How to Perform a Rest Step While Snowshoeing

The rest step is a pacing technique used to reduce fatigue on long snowshoe outings. Using the rest step will increase your endurance and the duration of a snowshoe trek.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ski Hats
• Warm Clothes
• Ski Poles
• Snowshoes

1. Strap on your snowshoes and get ready to go.

2. Step forward with the right leg and put all of your weight on this foot.

3. Lock your right knee. Your leg will be fully extended and straight.

4. Pause for a split second on your locked right leg. This allows your bones, rather than your leg muscles, to support your weight.

5. Step forward with your left leg.

6. Transfer your body weight to the left leg.

7. Lock the left knee, pause and repeat.

Tips & Warnings

• The rest step is a subtle trick that at first will seem to have no effect. Give it a try on long snowshoe trips, though, and you'll feel less tired than normal.
• The advantages of the rest step are most noticeable when snowshoeing uphill.
• Try the rest step in the summertime while hiking.
• Snowshoeing is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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