{"id":629,"date":"2014-08-19T10:36:07","date_gmt":"2014-08-19T08:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/wordpress\/?p=629"},"modified":"2019-05-07T11:42:45","modified_gmt":"2019-05-07T09:42:45","slug":"snowshoe-beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/winter\/winter-activities\/snowshoe-beginners-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Snow-shoeing"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

S<\/span>now-shoeing has existed since man searched for a way of getting around in deep snow. It’s now a very popular and growing, winter activity. Here we look at why people go snow-shoeing and some of the techniques and tips that will help when you try it out for the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\nSnow-shoeing allows you to move almost silently so experiencing the peace and tranquillity of the snow muffled landscape.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"Family<\/div>\n
\"snow-shoeing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Do I Have To Learn How To Snowshoe?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

Snow-shoeing doesn’t have a steep learning curve, but a few tips will soon have you moving around confidently enjoying a new-found freedom.<\/p>\n

Snow-shoeing On the Flat…<\/h3>\n

Your style of walking will need to take account of the width of the snowshoe and to avoid stepping on the other snowshoe. It’s best to start out on a level path or track whilst you get accustomed to them. Turning around is best accomplished by turning in small steps until facing in the new direction or doing a \u2018kick turn\u2019.<\/p>\n

Going Downhill…<\/h3>\n

Going downhill is easiest, and the most fun, in deep powdery snow. Raise the toe slightly allowing the tail of the snowshoe to come into contact with the snow first. Try to walk confidently with a good transfer of weight from one foot to the other. The snowshoe may slide forward a bit but avoid the temptation to lean back. You can use your pole to provide extra balance but avoid using them directly in front of your body. On firm snow place the snowshoe flat on the ground so that the crampons can \u2018bite\u2019.<\/p>\n

Going Uphill…<\/h3>\n

Unless it’s a very short distance, \u2018zig-zag\u2019 up the slope using the terrain to best advantage. This puts less strain on the legs and you’ll gain height surprisingly easily. If you encounter a very steep bank you can use the \u2018claws\u2019\/\u2018front points\u2019 of the snowshoe.<\/p>\n

Traversing…<\/h3>\n

This is easiest in soft snow conditions where you can still place the snowshoe down normally. When the snow is firm you will need to roll the ankle to allow the snowshoe to lie flat on the slope, thus allowing the crampons to bite.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n