|
Beginning Snowshoe Technique
Novice snowshoers should begin on packed, level terrain. The initial tendency is
to walk with a wide stance and to exaggerate the lift of the snowshoe off the ground.
Try to avoid these tendencies and walk with “normal” stride width and foot lift.
The addition of poles can assist those who feel unbalanced on snowshoes. Focus on
keeping your feet relaxed, which allows the feet and ankles to adapt to variations
in the snow and reduces the fatigue associated with trying to “hold” a position
on the snow.
Some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Use a stronger arm swing for propulsion and balance.
- Slightly higher knee lift and/or a slightly wider stance.
- Slightly slower stride frequency.
Uphill Technique
On hilly terrain, the technique is much like walking. Going uphill requires a
shorter stride, kicking the toe of the shoe or boot into the hillside to engage
the front crampons and stepping up the hillside. Go uphill along the fall line of
the hill, not with a traverse. This technique takes full advantage of the crampon
design.
Using poles is helpful during climbing to add stability and distribute power between
the arms and legs. Because snowshoes have “go anywhere” capability, it is easy to
get into very aggressive terrain quickly. Be cautious when starting, especially if
you’re snowshoeing at an alpine ski area where the tendency is to tackle the
mountain on day one. Such exuberance may result in exhaustion and soreness that
could curtail your weekend or vacation plans.
|
Deep Snow Tip |
|
The leader of a group in powder snow is doing the lion’s share of the work,
breaking trail for the others. It is a good idea to alternate leaders or to
place the strongest snowshoers at the front of the group. Leaders in deep
snow should take consistent, even steps, which make it easy for others to
follow. |
|
Downhill Technique
As in climbing, snowshoeing downhill efficiently requires the use of the crampons.
By leaning back and bending the knees slightly, the rear crampons become engaged
allowing an easy, safe descent. Poles can also be used to add balance and control
on the downhills. If you’re looking for a challenge, try running downhill while
maintaining a quick turnover and a posture nearly perpendicular to the slope of
the hill.
Traversing Technique
When traversing a slope, you can use two techniques. If the snow is soft, the uphill
edge of the snowshoe can be “edged” into the hill, creating a flat platform. To make
sure the snowshoe is edged properly, swing the heel hard into the uphill side so
that the snowshoe points slightly downward, and the crampons are engaged
properly.
On hard, packed snow the snowshoe will not edge into the snow; therefore, it is best
to angle the snowshoe upward or downward about 60 degrees and use a cross step to
traverse. The choice of pointing the snowshoe up or down will depend on the pitch of
the hill. On moderate grades, pointing down works well; when the grade increases,
use the uphill technique.
Deep Snow Technique
The first realization most snowshoers have when going into untracked snow is that
they sink into the snow to varying degrees. For some, this is a disappointment as
they expect to “walk on water.”
Depending on snow depth, trekking in powder snow is hard work, and a moderate pace
is essential. A snowshoe with a rotating toe cord makes a trip in powder snow more
efficient as the snowshoe will unload the snow that accumulates on the back of the
decking when the foot is lifted to take another step. The basic technique requires
more lift of the feet depending on the degree of penetration into the snow.
|
|
Downhill Exhaustion |
A note of caution: Snowshoeing downhill requires significant eccentric quadriceps
muscle contractions, as in downhill hiking, which can cause delayed onset
muscle soreness (DOMS). Although there is no reduction in muscle performance,
there is a reduced voluntary range of motion and considerable
discomfort.
If you are on a vacation that includes alpine skiing and other activities,
snowshoe excursions having a long downhill element are not recommended,
especially as a first outing.
Below are some guidelines for running:
- A stronger arm swing for propulsion and balance.
- Somewhat lower knee lift.
- Less emphasis on toe push-off.
- Slower stride frequency.
- Less vertical motion.
- Slight spreading of feet further apart.
|
|
|
