Snowshoeing: First Steps

Snowshoes have carried me throughout the backcountry for many years. The lure of quiet solitude draws me. There's beauty in the snow hanging heavy on trees after a storm. I love the ability to easily follow animal tracks, watch clouds gather, feel the wind on my cheeks or gaze from high vantage points overlooking the mountains and valleys. For virtually anyone, snowshoeing offers the freedom to explore the wilderness.

Why Go Snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing is the original snowsport. What started thousands of years ago as a mode of transportation has evolved into a popular winter activity for recreation and fitness. Here's why:

It's fun: Snowshoeing extends your hiking, climbing or running season into winter. It appeals to anyone who wants to enjoy nature in winter. Plus, snowshoeing can be a social activity. Kids and adults, beginners and seasoned veterans alike, can all enjoy the sport together.

It's easy: As the saying goes, "If you can walk, you can snowshoe!" The learning curve is much shorter than that of skiing or snowboarding. Since snowshoes offer more control, a beginner can venture sooner onto steeper terrain than he or she could with a board or skis. Several techniques do need to be practiced, such as widening your stance (to avoid stepping on the snowshoe frames), going up and down hills, traversing and switchbacking, and pole usage.

It's inexpensive: Snowshoeing is not likely to break your budget. Required gear includes the snowshoes themselves, appropriate footwear and clothing, and (usually) a pair of poles. That's it! No lift ticket is required.

It's a good workout: Snowshoeing offers low-impact, aerobic exercise and is a great way to stay in shape during the winter.

It's versatile: Snowshoeing can be as gentle or as adventurous as you'd like. Keep in mind that you can snowshoe many trails that you can't ski due to trees or low-snow conditions.

Types of Snowshoes

While snowshoe styles are pretty versatile, manufacturers divide them into 3 activity categories to help you get the best performance and value.

Recreational: These all-around models are for the snowshoer who wants to hike on trails or stroll around a nearby park or open space. They include entry-level models and offer good value. They have easy-to-adjust bindings and their traction systems or crampons are designed for gentle to rolling terrain. Running-specific models also fall into this category.

Adventure: Designed with a bit more aggressive crampons and beefier bindings, these styles are a step up from entry level and do well when taken off the beaten track. They can handle all but very steep or icy conditions.

Backcountry: These styles are made to withstand harsh conditions and terrain. Dedicated snowshoers choose these to blaze trails for day hiking, winter summiting, backpacking or backcountry snowboarding. Often outfitted with snowboard-type bindings or climbing crampons, these models excel on steep ascents and uneven or icy ground.

For details about snowshoe shopping, read our How to Choose Snowshoes article.

What to Wear

As an instructor for the REI Outdoor School, I always recommend suitable boots and moisture-wicking clothing layers for snowshoeing. Your goal, after all, is to stay dry, warm and comfortable. Here are some suggestions.

Footwear

Your footwear should match your snowshoeing style, whether it's walking, backpacking, climbing or running. Some tips:

• Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They are made with a thick sole, rubber/leather uppers and insulation inside.
• Leather hiking boots work well, especially if they are waterproof.
• Some people use plastic mountaineering boots, which work fine but certainly aren't necessary for snowshoeing.
• Trail-running snowshoes are designed to be worn with lightweight running shoes or cross-trainers for mild-weather training.
• Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet.
• Gaiters keep snow out of your boots and keep your feet dry—these are most helpful in deep backcountry snow. Consider a knee-high style made with waterproof/breathable fabric.

Clothing

Choose layers that can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.

• Base layer: Synthetics and wool offer heat retention when wet. Wear long underwear that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dry quickly. Choose microlight, lightweight or midweight versions based on your comfort in cold weather. A zippered top is nice because it lets you regulate body heat as you stop and go. Recommended: Wool (from SmartWool, Ibex or Icebreaker), REI MTS underwear, Patagonia Capilene underwear, UnderArmor ColdGear.
• Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
• Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind. Recommended: Shells made of eVent, Gore-Tex or REI Elements fabrications.

Hat, Gloves and Accessories

Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.

• A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
• Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. On cold days, combine shells with fleece mittens or gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
• See our complete snowshoeing day hiking checklist .

