Snowshoeing is enjoying unprecedented success. The ultimate contemplative activity, it lets you escape the hustle of ski resorts and rediscover the silence of wide open spaces. That said, walking in powder snow isn't something you can entirely wing. To turn your first outing into a memorable experience, it's essential to understand the mechanics of the sport and choose your equipment wisely.
A millennium-old invention in the service of freedom
The practice of snowshoeing dates back to between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. Originally, it was a survival necessity for hunter-gatherer peoples of Central Asia and North America. Crafted from wooden frames and woven caribou or elk leather, these snowshoes had one sole purpose: to increase the surface area in contact with the ground. This is the physical principle of flotation — by distributing body weight over a wider area, you avoid sinking waist-deep with every step.
Today, shapes have been optimised according to needs and terrain:
- The beaver tail: the most traditional shape, ideal for large flat expanses and groomed trails.
- The swallowtail: tapered and upturned at the front, designed for speed on flat terrain.
- The round tip: highly manoeuvrable, it's the standard for mountainous and hilly terrain.
- The bear paw: short and wide, it lets you navigate through dense undergrowth and very rugged terrain.
Anatomy of a snowshoe: understanding the technical details
For a beginner, choosing a pair of snowshoes comes down to looking at several key components:
The frame and deck: The frame defines the built-to-last quality of the equipment, while the deck ensures flotation. A crucial point: size choice depends directly on your total weight, including your body and your loaded backpack. The more weight you carry, the larger the deck needs to be to keep you on the surface of fresh snow.
The lug and crampon system: Beneath the snowshoe lie steel spikes. The front lug, located under the toes, is your main ally for biting into hard snow on the way up. The lateral spikes, meanwhile, prevent you from slipping on traverse slopes.
Innovation: Today there are hybrid models such as those from the brand EVVO, made in France. With their sole developed in partnership with Michelin, they offer a flexibility close to a classic walking shoe. They are perfect for leisure hiking on groomed snow, although their grip is more limited on sheer ice compared to traditional crampon models.
Walking technical: the two fundamental adjustments
Walking with snowshoes requires a short adaptation period, as your feet naturally need to be set wider apart. To conserve energy, keep these two reflexes in mind:
Freeing the heel for a natural stride: All snowshoes have a rear clip to lock the heel. This lock should only be used in rare cases, such as walking backwards. 95% of the time, the heel must be left free. This allows a smooth foot roll and avoids lifting the full weight of the snowshoe with every step.
Using the heel lift: This is the small hinged bar located under the heel. As soon as the slope gets steep, engage it. It keeps your foot in a more horizontal position despite the incline. The effect is immediate: tension in your calves drops drastically, allowing you to climb steep slopes with far less fatigue.
Shoe choice: the foundation of your comfort
Your choice of shoes is just as important as your choice of snowshoes and clothing. Since the snowshoe widens your base, it creates greater leverage on your joints.
High upper for your ankles: Always opt for high-upper hiking shoes. They stabilise the joint during lateral movements and allow you to direct the snowshoe with precision, especially on technical sections.
Waterproofing: Snow melts on contact with the heat of your feet. A shoe fitted with a waterproof-breathable membrane is essential to stay dry. Check that the tongue has a waterproof gusset to prevent snow from getting in over the toes.
| Shoe type | Compatible with snowshoes? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Winter hiking boots | IDEAL | Optimal ankle support, specific thermal insulation and guaranteed waterproofing. |
| Summer hiking shoes | YES (if waterproof) | Good technical support, but watch out for the cold if the membrane is too thin. |
| Flexible après-ski boots | NO | Too much ankle freedom — high risk of injury (twisting) and shoe coming off. |
| trail shoes | TO AVOID | Wet feet guaranteed, no protection against the cold and ankles left too exposed. |
Accessories: poles and gaiters
To complete your kit, don't overlook these two essentials. Hiking poles are vital for balance and must be fitted with wide winter baskets to prevent them from sinking in. Gaiters bridge the gap between shoe and trousers to stop snow getting in, even when wading through powder up to your knees.
Planning your outing: between safety and respect for wildlife
For your first outings, stick to the marked and secured routes of Nordic areas. If you feel the call of the wild, vigilance must be at its highest. Always check the Avalanche Risk Bulletin (BERA).
As soon as you leave secured zones, the safety trio is essential: the AVD (Avalanche Victim Detector), the shovel and the probe. Finally, remember that wildlife is in survival mode during winter — stay on the trails to avoid stressing animals whose energy is precious at this time of year.
Hiring a mountain guide for your first outing is an excellent investment. They will teach you the subtleties of snow and turn your walk into a genuine discovery of the mountain ecosystem.
