An ancient art form designed from practical experience, the snowshoe has always been a staple means of transportation in big snow country.

Long ago, snowshoes were a necessity and allowed prospectors, explorers, trappers and even armies to maneuver through deep snow. Today, the snowshoe is more of a means of recreation.

But that is not to say the snowshoe is any less popular. In fact, there has been resurgence in the popularity of snowshoeing, caused, in part, by the new, lighter weight and more efficient models now on the market.

Alan Wernette works for the Department of Natural Resources as an interpreter at Ludington State Park. He says that about 12 years ago, he was introduced to snowshoes and the art of making them. Although he had to be talked into taking the class, held then at Hartwick Pines State Park, he said he "had a blast" and has been making them ever since.

Now, Wernette has taken his experience to a new level, offering regular workshops where he teaches others how to make their own snowshoes. Though based primarily at Ludington State Park, Wernette will travel to other DNR locations to conduct his workshops and enjoys the opportunity to do so.

"Over the years, I have conducted countless workshops," he said, "and average up to 85 pairs of snowshoes every year that I help others to build."

At first, Wernette relied on one manufacturer, based in the Upper Peninsula, to supply him with all of his materials. Now, because snowshoe manufacturers are producing more to meet the growing recreational demand, he shops around the country for his materials.

"The snowshoes are made first at the factory from white ash, molded from numerous thin layers of the wood into the rounded form that we see in snowshoes," Wernette said.

He said the pre-formed ash frames are sturdy and require little maintenance, and are the original material first used by Native Americans and others when the concept of "shoes that float on snow" was first devised.

"Ash is highly workable because as you pound the wood, it separates into the thin layers that can be pulled apart easily. Those thin layers then are realigned and pressed into a mold in the shape of the snowshoe," he said.

Wernette buys the forms pre-drilled with small holes all the way around the edges, and it is through those holes, and in a very precise manner, that the webbing is laced.

"I like to use reinforced neoprene for lacing because it is very durable and requires little care," Wernette said. He added that it also is less susceptible to absorbing moisture from the snow. Also, no varnish is needed on reinforced neoprene, unlike other lacing materials.

"Tubular nylon also is a very good product, but it needs constant care, especially regular coats of varnish," he said.

Wernette's snowshoe-building workshops are always a big hit. He charges on the average $130 for all the materials and instruction, and each student leaves the class with his or her very own pair of snowshoes.

"Each pair takes about six hours to complete, even for amateurs, which most of my students are," Wernette said. But he added the satisfaction of starting from scratch and ending up with a usable product is very rewarding, one that provide years of valuable and healthy outdoor recreation.

"I like to start my workshops by providing some history of snowshoes; then I compare skiing to snowshoeing to give everyone an idea of what types of terrain and conditions are more suitable to snowshoes and skis," he said.

"Snowshoeing and skiing will provide equivalent workouts, but many people find snowshoes to be safer and more stable," Wernette said.

He said the other benefits of snowshoeing are the ability to view more wildlife; better maneuverability -- it's easy to stop any time -- and it's very quiet.

"I love the experience of snowshoeing," he said, "and I find that most of my students gain a real love for the sport, especially after making their own snowshoes."

He equated making the snowshoes then using them for a woodland hike with making a dry fly and then catching a nice trout on it.

"The work and energy that went into making the product translates into an increased depth of satisfaction from the experience," he said.

So, where can you go snowshoeing this winter? Any public land where there is snow is fine. It may be fun to include a large group to help pack the trail. Everyone can take turns going first, and then falling to the end of the line when tired to take a break.

It's a great idea to pack a picnic, especially one that requires cooking something over an open fire, such as strips of marinated venison. Snowshoes also make fine shovels for digging fire pits, piling snow for a quinzhee or creating a little snow cave for shelter.

A blanket laid over snowshoes makes for a fine seat in the snow or even a back rest when it's plunged tails-end down into packed snow.

Snowshoes are a wonderful means of recreation. Whether you buy a pair or make them in one of Wernette's workshops, don't just use them only as decorations over the fireplace.

Rather, strap them on and get outdoors in winter, where the wealth of the beauty of the Michigan winter landscape awaits.