Snowshoe hiking is gaining more and more followers, yet it remains relatively unknown to many people and still suffers from a slightly outdated image. On top of that, many associate misconceptions with snowshoe hiking and, as a result, steer clear of it — wrongly so! Let's bust 6 stubborn myths and clichés about snowshoe hiking together. Who knows — you might just feel more inclined to give this demanding sport a try on your next winter holiday?
You need a guide to go snowshoeing
Most ski resorts now offer well-marked and secure snowshoe routes. Very often, you'll even find a topo-guide with additional information to help you plan your routes. The difficulty of these trails is generally moderate — and it's perfectly possible to hike them without a guide. A guide becomes recommended for off-piste routes or for more sporty group outings. Some guides, however, are invaluable for learning more about the environment and landscape around you.Snowshoeing is much harder than regular hiking
If you can walk in summer, you can walk in winter too! Snowshoes are shaped to adapt to the walker's natural movement. Snowshoe hiking is barely harder than a summer walk — especially on well-marked paths. It's only when you leave the trails and find yourself in deep snow that the wider range of movement makes things more demanding. But in most cases, the difficulty is much the same.
It's better to rent your kit than buy it
When you're trying out snowshoe hiking for the first time, renting your gear makes sense. But once you start going regularly, it's better to buy your own snowshoes. Financially, it works out more cost-effective. From an ergonomic standpoint, you can also choose a pair suited to your size and invest in quality kit — solid enough to last for many years.You can snowshoe without poles
Poles are the walker's essential balancing tool on snow! Uneven terrain is far easier to handle with poles. And on the way down, they're even more valuable. Think of poles as two extra legs that take the strain during effort and help you find your balance. Choose good hiking poles to make progress more easily.
Just buy the cheapest snowshoes!
That would almost certainly be a mistake — and any saving would be short-lived. Out on the terrain, the comfort and durability of slightly more expensive kit is incomparable. You don't need to go high-tech and ultra-pricey, but it's worth investing in decent gear with a good price-to-quality ratio — just don't go so low on price that quality becomes a concern.
