How to Sidestep Uphill on Snowshoes

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

Often a trail or slope is too steep to walk straight up. Try side stepping up the hill on your snowshoes.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Face sideways across the slope.
Step 2

Place poles in the snow on either side of you for a balance aid.
Step 3

Lift the uphill foot, step it up the hill and drive the uphill edge of the snowshoe into the snow.
Step 4

Lean into the hill with your body.
Step 5

Lift your lower foot up.
Step 6

Step this foot up the hill and drive this snowshoe into the snow below your other foot.
Step 7

Replant the poles higher up the hill and repeat.

Tips & Warnings

If one leg gets more tired than the other, try stopping, facing the other direction and starting up again.
Use the side-step technique after a failed attempt to go straight up or if zigzagging is impossible. The side-step technique is the most difficult uphill step in snowshoeing.
You will always face one direction across the hill while side stepping.

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