How To

How to Use Poles With Snowshoes

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Poles are used with snowshoes for added balance and to transfer weight. They'll also help you get up if you fall.

From Quick Guide: Snowshoeing
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ski Hats
  • Ski Gloves
  • Ski Poles
  • Snowshoes
  1. Step 1

    Take a step with one foot while planting the opposing arm's pole.

  2. Step 2

    Repeat on both sides using the poles as balancing aids.

  3. Step 3

    Shift more body weight onto your poles when your legs are fatigued or to achieve a full-body workout.

  4. Step 4

    Plant both poles in front of you when going up or down steep slopes.

  5. Step 5

    Plant both poles into the ground and push up on them to stand after falling.

Tips & Warnings
  • Poles are not a mandatory piece of equipment for snowshoeing, but after using them once, chances are you'll be hooked.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 I found using poles exhausting and necessary only in extreme cases, like going uphill or downhill, or moving through very deep snow.

On flat terrain and moderate snow, I found it much better to keep both poles in your hands, in front of you and crossed, like a balance pole in a circus.

If you are losing your balance, twist your body and push the poles into the snow from the appropriate side.

It is also convenient if you fall face-forward. It is nearly impossible to get up by pushing snow with your hands, but poles help a lot.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness