Snowshoeing this winter?
A guide to what you need and why
by Lindsay Cannon
Snowshoes have come a long way since the French first referred to them as ‘racquettes’, a comment on the fact that early snowshoes looked like something you used for tennis. Today in France alone around two million people are snowshoeing on a regular basis, and sales of snowshoes keep growing. However, you will also need appropriate safety equipment and the knowledge to know where and when to go.
You can snowshoe on an immense variety of terrain, from glaciers to rolling plateaux and gentle forest trails to steep ascents of major mountains. You can do a little ‘ice bouldering’ on low rocky outcrops if you want to see just what they can do on steep or icy terrain. There is even a European Snowshoe Championship; think of orienteering in snow.
Today’s snowshoes are made of hi-tech materials and come in many shapes, sizes, and colours. If you are fashion conscious you can easily tailor your snowshoe collection to match your winter wardrobe! You can buy snow- shoes with aluminium surrounds for particularly cold climates such as Scandinavia and North America, or composite plastic models for the more temperate mountain weather in the Alps. There are also snowshoes designed especially for running in the mountains in winter. They all come with a front claw for climbing uphill, and with either studs or blades on the underside for maximum traction and grip.
Basically you need to choose a model which is designed for your weight, remembering that you may be carrying a 5-10kg rucksack as well. The snow conditions also play a part in what you choose to buy and eventually you may want two pairs: one for powder days with a larger surface flotation area, and another with a smaller surface area for crisp snow. Walking poles are also essential for balance on the ups and downs, and, of course, warm water- proof walking boots.
TSL is the main snowshoe manufacturer in France and produces a large range in both aluminium and composite plastic. Their catalogue gives full technical details for each model including body weight, boot size, shape, bindings and traction. It also considers the type of terrain they should be used in from gentle walks to adventurous ascents. I use the composite plastic Escape 305 for crisp snow, and the Escape 325 for powder as I prefer the ‘snowboard’ style ratchet binding which is easy to use and to tighten. I also find it more comfortable than any binding with a buckle strap. They cope well with a wide variety of terrain.
MSR also produce a range of snow-shoes for different conditions. The MSR Denali Ascent made from moulded plastic has had great reviews particularly for climbing firmer snow and has a buckling system that is easy to manage with gloves. This model has a long steel traction bar running the length of the shoe which bites into the snow. MSR also make shoes with aluminium frames, which in general are more expensive.
Other well known snowshoe manufacturers include Tubbs. At the cheaper end of the market Decathlon does a very good line from as little as £50. Across the makes and models prices range from £50 to several hundred pounds.
It is vital to carry appropriate safety equipment when snowshoeing. As well as specific equipment you should carry all the usual safety items such as survival bags, first aid kits, emergency phone numbers, etc. Like any mountain activity there is an element of risk, in this case from avalanches. I would stress that any route should be chosen on the basis that it is safe. The following equipment is carried but not with the intention of using it! It’s like choosing a car with an airbag rather than one without. I have no intention of having an accident but it’s good to know it’s there. Millions of people snow-shoe each winter and enjoy the mountains in safety.
Avalanche transceivers are essential safety equipment for travelling in the mountains in winter. On anything other than flat terrain with no steep slopes above you should be wearing one. Essentially, they are worn next to your base layer in a harness type system which keeps them positioned over your ‘core’. Size-wise they can easily be held in the palm of your hand. They emit a signal which allows you to be found if you should have the misfortune to be buried by snow, and also allow you to search for a signal from anyone who is buried. There is now a wide variety with both analogue and digital read outs. Each year more appear on the market ranging from about £190 to several hundred pounds. Read the reviews carefully before making a decision, and once you buy one get to know it intimately. Good search technique in a very stressful situation only comes with regular practice.
Shovels and snow probes are essential equipment for avalanche search and rescue. Each person in your group should carry both items. Research has shown that the chances of a successful search are significantly reduced if members of your group are missing these items.
Shovels range from aluminium to composite plastic. Usually it is a case of weight versus functionality. Some are available with probes stored in the handles.
Probes are used to locate anyone buried under the snow. They are basically tubular thin pole sections which can be snapped together to create a pole. By pushing them through the snowpack you can feel if you have accurately located someone before beginning to dig thus saving precious time. I prefer to pay more to get a lightweight and strong model rather than buy a heavier item.
Many people who have yet to learn the necessary safety and snow skills for travel on snowshoes choose to hire a qualified International Mountain Leader who will be trained in winter mountain travel. More information on this qualification can be gained from the British Association of Mountain Leaders. If you wish to travel on glaciated terrain you should hire a British Mountain Guide.
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Last updated 15 December 2009