Things You'll Need:
- Snowshoes
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Step 1
Use an inexpensive, basic model for easy hikes along mostly flat terrain. These can be rented at most ski resorts and other winter sport areas, such as state parks.
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Step 2
Get weight-appropriate snowshoes. The size you should wear to traverse any kind of terrain should be based on your weight. Calculate the weight of your backpack, shoes and winter clothing to get the right size.
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Step 3
Avoid snowshoes with tails (short protrusions on the rear of the snowshoe) if you will be climbing. When traversing uphill, tails tend to slow you down and may even trip you.
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Step 1
Put your snowshoes on. Be sure that the bindings are securely attached to your boots. Adjusting your bindings in the snow can be difficult and sometimes painful if you have cold fingers.
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Step 2
Raise your heel much higher when you stride forward in your snowshoes than you would when you walk normally. You need to clear the snowshoe from the ground, and it is much longer than your foot is.
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Step 3
Hold your foot as flat as possible when placing it back down on the ground. Placing too much of your weight on your heel can cause the snowshoe to sink down into the snow in the back. This will slow you down, and it can be an uncomfortable position to get out of.
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Step 4
Stay mindful of how much wider your feet are while wearing snowshoes. You will need to practice stepping forward without hitting your other foot.
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Step 5
Avoid swinging your foot too wide when striding forward. Taking overly large, looping steps will use up your energy quickly. Snowshoeing already burns many more calories than regular walking, so you don't have energy to burn on wasted movements.
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Step 6
Learn to turn around while wearing snowshoes. The easiest way to turn is to simply walk in a small half circle to turn in another direction.
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Step 7
Employ a kick turn when you are in a tight space. Raise one foot so that the entire snowshoe is suspended in the air. Bring this shoe down at an almost 90-degree angle to your planted foot (being careful not to step on your other shoe). Raise your other foot and twist around to your new position.
