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Snowshoeing essentials for beginners

Snowshoeing essentials for beginners

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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.

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1. FORWARD MOVEMENT

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.

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

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 yourlegs and ankles – a conditionvoyageurs called “mal deraquette.” These cramps resultfrom overworking calf and/orthigh muscles that are unusedto vigorous exercise.Luckily, mal de raquette is

easy to avoid. Just start slowly.Perhaps stretch a bit beforeputting on the snowshoes.Moderation can save you a lotof trouble down the road. Ifyour legs start to cramp, stopand message the sore muscles.Then head for the chalet and awarm mug of hot chocolate.PHOTO CREDIT: VERNONWILEY-ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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