What is Snowshoeing?

What are "Snowshoes"?

For those unfamiliar with the term it may conjure up a pair of tennis racket-like things attached to your feet. In fact , snowshoes are very modern and are easy to use. A "binding" system attaches them to your boots. They are very easy to adjust to your boots and once attached are secure and comfortable. You don't need special boots; a pair of good walking boots is ideal with a gaiter or a pair of trousers with a "snow cuff" the ideal companion.

The idea of the snowshoe is to spread your weight out so you don't sink into the snow; or at least not nearly so much. The binding can either hold your heel down or it can be released so that your foot pivots under the ball of your foot. After a few minutes you will feel totally at ease. Going up hill is made easier with the use of the "heel lift" feature which means there's less strain on your calf muscle. Grip is provided by small metal spikes under the snowshoe that will stop you slipping on harder snow or patches of ice. At the front of the snowshoe there are spikes that provide more grip when going up slopes.