Come Snowshoe Bald Mountain this winter!

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How To Snowshoe

Snowshoeing s a great way to begin a new outdoor recreational activity this winter. Our local ski shop will advise which type of snow shoe is right for you. Snowshoes, or “Webs” are simply footwear designed for walking over snow by distributing a person’s weight over a large surface of the snow.

Choosing your Snowshoe

The traditional snowshoe, made of hardwood frames and rawhide lacing, are rarely used these days (other than for decorative purposes. Today there are three basic types of snowshoes, those for aerobic/running (and not meant for back country hiking), recreational (for gentle and moderate walks of 3-5 miles) and a mountaineering model – larger and meant for serious hill-climbing and off-trail work. Those of you with larger frames should chose larger snowshoes, which are best for anyone planning regular treks in deep powder. Traditionally, for every pound of body weight there should be one square inch of snowshoe surface. Remember to consider the weight of any backpacking gear you will be carrying..

Bindings

The traditional wooden snowshoes, still worn by purists, employed an “H” binding consisting of a strap around the heel – which crossed a strap around the toe and instep. Today’s modern “webs” have two styles of bindings: one allows the toe to go below the binding itself, and the other, called a “Free Rotation” binding, which does. The heel is always left free. Racers prefer to style allowing the toe to go below the binding; climbers enjoy the latter style. Most important is the ease with which one can manipulate the bindings and straps. In order to avoid stepping on the straps, the loose ends of the straps are always placed on the outside.

Accessories

Either trekking poles or ski poles are popular with snow shoe enthusiasts. Most types of footwear work with snow shoes, racers tend to employ their running shoes, but most wear hiking boots. Ski boots are not recommended. Gaters (tall leg covers) are often used for deep snow. These cover ones hiking boots and prevent snow from getting into their boots from above. Dress in layers, and carry a backback with high carb food, water, maps, matches, and we suggest, first aid supplies for emergencies. Verizon cell phones work from some area hiking places. Service is very good on the trail up nearby Bald Mountain.

Putting on Snowshoes

Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is sufficient snow, but best at depths of 8 inches or more. The left is shoe is distinguished from the right by the way the loose ends of the straps point. These loose ends always should point outward in order to stop the showshoe enthusiast from stepping on them.

Walking In Snowshoes
Although often said that if one can walk, one can snowshoe, those new to the sport may find the learning curve quite steep. It is important to remember to lift the shoes slightly and walk in an exaggerated stride, especially with larger or the traditional showshoes. Try to avoid an exhausting “straddle-style” of walking, with legs wider-apart then normal , by overlapping the inner edges of the snowshoes. Turns are best done by making a mall semicircle. If space is tight, use your trekking poles for balance. Lift one foot higher than the snow surface and plant it at a 180 degree angle and parallen to the other shoe, as close to it as possible. Quickly repeat the action with the other foot. Remember, most pratfalls are more humiliating then painful, and snowshoeing is one of the safest of winter activities.

Breaking Trail
Breaking trail takes over 50% more energy! It is recommended that it be done in groups, but should you traverse a new path alone, it is recommended that one employs a method called “stamping”. Pause before placing ones full weight on the foot. This allows the snow to compress between one’s foot, and helps pack down the trail for the next snowshoer. A well-broken trail has 6-8 inches of packed snow and is about 2 foot wide. When people walk the trail WITHOUT snowshoes, “postholing” occurs, where boots foll through the packed surface. This can ruin the path for future snowshoers and is best avoided

Climbing In Snowshoes
Many hikers prefer climbing in the winter in snowshoes, as the cleats and tracking on snowshoes make it easier to climb uphill! On steep slopes, employ a “kick-step”. Kick the toe of your shoe into the snow, making a kind of snow “stair”… or walk in a slight herringbone pattern, spreading the shoes outward at an angle. Sidestepping can also be employed.

The Dissent
Nothing beats the joy of using what is often called a “glissade” when returning downhill. It’s a great way to rest one’s leg muscles and speed up your return to the Inn for a hot toddy of mulled cider or hot chocolate! Simple slide downhill on your buttocks! Use a couple of methods to control your speed. Keep one’s arms and poles close to the body, and use your snowshoes and body language to direct your desent. One can also “step slide” using an exaggerated step with a slight slide.

Conclusion
For more information on this popular Adirondack sport, we recommend an article posted by well-known Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman II, entitled “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.”