Snow Shoes

After all, it´s the perfect winter sport for everybody who likes to be outdoors in winter as well. Everyone can do it, no matter if young or old – in shape or rather not. Snow shoe hiking is, in fact, like actual hiking, all but this hibernal version taking place in snow. You don´t even need a special kind of technique. There are no protracted courses or complex techniques which instantly kill the beginners´ delight. And that very delight simply consists of being active in fresh air, enjoying snow-covered landscapes, and experiencing the freedom to go wherever you please.

Don´t stop hiking in winter – grab some snow shoes!

©Becca Skinner

No matter how generous Mother Hulda may have been, there are simply no limits to your hibernal hiking ventures. The widened area of support prevents you from sinking in too deep into the fresh snow and thus affords you to move along just smoothly. This is especially the case once you are away from stamped out (winter-) hike tracks. And, just like in classic hiking, you call the shots on the pace of your activity.

A special plus in terms of snow shoe hiking: except for snow shoes, you don´t need any special gear. Everything else, the average hiker already has anyway. Robust winter boots and poles, preferably featuring big winter baskets, is all you need and you´re already on your way. To carry a couple of gaiters may also be a good idea. This prevents your winter journey in the freshly fallen snow to end with completely soaking wet feet. Alternatively, you may simply put on your ski pants.

Snow shoe doesn´t equal snow shoe

One thing you should consider when buying snow shoes is the weight of the future owner. Due to their construction and base area, snow shoes are made for a certain weight span. You need to watch this weight span during your purchase. Based on the respective weight class, there are snow shoes for men, women, and children. Depending on the manufacturer, there are various types of “binding systems”. However, there is one thing they all have in common: they are made for the average robust winter shoes. A further differentiator is the flex. Similar to skis, there are also softer and stiffer versions in the realm of snow shoes. Mainly, this influences the walk comfort, or in other words, the depth of sinking. With us, you may choose from Tubbs and TSL snow shoes. Both brands have a boat load of experience and offer snow shoes of all imaginable skill levels, from amateurs all the way to experts.

©Römmelt

Off to any alpine terrain with snow shoes

With a certain level of experience and higher ambitions, you may also try some hibernal mountains. However, you should always watch the danger of avalanches and furthermore carry at least your tracker beacon, avalanche shovel, and avalanche probes in your backpack. Similar to touring bindings, snow shoes also have a walking mode. This comes in handy in steep terrain for a more comfortable ascent. Once the snow becomes harder, spikes at the bottom give you the grip you need.

Whoever ventures into some truly alpine terrain with snow shoes, should also think about the purchase of an avalanche airbag. However, here also, the respective equipment is only half of the story. What´s indispensable is a special avalanche know-how, or a savvy kind of handling the equipment.