L. Marie photo
While snowshoes may seem intimidating to a beginner, they're quite easy to walk in if you're wearing the appropriate size. Each size of snowshoe is designed to carry a specific weight range, so before you purchase snowshoes, you should know how much you weigh, plus the weight of anything you intend to carry, such as a pack. Check the tags on the snowshoes--sometimes this information is written on the snowshoes, too--to find a pair that will adequately support your weight plus the weight of your gear.
Tips & Warnings
You can wear any type of boots for snowshoeing as long as they aren't too big for the bindings on the snowshoes. Usually, however, the warmer the boots, the more comfortable you will be.
Consider using trekking poles with snow baskets to help you maintain your balance in steep terrain or when crossing obstacles like fallen trees.
Always carry zip ties or cordage as emergency repair supplies for your snowshoe bindings.
Consider walking sideways down steep hills. Sometimes going down toes-first will result in "skiing" down as the snow slides under your snowshoes.
You can wear any type of boots for snowshoeing as long as they aren't too big for the bindings on the snowshoes. Usually, however, the warmer the boots, the more comfortable you will be.
Consider using trekking poles with snow baskets to help you maintain your balance in steep terrain or when crossing obstacles like fallen trees.
Always carry zip ties or cordage as emergency repair supplies for your snowshoe bindings.
Consider walking sideways down steep hills. Sometimes going down toes-first will result in "skiing" down as the snow slides under your snowshoes.
Snowshoes make it easy for beginners to enter the backcountry, which may expose you to avalanche terrain and hazards. Avalanches are not random--they're caused by a predictable combination of conditions and triggers--so make sure you know how to evaluate and avoid avalanche hazards before entering avalanche terrain.
Article Written By Marie Mulrooney
Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics and contributes regularly to various online publications. Mulrooney's print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.
