On a late autumn day last year I was sitting in the backyard, reminiscing about growing up, and I came up with an odd fact about myself. I've been on this Earth for more than 50 years - living most of that time in either Central Montana or North Idaho - and I've never had the chance or the urge to go snowshoeing.

I've always been somewhat intimidated by the sport, but I just made up my mind not too long ago that I'd give it a shot (one of those "I'm-not-getting-any-younger" moments).

I did some cross-country and alpine skiing growing up, and if I was ever in heavy snow and had to get somewhere, there was always a snowmobile (now called snow machines) handy.

A big upside to snowshoeing over alpine skiing is the price. Skiing requires expensive skis, poles, bindings and lift tickets. Snowshoe rentals are relatively cheap, and many sporting goods stores offer shoe and pole packages that won't break the bank.

I did a little research to see what exactly was involved in the sport of snowshoeing, and I'm happy to report the simplicity is almost as attractive and the ample locations in North Idaho that you can strap on some 'shoes and head out.

And, really, if you are able to stand up and walk, you'll succeed in snowshoeing.

Compared to the old hand-built snowshoes, the modern, mass-produced offerings are easy to use and maintain. Most are made of aluminum and plastic, and attaching them to your snow boots is pretty self-explanatory.

I picked up a pair of snowshoes and poles just before the snow was scheduled to fall late last year, and I made sure I figured out how to attach them before I headed out for my maiden voyage a few weeks back.

If you don't want to take the plunge and purchase a pair, many local outdoor businesses offer snowshoe rentals, and many have weekly excursions with a little instruction included.

I have a Nordic Track machine that I use to keep fit during the winter, and the motion (similar to cross-country skiing) mimics the snowshoeing form pretty closely.

The poles are great for those that have any issues with balance, and they really are worth their weight in gold when you come to any type of slope. By planting them in the correct location (you'll know this instinctively with a little practice), you can pretty much tackle any terrain of considerable pitch (uphill, downhill or sidehill).

It takes a little practice to get used to moving with something so wide and long on your feet, but you'll adapt fairly quickly. Uneven terrain is a challenge, and you can get your heartrate churning for a great workout, if that is what you had in mind.

If the leisurely route is more your speed, set yourself a nice, easy rhythm and enjoy the scenery.

While running (more like jogging) is possible in snow under six inches in depth, the real workout begins when the accumulation starts to pile up.

The deeper the flaky stuff, the harder the workout.

The first time you walk in snow that you know is fairly deep, it will be a little disconcerting, but as long as your equipment doesn't fail, you'll stay on top of things.

I've been snowshoeing on the Bureau of Land Management land just north of North Idaho College recently, and there are plenty of trails and steep terrain to keep anyone with the itch satisfied.

For the more hardcore, Fourth of July Pass offers long trails and warming huts, and Silver Mountain and Schweitzer ski areas are also popular venues for snowshoeing.

So there's really no reason you have to stay inside and keep the couch from moving, when you can now go outside and keep your feet moving.

Just bundle up, dress warmly and keep on truckin'.