How to Sidestep in Snowshoes

Sidestepping in snowshoes lets you maneuver around obstacles in your path, such as trees or rocks. Learning to sidestep requires practice, but you don't have to wait for winter to start. You can rehearse sidestepping in any open area, such as your backyard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Raise your foot straight up, lifting from the knee rather than the ankle. As with walking in snowshoes, the sidestep requires that you clear the area around the shoe.

2. Visualize your area of clearance and calculate how far you need to step to keep from tripping yourself. Step to the side at least the width of one snowshoe to give yourself space in which to move your second shoe. Difficult terrain, such as rocky or icy areas, may require smaller steps.

3. Lift one foot at a time to maintain balance. Always keep one foot on the ground or you may need to practice falling in snowshoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Snowshoes work by carrying a portion of your weight per inch, so walk on the whole shoe to get the best traction and speed.
• To avoid injury, never try to balance on the edge of a snowshoe, which can warp your shoe.

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Resources

• Read about the history of the snowshoe
• Get a handy list of items to carry while snowshoeing