Snowshoeing is a wonderful winter activity that people of all ages and walks of life can enjoy all over the world. Experienced or not, snowshoes are designed for everyone at any age.
Snowshoeing 101
However, there are many levels of snowshoeing, and knowing how to do it is vital for a great experience. Here are the ways to snowshoe, its risks, and its benefits.
Pick Out Ideal Snowshoes
Renting equipment is a terrific way to start if you're new to snowshoeing. The rental store will fit you with snowshoes appropriate for your weight and the terrain you'll be hiking on.
Snowshoes designed for flat terrain are a wonderful starting purchase if you're buying your first pair. These are budget-friendly entry-level models. They are perfect for novices or families because they are made for simple hiking on flat to undulating terrain.
Ensure that you verify the recommended weight limit for the snowshoes (you mustn't surpass this weight, nor should the backpack), and assess the amount of snow you'll be traveling on (powder snow necessitates snowshoes with a higher load capacity).
Snowshoeing on Level Surfaces
Walking on level or sloping ground comes naturally. To avoid standing on the inside of the snowshoe frames, you should take a broader stride than you would for hiking. As a result, after your first few snowshoeing sessions, you can have some hip and groin aches.
You utilize the instep or toe to gain traction when you climb hills. Poles should always be in front of you when you step firmly onto the snow. Various strategies are used, depending on the circumstances.
Snowshoeing Downhill
On descents, maintain a forward-facing stance with your poles, loose knees, plus a modest shift in your center of gravity. When you walk, be sure to plant the heel first. (On a few slopes, it's best to avoid rotating to the toe after placing your heel, since doing so increases the chance that your leg will slide downward.)
As you descend, poles help you maintain more stability and control; just be sure to lengthen them somewhat.
A leg overswing could enable the snowshoe to snag and knock you off balance, so try to avoid doing it. Be sure to hold back the weight if the slope gets steeper. Simply take a seat if you begin to stumble.
Snowshoeing In Powdery Snow
Use the kick-step method in snowy conditions. To make a step, lift your foot then firmly kick the toe of the shoe into the snow. Building a surface that is stable enough to stand on will require more than one attempt. The snowshoes are now on the slope's incline, with the toes sticking out over the boots as well as the backs dangling downward behind you. This places the snowshoe's crampons or cleats precisely underneath the soles of your feet. Look for a new approach if the ground is the type wherein a kick-step only ends up leaving a large hole in the snow.
You most likely will be unable to kick-step on firm, crunchy snow. You will instead depend on the snowshoe cleat or crampon's traction, plus your poles. Hike up the hill, but should it appear too steep, seek a simpler traveling path.
Use the heel lift feature—also referred to as a climbing bar—located beneath the heel of many snowshoes for descending moderately to severe hills. This makes it simpler to maintain a steep rise by placing one's foot in a stable position when traveling uphill.
Snowshoeing With Poles
Poles are useful on various snowshoeing excursions, even though they are not necessary on level ground. They assist with working out the upper body in addition to giving you proper balance. The ideal walking poles are those that can be stretched for descending and shortened for uphill navigation. (And, as was just mentioned, while traversing, they can be of varying lengths.)
Turn the pole upside-down then hold it right below the basket to adjust the length for flat terrain. Once the elbow is at a correct angle, change the length.
From below, pass your hands through the pole straps. This enables you to rely exclusively on the straps if you need to loosen the hold so that you may allow your hands a little break.
Avoid Risks When Snowshoeing
Considerable safety risks when snowshoeing include frostbite, hypothermia, becoming loss, injury from a fall, and falling into frozen water. If you're in the mountains, you can additionally factor in the risks of spruce traps, height illness, avalanches, and climate changes.
Noting the risks plus identifying steps you can take to mitigate them or get ready to handle crises can help you be completely prepared for any potential hazards.
Benefits Of Snowshoeing
One can lose up to 45 percent more calories while snowshoeing than one would while jogging or walking at a similar pace. Exercise in chilly weather raises your metabolism, which is one of many aspects that contribute to this rise. The same impact as donning ankle weights is achieved by you hiking with extra weight on the feet. The key muscles worked are the hamstrings, quads, and calves.
All in all, there's a correct way to snowshoe although it's understandable if you're not quite there yet your first or second time. Just like everything else, it takes time and experience.
Shop the best snowshoes at Northern Lites, featuring innovative, ultralight designs that can venture onto any terrain for the whole family!
Check out all of our snowshoes and snowshoe accessories.
Day Hiking / Beginner Snowshoes - Ultralight Trekking Series Snowshoes - Snowshoe Carry Bags