The Bering/Asia Connection
Thought to be some of the first snowshoes, the "shoeski" was invented in Central Asia around 4000 B.C. When the Asian people migrated over the Bering Strait Land Bridge, they used these shoeskis.
Sinew, Hide and Wood
The Athabaskan natives refined the shoeski into the "racquet" style snowshoe using hides, sinew and wood. Various northern Native American cultures remade the design for their unique conditions.
Styles for Regions
"Bear Paw" style is a round/oval snowshoe used in heavily wooded forests. "Yukon" style is used for deep snow in open country. These had long tails, were longer and had upturned toes. "Beavertail" snowshoes were a hybrid of both styles, having a tail but rounder and shorter than the Yukon cousin.
New Materials and New Uses
Rubber, aluminum and plastic have replaced the sinew, hide and wood in modern snowshoes. This has resulted in lighter weight and smaller footprints with the snowshoe. Once used for survival and travel in winter, the modern snowshoe is now used for winter running, exploring and recreation.
Where to Find Snowshoes
Modern recreational snowshoes are a fun way of exploring in winter. If interested you can find a good assortment at Trails.com (see Reference 1).
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