Snowshoeing Techniques

Getting Started

As noted above, if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Walking on flat or rolling ground is fairly intuitive when you first start out. That's what makes snowshoeing so inviting to beginners. Most snowshoes have simple "strap and go" bindings that fit a wide range of boot styles and sizes. Your stance will be wider than normal when you're on snowshoes (in order to keep from stepping on the insides of the frames), so you may feel your hips and groin muscles ache after the first few times out.

Trail Etiquette

Backcountry travel means you will more than likely be sharing the trail with skiers. Try to make your own trail whenever possible, staying out of the tracks skiers have worked so hard to set. Skiers have the right-of-way on the trail system, since it's easier for a snowshoer to step off the trail safely than it is for a skier to stop or go around. Always be polite to the folks you meet along the trail.

Going Uphill

As you ascend hills, you will start to use your toe or instep crampons for traction. Always place your feet firmly on snow, poles in front of you. Several techniques can come into play depending on the conditions.

• In powdery snow, use the kick-step technique. Pick up your foot and literally kick into the snow with the toe of your boot to create a step. Your snowshoes will be on the angle of the slope, with the tails hanging downhill behind you and the toes above your boots. This plants the crampons or cleats into the snow, directly under the balls of your feet. If conditions are such that a kick-step ends up just creating a deep hole in the snow, then look for a different route.
• On crusty, hardpack snow, you probably won't be able to kick step. Instead, you'll be relying on your traction devices (claws) and poles. Walk up the slope, but if it's too steep try to find an easier traversing route.
• On moderate to steep slopes, flip up the heel lift feature (also known as a climbing bar or Televator) found under the heel on many snowshoes. This puts your leg in a more comfortable position for long ascents.

Going Downhill

On descents, keep your poles planted in front of you, knees bent and relaxed, and your body weight slightly back. Walk smoothly and plant heel first, then toe. A few considerations:

• Your instinct will be to lean back on the snowshoe tails. This reaction works well on models with angled crampons built into the heel, which are designed to dig in as you descend.
• When wearing snowshoes without heel crampons, you'll need to keep your weight over your feet, so your toe crampons will be planted firmly. Poles can provide a great deal more balance and control as you descend.
• Avoid overswinging your leg as this can cause your tails to flip out in front of you. If the slope steepens, be sure to keep your weight back. If you slip, just sit down.

Traversing

Traversing or "side-hilling" is a common method of travel and can be used to avoid overly steep or difficult terrain. Keeping your balance is key.

• Push the uphill side of each snowshoe into the slope to create a shelf as you move along. Keep your weight on the uphill snowshoe.
• If possible, walk in the steps made by the person in front of you.
• Use your poles. Extend the downhill pole and shorten the uphill pole until they're even.

Using Poles

Poles are perhaps optional on flat terrain, but on most snowshoeing trips they really come in handy. They not only give you better balance, they also allow your upper body to get a workout.

• Adjustable poles are best. They can be shortened for uphill travel, lengthened for descending. And when crossing slopes, one can be extended for the downhill side and the other shortened for the uphill side.
• Pole length should be adjusted so your arm is bent at a right angle. Flip your pole upside-down and grab the pole just under the basket. Adjust the length until your elbow is at a right angle.
• Pole straps are used properly when you put your hand up through the strap from below. This allows you to rely on the straps alone at times to give your hands a brief rest.

Getting Yourself Back Up

If doesn't happen a lot, but you can fall down when snowshoeing. This occurs most often on descents. When you feel yourself starting to fall, try to lie back or on your side. To get back up, take your pole straps off and move your poles and hands so they are sideways to the hill. Roll your body to get your knees underneath you and pointed towards the slope. Use your poles as a brace to help you stand up.

Using an Ice Axe (Self-Belay, Self-Arrest)

For steep, mountainous terrain, an ice axe is an essential piece of snowshoeing gear. Self-belay involves planting the shaft of the axe into the snow to guard against falling in the first place. If you should slip and fall, the self-arrest technique is used to stop you before you slide too far. Proper instruction and practice are necessary to learn these techniques.

