Are you the type of person who views winter as a magical time but you'd sooner attempt to race in the Indy 500 than strap on a pair of skis and schuss down a snow-covered slope?

Maybe it's time you ventured out on a pair of snowshoes.

"For people who don't ski, it's a way to get some exercise and see scenery and wildlife they might not get to see without snowshoes," says John H. Miller of Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. "It's an easy way to get out and explore."

Miller adds that many people also use snowshoes to venture into the high country with skis or snowboards. But if you're just hoping for a wintertime stroll, snowshoes are ideal - and they require no special training to use. In fact, when folks rent snowshoes, Miller does a "lesson" that involves walking from one end of the rental shop to the other.

"They're easy to use," Miller says. "People expect to have to walk funny, but you fall into a rhythm fairly quickly."

Because of its groomed trails and the availability of a warming hut, outhouses and ski patrol, many people opt to use Enchanted Forest's trails for snowshoeing. Trail passes are the same as cross country skiing.

The Enchanted Forest offers over 15km of exclusive snowshoeing trails amongst its already large 30-plus km of cross country ski trails.

Several times a season Enchanted Forest also offers Headlamp Snowshoe tours. Another awe inspiring event. A short guided tour through the meadows by head lamp. Guests often hear coyotes and see other wildlife on the tour. The tour ends at the base area warming hut with hot drinks, cookies and other delights. Check events for dates.