and Feb. 22 near Snoqualmie Pass.

Family snowshoe trips at Snoqualmie Pass are scheduled for Jan. 20 and Feb. 15.

Trips to Hurricane Ridge, Mount Rainier, Grace Lakes at Stevens Pass, Heather Meadows near Mount Baker, Salmon La Sac near Cle Elum and Big Four off the Mountain Loop Highway are among the many tour destinations.

Andy Boos offers helpful hints for his trips at www.AlpineAndy.com.

Guided snowshoe walks in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest run through March. No experience is necessary. The Forest Service provides snowshoes.

Participants should wear layered and insulated clothing, hats and gloves, sunglasses and sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots.

To offset the costs of the program, a donation of $10 to $15 is requested. Snowshoe hikes are offered at Stevens Pass and Big Four near Verlot, and also at Snoqualmie Pass and Glacier in Whatcom County. Reservations are required.

Deer Creek to Big Four snowshoe walks are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends from Feb. 1 to March 2. Meet at the Verlot ranger station east of Granite Falls for orientation. Participants should be at least 16 and in good shape. Call 360-436-1155 to reserve a spot on the tour.

Guided snowshoe walks from Stevens Pass are scheduled each Saturday from Jan. 4 through March 1. Junior Snow Ranger tours for kids are available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Treks with a ranger on the Pacific Crest Trail are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Forest Service Guard Station by Parking Lot A at Stevens Pass.

To make a reservation, call 360-677-2414. For information about snowshoe events, call 425-434-6111 or go to the Forest Service website.

For snowshoe events near Glacier, call 360-599-9572 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

Winter Trails Day on Jan. 11 is a chance for Mountaineers members and the general public to get out snowshoeing.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned snowshoe hiker, you will have a variety of snowshoes to try out from vendors such as Atlas, REI, Tubbs and MSR. The Mountaineers invites people to its Snoqualmie Campus location at Snoqualmie Pass on Jan. 11 for tours and refreshments.

For more information about snowshoeing equipment, REI rentals, REI classes, snowshoe trips and expert advice on the sport, go to www.rei.com.