Safety Tips

The key to safe snowshoeing is staying within the limits set by your physical abilities, the environment and your equipment. If you're new to snowshoeing, stay on established trails at first. Many ski areas have cross-country ski trails that snowshoers can share. (Just be sure to follow trail etiquette and stay off the ski tracks.) That way, you're never too far from other people, and you're not likely to encounter avalanche hazards. In any case, make sure you come prepared with the appropriate gear (see our checklist ), including plenty of warm clothing, food, water and the Ten Essentials.

Winter Hazards

When traveling in the backcountry, there are certain hazards you need to be able to recognize. Creek crossings, changing weather, avalanche conditions, and tree or rock wells can be difficult or downright dangerous. Learn about these hazards before you go into the backcountry. It is your personal responsibility to be aware of your surroundings.

Staying Found

If you plan to venture out away from a patrolled ski area, be sure you and your companions are prepared. Carry a topographic map of the area, a compass and possibly an altimeter or a GPS to help you navigate. Know how to use them, because the backcountry in winter is not the best place to learn. In addition to the helpful navigation books you can find at REI, consider taking an REI Outdoor School class on map & compass navigation and GPS usage. Before heading out, be sure to leave your trip plans with a responsible person and let them know whom to contact in case you don't return on time.

Staying Warm and Dry

Be sure to carry extra layers for warmth, particularly an extra base layer (long underwear) top in case the one you're wearing gets wet from exertion or the weather. Know the signs of hypothermia so you can recognize them in members of your party.

Staying Hydrated

It's as important to drink during cold-weather exercise as it is in summer. Not only does water keep your muscles functioning, it also helps your body fend off hypothermia. Keep your water from freezing by using an insulating cover for your water bottle. A vacuum bottle with hot drinks will keep you hydrated and warm. And you'll make friends on the trail if you share. Link to our information on Hydration and How to Choose a Hydration System , or shop our selection of hydration items .

Staying Alive

If you plan to go into the backcountry, make sure every member of your party carries an avalanche beacon, probe and a shovel. Check snow conditions before you head out and plan your trip to avoid avalanche-prone slopes. Pay attention to signs of unstable snow and either reroute your trip or turn back if necessary. Many REI stores and other groups offer courses in winter travel and avalanche safety.

Places to Go Snowshoeing

Below are a few suggestions to get you started. REI also offers many books on where to snowshoe locally, plus you should consider local clubs or the taking a class with the REI Outdoor School.

• Cross-country ski resorts. These areas charge a fee to use their groomed trail system.
• Permit areas. Known in some states as Sno-parks, these are areas where you can park (for a fee) in a plowed location close to trails and snow-play areas.
• Any area where you hike in the summer or ski off-trail in the winter.
• National forests and state parks.
• Other mapped routes, established trails and controlled areas.

Tracking Animals in the Snow

When snowshoeing, you'll soon discover that winter is an excellent time to identify animal tracks. This is especially true right after a storm or in soft powder. While you don't often see the animals themselves, the tracking is a lot of fun.

The most intriguing tracks I ever identified were those of a porcupine. Porcupines plod through the snow making a pigeon-toed alternating track pattern. In deep snow their stiff tail quills drag along behind them, swishing back and forth. It was a real treat to find and identify those tracks. You never know what you will find in the backcountry.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to snowshoe?

A: No, not really. If you're just starting out, stick to groomed trails and packed powder conditions and you should have no trouble. If you want to venture off of those trails, then there are some techniques you should learn. Watch the snowshoeing technique videos included in this article.

Q: Will altitude affect me much?

A: For many people, oxygen deficit begins at about 5,000'. In much of the western U.S., snowshoeing is done above that elevation so you can expect to be a little out-of-breath until you acclimate. The higher you go, the longer this can take.

Q: Am I likely to fall down while snowshoeing?

A: Yes. But consider this: The first time I EVER snowshoed was in a 5K race with my entire family. My husband carried our 18-month-old son in a backpack while I pulled our 3-year-old son in a sled. I snowshoed that very first time without any lessons, in a race and alongside my family, and I didn't fall down once! I've been hooked on snowshoeing ever since.

Q: Do I need poles?

A: While not required, snowshoe or trekking poles are highly desirable for increased stability, maneuverability and working your upper body. This is especially true if you're snowshoeing on hilly or mountainous terrain.

Q: Can I go snowshoeing by myself?

A: For safety reasons, it is never advisable to hike alone—winter or otherwise.

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