What to wear for a snowshoeing hike?

Question

I would be going up to the Dolomites (Cortina d'ampezzo) late December and am wondering what attire would be appropriate? Coming from a country where it's sunny all year round, i'm totally clueless on the attire for winter especially. Would a wool overcoat do? Or do i have to get a puffer? By the way, how much is rental of the snowshoes? Are the tours guided or we gotta navigate ourselves? I'm looking at these snowshoeing itineraries: http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/Cortina/ci/ciaspe/detail.html?skip=1&gruppociaspe=Cristallo%20-%20Faloria&nvia=&diffeng=

Thanks a mil!!

Answer 1

You'll need some decent waterproof hiking boots like Lowa or Meindl. Buy them a year in advance and break them in during your winter or by hiking in your country (if you are an Ozzy, you'll have plenty of opportunities to use them in the outback). Buy them a bit large since you'll need to wear them with two pairs of thick wool socks.

You'll also need a decent outdoor jacket (preferably one with a zip-out inner fleece shell) that is waterproof, windproof and breathable. (Check that it is light enogh so that you can wear it back home as a rainjacket without the shell.) I also recommend the use of thermal underwear and maybe garters and a waterproof pair of trousers.

In a pinch on a nice day doing a guided tour a wool coat would do, but if the weather changes and it starts to snow you are much better off with a real outdoor jacket.

Answer 2

heavy clothes...