Snowshoeing essentials for beginners By Craig Macartney
IF YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN SNOWSHOE.
All it takes is a little time to get used to having bigger ‘feet.’ Here’s the most important rule: move slowly until you increase skill level. These four pointers will keep you out of trouble.
Walking forward in snowshoes is easy. Start by lifting your snowshoe upwards (slightly higher than normal walking) as you take a long step. The back of the snowshoe will drag behind; that’s normal. By lifting your feet higher than normal, you’ll prevent one snowshoe from clattering down on the side of the other.
2. TURNING Turning is a bit more difficult. You need to be careful not to step one snowshoe on top of the other. There are two ways to turn. If you have lots of space, walk in a wide semi circle. When you gain confidence and skill, make the semi circle smaller and small. However this method won’t always work in close quarters (e.g. a thick forest) or on a slope. To make an abrupt turn, lift one foot slowly and rotate it 90 degrees in the direction you want to go. (Be careful that your two snowshoes don’t overlap or you’ll take a tumble!) Now shift your weight onto your newly moved snowshoe, and follow through by planting the other snowshoe slowly beside it.
3. GOING UPHILL Ski poles can help a lot when climbing hills. When tackling gentle slopes, plant one pole ahead and to one side of the trail as you step forward, as on flat ground. 03 | OTTAWAOUTDOORS
Your second pole can offer balance from behind. When walking up steeper hills, you can choose several methods: traveling in a zigzag route, walking in a herringbone pattern (with your feet pointing 45 degrees out from each other, offering more grip), or simply sidestepping up a steep hill. Be careful when you lift your feet! Be sure your toes are clear of the snow or you might trip forward.
4. GOING DOWNHILL If you found ski poles helpful for climbing a hill, you’ll love them for going down. They offer increased balance and enjoyment, helping confidence levels. With gentle downward slopes, keep your poles slightly ahead and to the side. Walk forward slow, maintaining your balance. Watch for any ice on the trail that might cause your snowshoes to start sliding – usually a problem only on steep hills. If you’re descending a steep trail that has already been broken, the easiest way is to sit down and slide on your backside – a method known as “glissading.” Contrary to what many think, this does not damage the trail. In fact, it packs the snow down more for others coming behind. What if you fall? No sweat! Taking a tumble into fluffy snow is like landing on HOME
giant marshmallows. It’s fun! Getting up might prove a bit more challenging, but use your poles for leverage when getting up. Be careful that you don’t bend them. Snowshoeing is a great adventure! Enjoy the winter fun.
MAL DE RAQUETTE ALERT! Snowshoers beware. Over-exerting yourself can lead to painful soreness in your legs and ankles – a condition voyageurs called “mal de raquette.” These cramps result from overworking calf and/or thigh muscles that are unused to vigorous exercise. Luckily, mal de raquette is easy to avoid. Just start slowly. Perhaps stretch a bit before putting on the snowshoes. Moderation can save you a lot of trouble down the road. If your legs start to cramp, stop and message the sore muscles. Then head for the chalet and a warm mug of hot chocolate.
PHOTO CREDIT: VERNONWILEY-ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
1. FORWARD MOVEMENT
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