Snowshoeing has never been more popular. The ultimate contemplative activity, it lets you escape the bustle of ski resorts and rediscover the silence of wide open spaces. That said, walking in powder snow is not something you can entirely improvise. To turn your first outing into a memorable experience, it's essential to understand the mechanics of the sport and choose the right gear.
A millennia-old invention in the service of freedom
The practice of snowshoeing dates back between 4,000 and 6,000 years. Originally, it was a survival necessity for the hunter-gatherer peoples of Central Asia and North America. Crafted from wooden frames and woven caribou or moose leather, these snowshoes had one single purpose: to increase the contact surface with the ground. This is the physical principle of buoyancy: by distributing body weight over a larger 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.
- Round toe: highly manoeuvrable, it's the standard choice for mountainous and hilly terrain.
- The bear paw: short and wide, perfect for weaving 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 the deck: The frame defines the robustness of the equipment, while the deck provides the flotation. One crucial point: the choice of size depends directly on your total weight, including your body and your loaded pack. The more weight you carry, the larger the deck needs to be to keep you on top of fresh snow.
The crampon and spike system: Hidden beneath the snowshoe are steel points. The front crampon, positioned under the toes, is your main ally for biting into hard snow on ascents. The lateral spikes prevent you from sliding on traverse sections.
Innovation: Hybrid models now exist, such as those from the brand EVVO, manufactured in France. With their outsole developed in partnership with Michelin, they offer a flexibility close to that of a classic walking shoe. They are perfect for leisure hiking on groomed snow, though their grip is more limited on hard ice compared to traditional crampon models.
Walking technique: the two key adjustments
Walking with snowshoes takes a short adjustment period as your feet are naturally set wider apart. To conserve your energy, keep these two reflexes in mind:
Free the heel for a natural stride: All snowshoes have a heel clip at the back that locks the heel in place. This lock should only be used in rare cases, such as walking backwards. 95% of the time, you should leave the heel free. This allows a smooth foot roll and avoids having to lift the full weight of the snowshoe with every step.
Using the heel lift: This is the small pivoting bar located under the heel. As soon as the slope steepens, engage it. It keeps your foot in a more horizontal position despite the incline. The effect is immediate: tension in your calves drops dramatically, allowing you to climb steep slopes with far less fatigue.
Choosing your shoes: the foundation of your comfort
The choice of your shoes is just as important as that of your snowshoes and your clothing. Since the snowshoe widens your base, it creates greater leverage on your joints.
High-cut boots for ankle support: Always go for high-cut hiking shoes. They stabilise the joint during lateral movements and allow you to steer the snowshoe with precision, especially on technical sections.
Waterproofing: Snow melts when it comes into 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 your toes.
| Shoe type | Suitable for 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. |
| Soft après-ski boots | NO | Too much ankle freedom, high risk of injury (twisting) and of the shoe coming loose. |
| Trail shoes | TO AVOID | Wet feet guaranteed, no protection against the cold and ankle too exposed. |
Accessories: poles and gaiters
To complete your kit, don't overlook these two key allies. Hiking poles are vital for balance and must be fitted with wide winter baskets to prevent them from sinking into the snow. Gaiters, meanwhile, bridge the gap between your shoe and your trousers to keep snow out, even when you're wading through knee-deep powder.
Preparing 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, maximum vigilance is required. Always check the Avalanche Risk Forecast (ARF).
As soon as you leave secured areas, the safety trio is essential: the avalanche transceiver (DVA), the shovel and the probe. Finally, remember that wildlife is in survival mode during winter; stay on marked paths to avoid stressing animals whose energy is precious at this time of year.
Hiring a certified mountain guide for your first outing remains an excellent investment. They will teach you the subtleties of snow conditions and turn your walk into a genuine discovery of the mountain ecosystem.
