Blog / Trail Stories
Every trail has a story, and every adventure is an experience worth telling. Our journeys together are shared moments that bring us closer—as individuals and as a community.
Dec 28, 2025
By Weston Williams
Greeting the New Year
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.” — T.S. Eliot
A new year arrives not with a shout, but with a quiet invitation. An invitation to step forward with intention, to carry what mattered from the year behind us, and to walk—quite literally—into what comes next. Tenderfoot Adventures begins this year grounded in gratitude and lifted by possibility. We are a community that moves together: along city paths and mountain ridges, through laughter, conversation, effort, and shared silence. The year ahead holds growth, new horizons, and wider trails—but always with the same steady heartbeat that has defined us from the beginning.
Looking forward, 2026 will be a year of expansion in both spirit and geography. Our roots here in the Puget Sound region will continue to deepen through weekly walks, hikes, bikes, and shared meals, while our vision stretches farther—toward Norway’s fjords, Sedona’s red rock country, and meaningful travel that connects people as much as places. Still, at its core, Tenderfoot Adventures remains beautifully simple: friends walking together, pausing for coffee or a summit snack, telling stories at the end of the trail, and choosing presence over pace.
This week offers two perfect ways to begin the year together. On Thursday morning, we’ll gather for our beloved Lake Union New Year’s Day Walk—a gentle, reflective start to the year along the water, where the city wakes up slowly, and conversation flows easily. Then on Sunday, we head north for a snowshoeing adventure at Salmon Ridge near Mount Baker. It’s a longer, rewarding day in winter terrain, followed by a well-earned gathering at Chair 9 in Glacier, where pizza, nachos, and a cold beer (or two) await—because celebration tastes better when shared.
As we step into this new year, know this: you matter here. Your presence, your stories, and your steady footsteps on the trail all help shape what Tenderfoot Adventures is becoming. May this year bring strong legs, open hearts, deep friendships, and many moments that remind us why we choose to show up—for the trail, for the journey, and for each other. Happy New Year, Tenderfoots. Let’s walk into it together.
Snowshoeing 101: Choosing the Right Gear for Winter Adventure
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to explore winter landscapes. With a bit of preparation and the right equipment, snow-covered forests, alpine meadows, and quiet mountain valleys become open terrain—inviting exploration rather than an obstacle.
At its core, snowshoeing is simply walking on snow without sinking. Modern snowshoes distribute your weight across a wider surface, allowing you to move efficiently while providing traction and stability on packed snow, powder, and even icy terrain. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle winter walk or a challenging mountain ascent, choosing the right snowshoe makes all the difference.
What Makes a Great Snowshoe?
Not all snowshoes are created equal. High-quality snowshoes are designed to offer:
Reliable traction on ice and packed snow
Lightweight materials for efficiency and comfort
Secure bindings that stay comfortable over long distances
Durability that holds up in cold, rugged conditions
While entry-level snowshoes may work for occasional, flat terrain, experienced winter travelers quickly appreciate the advantages of well-engineered designs—especially when conditions become more demanding.
Top Snowshoe Brands We Trust
MSR — Lightning Ascent
The Lightning Ascent is widely considered one of the best snowshoes available for serious winter travel. Its minimalist frame, aggressive traction rails, and lightweight construction make it exceptionally capable on steep, icy, and technical terrain.
Why it stands out:
360° steel traction rails for superior grip
Lightweight aluminum frame
Durable decking that performs in varied snow conditions
Secure, comfortable bindings for long outings
This is the snowshoe of choice for winter hikers, mountaineers, and anyone who values performance and reliability when conditions get challenging.
Available through trusted outdoor retailers such as REI, Backcountry, and specialty mountaineering shops.
Tubbs — Flex Series
Tubbs has long been a leader in snowshoe design, and their Flex Series is an excellent option for recreational snowshoers and moderate winter hikers. These snowshoes are comfortable, intuitive, and built to handle a wide range of conditions.
