Snowshoeing
How To Basics
Who
can snowshoe?
The good news is that anyone can go snowshoeing. From young kids to
senior citizens, we
have a shoe for you. Depending on your age and weight range there
will be a shoe that will fit your specific needs. Another consideration
getting lots of active users is Randonee, Telemark, and Split Snowboarding.
What
will you wear while snowshoeing?
The good news is you won’t need to buy a lot of expensive gear. Here
is a list of what you could expect to wear on an average outing.
Warm layers-i.e. long underwear with a layer of fleece or wool over
it with an outer layer of waterproof or windproof material. You can
shed layers as you get warm and put them back on as it gets chilly.
Foot wear-warm
socks (wool or polypropylene), waterproof hiking boots or winter boots.
Consider buying a pair of gaiters, they’re great for keeping your ankles
dry in deep powder.
Hat and
Gloves-both of these items are very important for any winter weather.
Remember you lose a considerable amount of heat from your head. If you’re
cold- keep your hat on.
Extras-Ski
poles, carry hand and foot warmers, a small thermos of hot tea, snacks,
a compass and map, first aid kit, headlamp, emergency lightweight bivy
bag, sunglasses. These things can be carried in a fanny pack or day
pack, or simply stick them in a pocket. Poles are suggested for beginners
or when hiking in steep terrain and also probes,
shovel, and beacons if in avalance prone region or steep slopes.
Where can I snowshoe?
There are many great places to try out your snowshoes including Mt.
Charleston, 40 minutes outside of Las Vegas Nevada. City, State and
National parks are a good way to get the hang of it. Once you feel comfortable
,you might want to try your favorite hiking trail or perhaps you might
like to try out one of the many areas devoted solely to snowshoeing.
These areas are great because the trails are often marked out according
to their difficulty. There are also festivals and events at many locations
throughout the winter, often times at your local ski area. For more
detailed information regarding snowshoe events click on Events and Races.
When
can I snowshoe?
Anytime you want! (as long as there is at least 4 inches snow on the
ground ). Snowshoeing is a great activity by itself or combined with
other outdoor pursuits like winter camping, snowboarding, sledding,
or running. There are no more excuses for not getting out and enjoying
winter.
Why
should I snowshoe?
There are a number of reasons to enjoy the benefits of snowshoeing.
- A fun
and active way to visit the outdoors
- Inexpensive
- Simple
to learn
- An entertaining
social activity
- Good
for your spirit
- Another
fun winter activity to add to your list
- Great
cardiovascular exercise
- Everyone
is doing it!
How do I snowshoe?
Everyone is a little nervous or intimidated when trying a new sport.
Snowshoeing however is a sport that you can enjoy your first time
out. Before you go on your first trip take a few minutes to become
familiar with your snowshoes. We suggest getting acquainted with your
new shoes in the warmth of a building and not out in the cold. The
most important aspect is to become familiar with the binding attachment.
For most
bindings follow these simple steps to make sure you have the proper
fit every time.
- Put
the ball of your foot between the hinge rivets, over the hinge. Your
toes should be hanging over the front of the foot bed.
- Tighten
the front strap first, followed by the heel strap and finish by tightening
the strap over your instep.
- The
straps don’t need to be overly tight. Just make sure they are snug.
It’s that easy! Now you’re ready for your first adventure.
Whats
the technique for snowshoeing?
The most important thing to remember is keep it natural. Don’t try to
modify your natural gait. There are really only two ways to use snowshoes,
walking or running. Most often the terrain will dictate what your stride
will be. On open and flat terrain you might want to try jogging. The
steeper and deeper the terrain gets, the shorter you stride will become.
The main
technique rule to remember when snowshoeing is to always try to avoid
hitting your snowshoes against each other as they pass in mid stride
and avoid over lapping snowshoes when planted in the snow. This can
result in tripping, stumbling and falling. The solution is to simply
concentrate on spreading your feet a bit further apart throughout your
stride.
The following are some basic tips to keep in mind:
- Use
a slightly higher knee lift and/or a wider stance
- Avoid
dragging and shuffling your feet to prevent the claws from catching
on firm snow.
Uphill/Downhill/Traversing
in snowshoes
When engaging steep slopes good technique involves aggressive use of
the front traction claws. Spread your feet a bit more and shorten your
stride on steep ascents. The fastest way to the top is straight up but
a more practical method utilizes a diagonal crossing of the slope.
When traveling
downhill avoid leaning back whenever possible. Try to keep your weight
forward, be aggressive in engaging the front crampons located under
the ball of your foot.
When traversing
side hills concentrate on leaning into the hill with each step keeping
your weight forward and your crampons directly beneath you. Short even
strides will help avoid slipping and ensure safety.
How
do I snowshoe in Deep Snow?
Use a higher knee lift and shorten your stride. Total snowshoe floatation
is a myth, you will sink based on body weight, snowshoe surface area,
and snow conditions. You can sometimes improve floatation in crusty
deep snow by stepping softly. When in deep snow it is important to pace
yourself.
Intensity
of pace.
The intensity level of snowshoeing is infinitely variable. From a slow
walk you can increase intensity by going faster, running, using poles,
going uphill, and/or by going through deeper and softer snow. The ease
with which you can change the intensity level of snowshoeing is one
of the keys to its great value in having fun and as a fitness option.
At a minimum, snowshoeing will be a bit more intense than walking or
running at any given pace or level due to the cold, weight of the snowshoes,
resistance of the snow, etc.
*Safety
Snowshoeing is an extremely safe sport. It is also one of the only winter-specific
sports that does not inherently depend upon sliding or speed. The manageable
and maneuverable nature of modern aluminum framed snowshoes, and the
soft forgiving nature of snow, combine to make the risk of injury while
snowshoeing very low.
The chance
of muscle, tendon and joint injuries among snowshoers is also quite
low. Snowshoeing involves a natural motion similar to walking, to which
the body is accustomed, and is very low impact due to the cushioning
of snow.
Any outdoor
activity has its dangers and snowshoeing is no exception. Take care
to avoid the following hazards:
- Thin
ice-do not walk over frozen water unless you are sure of its safety.
- Avalanches-familiarize
yourself with the terrain and potential dangers before you depart.
Click Here for additional AVALANCHE
Information and here for DISCOUNT
BACKCOUNTRY GEAR from beacons, shovel, probes, GPS, and much
more!
- Frost
bite-protect all exposed appendages, especially as the temperature
drops or the wind increases and carry disposable hand and foot warmers.
- Hidden
obstacles-beware of barbed wire fences, holes, or uneven terrain under
the snow.
- Hypothermia-know
your limits, stay hydrated and carry extra clothing on long outings
in isolated areas. A thermos of tea is also awesome.
- Altitude
sickness-higher elevations may have better snow, but bring the risk
of altitude sickness. Be aware of the effects of elevation.
- Getting
lost-you can usually follow your tracks out but beware of storms and
wind that can cover them up. Always let someone know where you are
and when you expect to return. A headlamp may also prove usefull.
- Wildlife-keep
your distance, respect their environment.
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