Snowshoeing is enjoying unprecedented popularity. The ultimate contemplative outdoor pursuit, it offers an escape from crowded ski resorts into the silence of vast open spaces. However, walking in deep powder is not purely intuitive. To make your first outing a success, understanding the mechanics of the sport and picking the right gear are paramount.
An ancient invention built for freedom
The use of snowshoes dates back between 4,000 and 6,000 years. Originally, they were essential to the survival of hunter-gatherers in Central Asia and North America. Made from wooden frames and woven caribou or elk hide, these snowshoes had one purpose: to increase the area in contact with the ground. This is the principle of flotation: spreading body weight over a larger area stops you sinking waist-deep with every step.
Today, shapes are optimised for specific needs and terrain:
- Beavertail: the most traditional shape, ideal for wide open flats and groomed trails.
- Swallowtail: sleek with an upturned tip, designed for speed on flat terrain.
- Round nose: highly manoeuvrable, the benchmark shape for rolling and mountainous terrain.
- Bear paw: short and wide, perfect for weaving through dense woodlands and tackling highly uneven terrain.
Snowshoe anatomy: understanding technical features
For a beginner, choosing a pair of snowshoes relies on checking several key components:
Frame and decking: The frame delivers structural strength, while the decking provides flotation. Crucial point: size selection depends directly on your total weight, including your body and fully loaded pack. The more weight you carry, the larger the surface area needed to keep you on top of fresh snow.
The claw and crampon system: Steel spikes sit beneath each snowshoe. The front claw, under your toes, provides the main grip needed to bite into hard snow on climbs. The side spikes help prevent slipping when traversing slopes.
Innovation: Today, hybrid designs exist, such as models from French brand EVVO. Featuring an outsole engineered in partnership with Michelin, they offer flexibility similar to a standard walking shoe. They are ideal for recreational hiking on packed snow, though their grip is more limited on hard ice compared to traditional crampon models.
Walking technique: the two essential adjustments
Walking on snowshoes takes a little getting used to because your stance is naturally wider. To save energy, stick to these two golden rules:
Free the heel for a natural stride: All snowshoes have a rear clip to lock the heel down. This lock should only be used in rare situations, such as stepping backwards. 95% of the time, you should leave the heel free. This enables a smooth foot roll and prevents you from lifting the full weight of the snowshoe with every step.
Use the heel lift: This is the small flip-up bar located under the heel. Engage it as soon as the slope gets steep. It keeps your foot in a more horizontal position despite the incline. The effect is immediate: calf strain drops drastically, allowing you to tackle steep slopes with far less fatigue.
Choosing footwear: the foundation of your comfort
Choosing the right boots matters just as much as choosing your snowshoes and clothing. Because snowshoes widen your stance, they put greater leverage on your joints.
High-cut boots for ankle support: Always choose high-cut hiking boots. They stabilise your ankles during sideways movements and help you steer your snowshoes precisely, especially on technical sections.
Waterproofness: Snow melts on contact with foot heat. Footwear with a waterproof-breathable membrane is essential to stay dry. Make sure the tongue features a gusset to prevent snow from creeping in over your toes.
| Footwear type | Suitable for snowshoeing? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Winter hiking boots | IDEAL | Optimal ankle support, dedicated thermal insulation, and guaranteed waterproofness. |
| Summer hiking shoes | YES (if waterproof) | Good technical support, but beware of the cold if the membrane is too thin. |
| Soft snow boots | NO | Too much ankle movement, high risk of injury (twists) and binding slippage. |
| Trail running shoes | AVOID | Guaranteed wet feet, no thermal protection, and ankles left completely exposed. |
Accessories: poles and gaiters
To complete your kit, don’t overlook these two essentials. Hiking poles are vital for balance and need wide winter baskets to stop them sinking into the snow. Gaiters seal the gap between your boots and trousers to keep snow out, even when you’re wading through knee-deep powder.
Preparing your outing: balancing safety and wildlife protection
For your first outings, stick to the marked, secure trails of Nordic ski areas. If you feel the call of the backcountry, extreme vigilance is required. Always check the Avalanche Danger Bulletin.
As soon as you leave secured areas, the safety trio is non-negotiable: an avalanche transceiver (DVA), shovel, and probe. Finally, remember that wildlife is in survival mode during winter; stick to designated trails to avoid stressing animals whose energy is precious at this time of year.
Hiring a mountain guide for your first outing is a great investment. They will teach you the subtleties of snow conditions and turn your walk into a true discovery of the mountain ecosystem.
