How to Do Glissading While Snowshoeing

Glissading is a rapid way to descend a slope.

Sometimes while snowshoeing, the fastest way down is it have a seat. Glissading is a fast, controlled descent technique in which the mountaineer usually sits on his buttocks and slides down a slope. According to writer Jenn Fields in "Backpacker Magazine," not only is glissading faster than walking, it is "more fun." Though glissading sounds simple, it can be dangerous without using proper techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Snowshoes
• Ice axe
• Waterproof, breathable shell pants

Instructions

1. Find an open snowfield with a slope steep enough to slide down. Visually scout the area for trees, rocks, and drop offs. Ensure there is enough run-out room at the bottom of the slope.

2. Sit on your buttocks with toes pointing toward the bottom of the slope. Slightly lift up the front of your snowshoes to get the toe crampons out of the snow. Do not sit on your snowshoe tails. If you are wearing a pack, unbuckle the waist belt and sternum strap. It may also aid in balance to loosen the pack's shoulder straps.

3. 

   Remove all guards from your ice axe before glissading.

   Hold on to the ice axe -- with one hand on the head and the other on the middle of the shaft. Hold the axe vertically to one side of your body, with the spike pointing toward the ground. Insert the ice axe spike into the snow, and brace the shaft against your hip. According to the "Military Mountaineering" manual, "the climber must be prepared to self-arrest should he lose control." You should be able to quickly convert to the self-arrest position by flipping onto your chest.

4. Push off with the ice axe and slightly lift your heels to begin descending. Once you start moving, lean back slightly and apply gradual pressure to the snowshoe tails with your feet.

5. Control speed by digging in your heels, flattening the snowshoes, and applying downward pressure to the ice axe. You can also slow your descent by leaning back onto your backpack and using it as an additional brake.

6. Steer where you want to go, by using the ice axe as a rudder and shifting the weight of your body toward your intended direction.

7. Stop glissading by reaching the bottom of the slope, or by applying pressure with your heels and ice axe.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a sheet of plastic under your buttocks, to speed your glissade and keep your pants drier.

• Mountaineering, snowshoeing, and glissading are potentially dangerous activities. Practice glissading in a safe environment before attempting it in the backcountry.

• Avoid collisions by glissading one person at at time.

• If the snowshoe's toe gets caught under the snow, it can cause you to flip and go out of control. Avoid this by keeping the heels down and controlling your speed.

References

• "Backpacker Magazine"; How to Cross a Spring Snowfield; Jenn Fields
• "Military Mountaineering"; Department of the Army; 1989

Resources

• REI; How to Choose Snowshoes