Snowshoes allow snow-covered backcountry to be easily accessed by anyone. Photo: Dennis Radermacher

Gaining traction

Features, Wild winter

A long-time Wilderness contributor and freelance author, Kathy writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation.

By Kathy Ombler

Looking for a simple, low-cost way to enjoy the mountains in winter that is easier on the body than skiing or snowboarding? Give the ancient sport of snowshoeing a try.

Snow, silence, sunshine, and mountains all around – as lunch spots go, this was a good one. To the west, beyond the broad braided flats of the Godley River, stood the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Glistening, stoic. Behind us was Stag Saddle, Te Araroa’s highest point. It was September, late in the season […]

About the author

Kathy Ombler

Freelance author Kathy Ombler mostly writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation, and has contributed to Wilderness for many years. She has also written and edited for other publications and websites, most recently Federated Mountain Club’s Backcountry, Forest & Bird, and the Backcountry Trust. Books she has authored include Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand, Walking Wellington and New Zealand National Parks and Other Wild Places. She is currently a trustee for Wellington’s Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust.