Snowshoeing and mindfulness merge with 'snowga'

Forget “hot yoga”, that’s so very passé. Now trending is “snowga”, a hybrid sport that brings together yoga and snowshoeing.

And while yoga and snowsuits may seem like a strange combination, Sault Ste. Marie teacher and certified yoga instructor Ivy Strom of Yoga by Nature, says her classes have demonstrated the potential of the sport. 

“It’s kind of like a guided mindfulness snowshoeing experience,” says Strom. “Being outside heightens the possibilities because it’s almost easier to stay in touch with your senses – observing the trees, the air, the scents.”

A snowga class involves a one-kilometre trek with poses and guided meditation through the woods, often using the trees as props. “The idea is to practice poses without getting down on the ground,” laughs Strom, who thinks of the snowga experience as the ultimate in what’s called “forest bathing”, a type of immersion into one’s natural environment. 

Strom was originally a practiced snowshoer who often gave guided tours, but then offered yoga classes on the side.

“But when I saw online that it was possible to combine the two sports – that’s when I got inspired to really attempt it here in Sault Ste. Marie,” says Strom. “But unlike an indoor class where yoga instructors can control all aspects of the environment from scent to heat to lighting, I wasn’t sure what it would be like to take on all the outdoor variables.” 

Last year, Strom attempted the first class at Stokely Creek Lodge at Snowfest and was impressed with the huge turnout. “There was a lot of interest, so we will definitely be offering it again as a part of Snowfest in Goulais River,” says Strom. “This year we will do a snowga and wine night.”

Snowga classes last an hour and half and usually end with tea and chocolates: “a way of winding down after the class.” 

She will also be leading two lantern snowgas at Hiawatha. Dates are coming up so check out the Stokely Creek and Hiawatha Highlands websites for details on dates and times. Usually 15 spaces are available for each class.

“I have to say that the lantern snowga is my absolute favourite. There really is nothing better than being with a group of friends doing snowga by moonlight. It’s pretty magical,” says Strom.

At night she calls the sun salute pose the moon salute, “That’s the difference between being in a yoga studio and the outdoors,” says Strom. “In one case you might just be focusing on a wall, but outside you can practice and focus your attention on the moon.” 

Strom urges everyone from beginners to advanced students to give it a try. “I’d describe it as a moderate level of activity – perfect even for seniors, so long as they can snowshoe about the distance of one kilometre,” says Strom. “But it’s a really gentle practice. No one is left behind.”