With all the snow this winter it has been difficult for commuters across the region. Slipping down hills, sliding sideways across the road, and getting stuck in snow banks have seemed liked weekly occurrences in the snowy weather. If any more fluffy white stuff falls from the heavens it may be time to ditch the wheels and strap on some snowshoes!
While they may not be practical for a morning commute, snowshoeing is a fun recreational activity and can provide a great workout. Used by indigenous people of North America for centuries before European colonization, traditional snowshoes were crafted from hardwood frames and rawhide strips weaved in a tight pattern. Depending on the area of use, traditional snowshoes varied in shape and length, ranging from 18 inches up to six feet. Today, modern snowshoes have evolved to use more durable manufactured materials such as light-weight metals, synthetic fabrics, and plastics.
Snowshoes work by extending the surface area of the foot. They work best with ample amounts of snow, typically with eight or more inches of snow on the ground. With each step snowshoes compress a layer of snow between the bottom of the shoe and the ground to form a hard, even surface. The process of packing snow on a trail of fresh-fallen snow, known as “breaking trail,” can be quite strenuous for a new snowshoers and is best completed by working in groups to rotate out the leader to properly break the trail. Contrary to popular belief snowshoes do not make it easier to climb steep grades or icy paths. For these types of terrain you need crampons – sharp metal spikes that attach to boots to aid in ice climbing. Snowshoes work best on slow and gradual inclines and declines – think of a snowed-over golf course or easy hiking trail as the best track.
When selecting a set of snowshoes you must first decide in what type of snowshoeing you’ll partake. Recreational snowshoeing, for those who want to simply explore rolling terrains, uses a snowshoe with a wide, rounded tail for floatation and typically carries simple bindings and moderate crampons. Trek snowshoes are similar in style to recreational snowshoes but feature more of a tapered tail to allow for faster movement along a trail. Backcountry snowshoes, optimal for campers and ice fishers, have a much wider frame intended to pack down loose powder. These shoes are also fit with more aggressive crampons to better adhere to icy patches. Lastly, race snowshoes, designed with the serious athlete in mind, are shorter in length and taper significantly at the tail to provide a streamlined step. Racers typically travel only on groomed or packed trails and require less flotation that recreational or backcountry snowshoers. For women snowshoe enthusiasts, manufacturers often create special snowshoes with slimmer frames to match a woman’s body shape and stride better than normal snowshoes.
After you’ve determined your type of snowshoe, it’s time to select size. The size of your snowshoe is determined by your weight, not the size of your foot. A larger surface area is necessary to support higher body weight, so no lying on this one! Modern snowshoes range in length from about 20 inches up to 36 inches. For those under 160 pounds, a 20- to 22-inch snowshoe will work best. Those up to 200 pounds should try a 25- to 26-inch shoe while a 30-inch shoe is optimal for those over 200 pounds. When considering your size – especially if you fall in between standard sizes and weights – opt for a smaller snowshoe to provide more maneuverability.
Whether you’re looking to keep in shape for the winter, find an easier way to hike up the ski slopes or just explore the wintry terrain around you, snowshoeing can be an inexpensive and exhilarating activity to keep you active all winter long. And it sure beats sliding down Route 9!
