The Best Snowshoes

Wintertime sports gear tends to focus on ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. But there’s another fun sport that can easily be overlooked. Snowshoeing is a form of hiking that takes people from standard hiking trails to trails covered in snow.

But planning a hike on snow-covered trails requires a few extra safety precautions. You’ll need to stock up on the right gear, along with checking weather conditions before you go. Avalanches can be deadly, so it’s important to monitor reports at the Northwest Avalanche Center for any warnings for the area before you set out.

In addition to a good pair of ski poles for stability and a backpack with water and other essentials, you’ll need to be dressed for your adventure. Dress in layers, incorporating materials that both insulate for warmth and repel water to keep you dry. These layers will allow you to take items off if you start to sweat throughout the day.

But the most important thing when you’re trudging through snowy paths is the right pair of shoes. Snowshoes are designed to slice through snow to help clear your path as you walk. They attach to your boots to serve as long soles. Snowshoes have been around for centuries, but modern versions are more lightweight than their earlier counterparts to keep them both affordable and reduce your load when walking long distances.

There are a couple of extra-valuable features in any pair of snowshoes. Floatage is a word you’ll see often. This simply describes the interaction between the shoe and the snow. A properly designed snowshoe will keep you from sinking too far in the snow, essentially allowing you to “float” over part of its surface.

Another feature is a heel riser. This keeps the heel slightly elevated to give you support as you’re dealing with inclined surfaces. If you’re taking a hike through the mountains, this can dramatically reduce the work you have to put in with each step, allowing you to move farther without becoming overly fatigued.

• Snowshoes have a capacity limit. Make sure your chosen set can handle your weight along with the weight of your boots and your pack.
• Some snowshoes come with adjustable straps that can help you find that perfect fit.
• Good snowshoes provide durability while still keeping things light. Many are built using a lightweight aluminum that’s built to last.
• Grip teeth are an essential part of most snowshoes. They offer the traction you need when you’re moving over slick surfaces.
• Getting your snowshoes on and off can be challenging. Look for one with an easy-snap buckle that you can operate even when your fingers are ice cold.
• Some snowshoes have a built-in heel riser to help with those inclines. That’s especially important if you plan to hike through the mountains.
• You’ll need a carrying bag to store your snowshoes in. Some come with a carrying case to help with this. It can come in handy to keep your snowshoes separate from the other items in your backpack or travel luggage.
• You’ll also need poles if you want help with balance while you’re trudging through the snow. Some snowshoes come with poles, but you might prefer to shop for your own. Then you can buy exactly what you need.
• Snowshoes have a limit on the weight they can handle. Keep in mind you’re not just checking the capacity of your own body, but also the gear you’ll be carrying in your backpack and the weight of your snow boots.
• Some snowshoes have foam built in for extra comfort. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure the foam air dries when you come back from your hike.