Snowshoes

Snowshoes are the ultimate “MUST HAVE” pieces of equipment. There are many different manufacturers and each manufacturer makes several types of snowshoe. Before you think about snowshoeing, know the basics of snowshoe construction.

Snowshoe Construction

All snowshoes are made from a few basic components.

• Frame - The frame is the outer rim of the snowshoe and is usually made of aluminum. It provides strength. The shapes are variable. Some are pointed in the rear and some are rounded. The snowshoes with a pointed tail allow smaller snowshoers to stride more normally.
• Deck - The deck is the material stretched across the frame. It is usually made of a synthetic material. It provides “flotation”, allowing the snowshoe to ride close to the top of the snow. There is a large hole in the deck where the toe of your boot can rotate downward on a pivot point.

**Some snowshoes have a uni-frame frame and deck made all of the same composite material. They are often lighter weight and have more aggressive traction devices under the snowshoe which make going across a slope more secure.

• Binding - The binding is the device that holds your boot onto the snowshoe. It is the single most important part of a snowshoe that makes snowshoeing comfortable and efficient. There are several types of bindings from simple straps to ratchets. Any binding should adjust easily to your boot and secure it firmly.
• Pivot - The pivot is just ahead of the front crampon. It allows the binding to rotate from the decking so that you can walk normally in your snowshoe.
• Crampons - These are claw-shaped metal devices under the deck of the snowshoe that increase traction. Look underneath the snowshoe. There should be a claw that is directly under the ball of your foot and one under your heel at a minimum. Some models of snowshoes also have lateral spines along the edges which enhance stability and traction on sidehill terrain.

Extra Features

Some snowshoes can be fitted with “tails” as an additional option. This allows you to buy a smaller (shorter) snowshoe which will be lighter and more maneuverable, but will have less flotation. For conditions when additional flotation is desired, an extender (tail) can be attached to the rear of the snowshoe and removed when not needed.

Another additional feature is heel lifts, which are metal flanges which rest flush with the deck under your heel. When climbing steep slopes, you can flip up the heel lift to allow your foot to rest in a more comfortable position. Heel lifts will also improve traction on steep slopes. Heel lifts are not add-ons typically. If you desire this feature, you must buy a snowshoe model that already has them installed.

BINDINGS. BINDINGS. BINDINGS.

Bindings are the critical component of a snowshoe. Whether renting or buying snowshoes, make sure you have one with a binding that is right for you!

When making your decision about which binding is best, consider the following questions:

Can you operate it easily for quickly getting your boots into and out of the bindings?

Does it hold your boot firmly in place on straight-aways and on hills?

Can the binding be repaired in the field?

ARE YOU READY? MAKING THE PURCHASE.

What Style of Snowshoe to Buy

Snowshoes are made for different types of terrain. The simplest and most basic snowshoe is made for mostly gentle terrain and trails that have been packed.

**This is the most common type of snowshoe and will be very adequate for the snowshoe trips encountered with our group.

A slightly more aggressive snowshoe is made for mountaineering in steep, rugged terrain with more extreme conditions of icy or deep snow. It is larger and has serious traction devices and heavy duty bindings.

Another specialty snowshoe is the running snowshoe made for packed surfaces and fast pace. It is much shorter than any other style and has minimal flotation.

What Size Snowshoe to Buy

What size snowshoe you buy or rent is determined by your weight and type of snow you will be encountering. Each manufacturer has a size/weight table for their snowshoes. But the table is just a recommendation. Also consider what type of snowshoeing you will be doing. If you will be mainly on packed trails on easy terrain, a shorter snowshoe will be easier and lighter to maneuver. If you will be mountaineering and carrying heavy gear, you should consider a longer snowshoe that provides more flotation.

**For trips with our group, if you are between snowshoe sizes, a shorter snowshoe will be very adequate.

Also if you are a small person, you might consider a model made for women. These models will be shorter, narrower, and have bindings that accommodate small boots. Also, models with a pointed tail may allow you to stride more comfortably.

How to adjust your snowshoe bindings to your boot

From the comfort of your home, fit your boot to the bindings. Wearing your boot, stand on the snowshoe and put your foot in the binding. The toe of your boot should be able to rotate freely into the hole in the decking with at least one inch clearance. The crampon should be directly under the ball of your foot. You may have to adjust the heel strap to ensure proper placement of your foot backwards or forwards.

The other part of the binding will cradle the toe box of your boot and ensure your foot stays straight and secure to the snowshoe.

Practice putting on and taking off your snowshoes until you are comfortable that you can operate the bindings easily and that your boots feel secure on the snowshoes.

FAQ

Is there a men’s and women’s snowshoe?

Most snowshoes are unisex. But some manufacturers make a women’s model. These snowshoes are shorter and narrower for people with small stature. The bindings accommodate small boot sizes.

Is there a right and left snowshoe?

Some snowshoes do have a right and a left. If so, that is marked on the snowshoe. Most models can be worn on either foot, but it is a general convention to put buckles or loops on the outside. This helps prevent accidental snagging during snowshoeing which could cause you to fall.

How should I store my snowshoes?

In between trips brush off the snow and allow the snowshoe to air dry. At the end of the season you might spray the underside of your snowshoe with a general purpose silicone lubricant. Let it dry before storing.

How do I keep snow from sticking to the bottom of my snowshoe?

Snow that has been warmed by the sun may melt under the pressure of your snowshoe and then refreeze into an uncomfortable and heavy ball on the underside of your snowshoe. Spraying the underside of your snowshoe with a general purpose silicone lubricant will reduce the chances of this happening. The spray works best if applied before the trip and allowed to dry before using.