Five reasons to snowshoe: 5. No lift lines. 4. No speed issues. 3. No learning curve. 2. No crowds. And the No. 1 reason to snowshoe: Snow. Glorious, powdery, glittery, never-too-deep snow.

If you haven't caught snowshoe fever, you're in the minority. Last year, 4 million people strapped on snowshoes and hit the trail, up from 1.7 million in 1998. And once they try it, they're hooked. The number of people who snow shoed more than nine times per winter increased 300 percent last year over the previous winter.

These statistics come from Snow Sports Industries America, a trade organization for snow sports dealers, manufacturers and suppliers. SIA tracks participation in all winter sports and for the past several years has noted the explosion of snowshoeing.

Why the interest? It's easy, says Todd Callaway, a manager at REI who sells snowshoes, and who often heads out into the woods on them.

"Snowshoeing is really easy," Callaway says. "If you can walk, you can snowshoe. And it's something that families can do together."

There is no typical snowshoer, Callaway says. "You see people who are into winter mountaineering, winter camping, hiking, running ... all levels, all abilities, all looking for different experiences."

But the biggest converts to snowshoes, Callaway says, are families discovering the sport can bring them together.

"Families often splinter on the ski slopes. The kids go one way, Mom goes the other way and Dad goes somewhere else. Then, they all meet for lunch, and separate again," Callaway says.

To many people, snowshoeing is freedom. "Many people hike all summer and fall, but when winter comes, they can't access the trails they like," Callaway says. "With snowshoes, they can go anywhere in the winter that they went in the summer, and it can be an even better experience, because they'll usually have the woods to themselves."

The woods and snowshoes may be calling Mike Simpson, who hikes and runs all summer, but who tends to hibernate in winter.

"I don't like downhill skiing, but I like a nice workout. "They seem like the perfect way to get out and get some exercise in the winter."

Perhaps the best thing about snowshoeing is the sound: The thrump, thrump of the platter-shaped shoes hitting fresh powder. The rhythmic, frosty breathing from the effort. The errant plop of snow from an over laden tree branch.

Or maybe the best thing about snowshoeing is that it can take you where there are so few sounds ? a nearly silent forest in the winter.

Snowshoes are also one of the most practical ways to travel through snow.

Snowshoes take away boundaries for people in the winter. "They allow access to deep snow to a wider range of people than cross-country skis do. People can snowshoe anywhere there's snow, and do it without training."

What you'll need

It's easy to outfit yourself for snowshoeing, but that doesn't mean there isn't any gear involved. You'll need:

1. Snowshoes. Rent them or buy them. If you buy, specify where you want to go and what you want to do on snowshoes. There are different designs for different activities.

2. Poles. Ski poles work; so do trekking poles if you can outfit them with ski baskets. If you can, buy powder baskets (the really big ones) so your poles can stay afloat on the snow.

3. Layers of clothing. Layering is very important in snowshoeing because it's a highly aerobic activity. Dress a little cooler than you would for downhill skiing.

4. Gaiters. These might seem like a luxury item, until you get in some really deep snow. They keep snow out of your boot collars.

5. Boots that are insulated and waterproof, or at least water-repellant. You'll be most comfortable in boots that are fairly stiff and offer good support.

6. Hats and gloves. You probably won't need the protection you need downhill skiing. But never head out hatless or gloveless.

7. Water. Take plenty of water, either in water bottles that are easy to access, or a water pack like a CamelBak.

8. Map and compass. It's harder to distinguish terrain features in the winter, so it's easier to get lost.

Where to snowshoe
You can snowshoe anywhere you can walk, but it's the most fun when you have deep snow to play in. For trail ideas, check snowshoeing or hiking guides, and remember to adjust the level of difficulty ? snowshoeing on deep snow is more strenuous than hiking the same path on dry ground.

To rent or to buy?
Snowshoes range in price from about $90 to $300, depending on the brand and the intended use. The lower-end models are perfect for recreational snowshoers who want to snowshoe on hiking trails. Higher-end models are designed for mountaineers or people who want to access more extreme terrain.

Anatomy of a snowshoe frame

Modern snowshoe frames are typically made of aluminum tubing. The larger the snowshoe, the better the flotation. But bigger shoes are harder to maneuver.

1. Deck: The deck is the platform of the snowshoe, designed to keep the user from sinking into the snow, and providing support under the heel.

2. Bindings: Just like in skiing or snowboarding, the all-important binding of a snowshoe attaches your boot to the shoe. Bindings represent the biggest innovations in modern snowshoes, with some manufacturers offering straps and laces, and others choosing rigid plastic step-in designs.

Traction system ? crampons and cleats: Most modern snowshoes have metal spikes or claws under the toe and heel of your boot. Some are aluminum; the newest models are a more durable stainless steel. Cleats are invaluable if you're snowshoeing in hilly terrain ? they keep you from slipping on both uphill and downhill trails.

Pivot system: This attaches the binding to the snowshoe frame. Most systems in modern snowshoes allow a snowshoer's heels to move up and down for a natural walking motion.

What's new in snowshoes

Atlas: Atlas's newest snowshoe is the Dual-Trac SL, a super-light racing version of Atlas' Dual-Trac fitness shoe, weighing less than 1 pound each. New cleats on the Atlas Traverse Trac give extra grip on ascents and descents.

Redfeather Snowshoes: A pioneer in modern snowshoes, Redfeather has a new binding called the CRX, with a rigid sole plate and soft upper construction. Also a new women's shoe.

Salomon: Raid and Access shoes are shaped like parachutes ? designed to provide for an efficient transmission of weight for maximum float and traction in varying snow conditions.

Sherpa: Its new collection is the Paribar Trekker, which includes a children's shoe and two sizes for adults. The Trekker is streamlined, with a longer tail, and also has a new binding with a one-piece design that makes it easy to put on.

Tubbs: The Pinnacle Hiking Series is designed for technical and recreational hiking in all-terrain or snow conditions. It has perhaps the most innovative new binding ? a step-in design free of straps, with a molded, padded housing that adjusts to a variety of boots and doesn't require adjustment with every wearing.

Yakima: Yes, the sport rack manufacturer. Yakima snowshoes are the Star Gazer and the Day Tripper, with an adjustable pivot system and easy-to-use bindings