Why people love them:
Flexible decking that absorbs terrain impact
Comfortable bindings with easy adjustment
Reliable traction for packed snow and rolling terrain
A great choice for those who want dependable performance without stepping into highly technical terrain.
Available at REI, Evo, and many local outdoor retailers.
Atlas Snowshoes — Helium & Montane Series
Atlas snowshoes are known for balancing performance with comfort. The Helium and Montane series offer excellent traction, intuitive bindings, and a lightweight feel that works well for both beginners and experienced snowshoers.
Key advantages:
Aluminum traction frames for stability
Easy-to-use binding systems
Good versatility across varied terrain
These models are a solid option for those looking to grow into winter travel with confidence.
Available at REI, Backcountry, and select outdoor gear shops.
Beyond Snowshoes: Essential Winter Gear
Snowshoes are only part of the equation. A safe and enjoyable snowshoe outing also includes:
Waterproof winter boots with good insulation
Trekking poles with snow baskets for balance
Layered clothing to manage warmth and moisture
Insulated gloves and a warm hat
Navigation tools (map, GPS, or phone with offline maps)
Food, water, and emergency essentials
Preparation matters just as much as equipment—especially in winter conditions where weather and terrain can change quickly.
Walking Into Winter, Together
Snowshoeing opens the door to winter landscapes that few experience deeply. With the right gear and a thoughtful approach, it becomes not just a cold-season activity, but a quiet, immersive way to stay connected to nature year-round.
At Tenderfoot Adventures, we believe winter is not something to endure—but something to explore, together.
Why Community Matters: What Makes Tenderfoot Adventures Different
In a world that often moves too fast, Tenderfoot Adventures was built on a simple idea: that meaningful experiences happen when people move through the outdoors together—slowly, thoughtfully, and with curiosity.
We don’t measure our success by how many miles we cover or how many peaks we summit. We measure it by conversations shared on the trail, by the quiet confidence that grows with each step, and by the sense of belonging that forms when people return again and again—not just to the places we visit, but to each other.
At its heart, Tenderfoot Adventures is a community first, and an outdoor organization second.
More Than Events on a Calendar
Many outdoor groups focus on logistics: dates, distances, destinations. Those things matter—but they are not the reason people stay.
What makes Tenderfoot Adventures different is that our outings are designed as shared experiences, not transactions. Whether it’s a gentle weekday walk, a challenging mountain hike, a winter snowshoe, or a multi-day journey farther from home, each experience is shaped by care, inclusivity, and attention to the people who show up.
We believe that the trail is not a place to compete, but a place to connect.
Community Built on Trust and Curiosity
Tenderfoot Adventures has grown steadily over time because trust grows slowly—and we’re okay with that.
Our community includes people at many stages of life, often 55 and over, who value learning, exploration, and being active in ways that feel sustainable and meaningful. Many come for the movement. Most stay for the conversations. Over time, strangers become familiar faces, and familiar faces become friends.
This sense of community doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally—through welcoming leadership, shared values, and a culture that encourages curiosity over performance.
Why Community Matters Now More Than Ever
As the world becomes increasingly digital and fragmented, real human connection has never been more important. The outdoors gives us a rare opportunity to slow down, be present, and engage with one another without distraction.
Tenderfoot Adventures exists to protect that space.
As we grow—expanding our offerings, our travel destinations, and our partnerships—we remain grounded in the belief that growth should deepen connection, not dilute it. Every step forward is guided by the same question:
Does this strengthen the community?
Growing Forward, Together
Looking ahead, Tenderfoot Adventures will continue to evolve—welcoming new members, exploring new landscapes, and collaborating with partners who share our values. But the foundation remains the same.
We are a community of curious, nature-loving explorers who believe the trail is best traveled together.
If you’ve walked with us before, you already know this.
If you’re just discovering Tenderfoot Adventures, we invite you to join us—not just for an outing, but for the journey.
