Wearing what basically looks like a pair of tennis rackets may not seem like an efficient and easy way of walking, but it works. By spreading the snowshoer's weight over the large area of the snowshoe, it is possible to walk for miles on end in deep, powdery snow. And unlike skiers, snowshoers can go virtually anywhere in the backcountry - on steep trails, through deep powder, even on rocky ridges - without having special skills. Here's how to get started.
Choosing a Snowshoe
Snowshoes come in many different shapes and sizes, but the models seen hanging from the walls of backcountry lodges are definitely yesterday's news. Today's models use metal, plastic, neoprene, and other modern materials that are less likely to stretch, rot, or snap.
While snowshoes still come in various shapes, ranging from round and fat to long and thin, the standard issue for beginning snowshoers is an all-purpose oval model that is big enough to hold a person's body weight. Men's and women's models have slightly different shapes in order to take account of the different strides.
The most important factor is the "float," which is the ability of the snowshoe to not sink into the snow. The user's weight is the first thing to consider. Note that winter backpackers also need to account for the weight of their pack (which, depending on trip length. climate, and hiking style, could add an extra 40 - 60 pounds or more). Additionally, hikers in the West, where the snow is more powdery than it is in the East, may want a little bit more "float." Note that the goal is the right amount of float - but don't overdo it. The bigger the snowshoe, the more float - but the more awkward it is to maneuver.
Most snowshoes also come with some metal teeth right under the foot: This is for walking on ice, or getting traction on slippery slopes.
Clothing and Other Winter Gear for Snowshoeing Comfort
In addition to snowshoes, the only requirements are a pair of ski poles to help with balance. Gaiters (coverings for the lower leg) are recommended to keep snow out of boots. A layered clothing system, similar to that used for cross country skiing, is recommended, as are the same standard winter safety items you'd take for cross-country skiing (food water, hat, gloves, weather protection, sun protection, extra clothes).
Beginning Skills for Using Snowshoes
Fortunately, step-in bindings are now common - and much easier to use than the old lacing systems.
The basic technique is to just start walking. A warning: Walking backwards doesn't work in most snowshoe models. The back of the snowshoe gets stuck in the snow, which can cause a topple. Some newer snowshoes are designed to circumvent this problem. But with most shoes, to retrace steps means pivoting around by moving the front of the shoes in a circle.
The best place to try snowshoeing is on a well-known (and marked) hiking trail. Be aware that snow obscures the landscape, and even trail markings. Fortunately, the snowshoer leaves an easy-to-read trail in case it is necessary to retrace one's steps.
As with all winter activities, work at a steady pace that doesn't overheat the body or lead to exhaustion or hypothermia. Snowshoes are ideally designed for slow and steady travel, which is the safest choice in winter.
Go with a partner, be sure to leave an itinerary and a schedule at home, and in areas with cell-phone access, bring a phone.
Then have fun. Once comfortable on the ungainly looking but highly functional snowshoe, the entire backcountry is accessible. Snowshoes can even explore off-trail areas that are full of undergrowth in summer.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
