How to Use Snowshoes

Snowshoes are oversized foot-gear for walking in deep snow. Snowshoes distribute the wearer's weight and a latticework or decking prevents collection of snow on the shoe. Together, these properties enable the wearer to walk on top of the snow. Snowshoes have been used since earliest times, where traditional snowshoes were laced with rawhide. Modern examples are generally made of metal or plastic. Snowshoes require their own way of walking, but once you master that, you're off.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. To use snowshoes, strap them over your boots. The typical snowshoe has three straps on each shoe. To prevent tripping, the straps' free ends face away from the direction in which the wear is walking. The straps are also easily opened and closed even under the most extreme weather conditions. A snowshoer would not want to face a dangerous situation with his foot trapped in the shoe. The heel is always left free to permit a more natural movement of the foot that resembles regular walking.

2. Walk in the snowshoe by sliding the inside edge of one shoe over the other. Snowshoes are very wide compared to regular shoes or boots. To walk in the usual fashion would produce an awkward gait. Sliding one shoe over the other mimics your usual stride. Do not lift the shoes too high as snowshoes are heavy compared to common footwear. Lifting the snowshoes too high will cause fatigue and also result in potentially awkward maneuvers. Practice simple walking on flat snow-covered ground and realize that tripping and falling are a normal part of the learning process.

3. Practice turning in your snowshoes. Sudden turning or stopping may result in tripping, so you must always remember that your shoes are abnormally large. Do not accidentally place the full weight of one shoe on the other. You will pin it down and may cause yourself to fall. Turn by describing a small circle rather than pivoting in place or turning one shoe suddenly over the other. Concentrate on what you are doing. In the beginning, try not to talk and walk at the same time. You will too easily substitute normal walking maneuvers for appropriate snowshoe steps.

4. Adjust your steps to conditions on the ground. Going uphill requires kicking the toe of the shoe into the snow. This way you gain traction. Go downhill by taking extra large steps and sliding slightly as you land. You can also improve your uphill and downhill performance by using poles to help you along. New snow may require additional work. Step onto the smooth snow and let your snowshoes sink slightly into the snow before taking another step. Throwing your weight like this can be very tiring so follow an experienced snowshoer if you can; it is always easier to follow in the footsteps of another.

Tips & Warnings

• Try out different styles of snowshoe and see which works best for you. Match snowshoe varieties to terrain type.
• If it makes things easier, use other methods of travel. Slide down steep slopes in a sitting position.

Resources

• Sierra Trading Post snowshoe buying guide
• Redfeather recreational and high performance snowshoes
• Total Snowshoes snowshoe bindings and history of snowshoes

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