How to Snowshoe

Snowshoeing is a peaceful, meditative way to experience the great outdoors in the heart of winter. It is also great exercise! Snowshoeing is far easier to master than cross country skiing and the equipment you will need when you are starting out is much cheaper. Give it a try today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snowshoes
• Snow boots
• Winter clothes
• Heavy socks

1. You must decide what kind of snowshoes you need. If you are a beginner it is best to start out with recreational snowshoes. There are also backpacking snowshoes and racing snowshoes available. If you are just starting out consider renting snowshoes until you find a style and brand you really like.

2. Consider the snow pack you will encounter. If you are going to be on packed snow, for example at a Nordic center, you can probably use snowshoes with a relatively small base. If you are going to be breaking trail through light, fluffy powder snow you will want a snowshoe with a wider, longer base. This will better distribute your weight and give you more float over the snow pack.

3. Get familiar with your bindings. While you are still in the comfort and warmth of your home put on your snow boots and practice strapping into your snowshoes. Look for snowshoes with adjustable nylon straps on the bindings. Plastic bindings may break in the cold, leaving you stranded. Push your toe into the toe of the binding. Fasten the back part of the binding to your heel. Then fasten the binding at your toe. Don’t walk on solid ground, as it damages the grip blades on your snowshoes. Simply let the snowshoes dangle from your feet for a minute then remove them.

4. Gather your equipment and head to the area where you wish to snowshoe. Comfortably seated, in your car with your feet hanging out or on a bench, attach your snowshoes to your snow boots. If weather conditions allow do this without gloves on, as you will be able to fasten the straps on the bindings much tighter.

5. Practice walking around in your snowshoes. At first it may feel foreign to have the snowshoe dangling off your heel. Lift your knees high with each step to compensate for this. As you get comfortable walk with a more normal stride.

6. If you are breaking trail always have a partner with you. Take turns walking in front. Walk slowly and purposefully. Walking too quickly may cause your to trip or may cause your snowshoes to fall off.

7. Keep a steady pace. If you walk too fast you will sweat a lot and when you stop your sweat may freeze in your clothing, which makes one very cold!

Tips & Warnings

• Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear breathable materials and lots of layers. If you get so cold that you cannot feel your extremities consider turning back.