Winter is here and beckons with the first snow and tempting snow-covered trails that are just waiting to be explored. And what better way to do this than with snowshoes? It's not difficult, but beginners in particular should bear a few things in mind. In addition to the right equipment, avalanche assessment and consideration for people and nature are also very important.
In order to be prepared for everything along the way and to really enjoy the hike, you should always have the following equipment with you on a snowshoe hike:
Hiking boots
Snowshoes
Hiking or ski poles with large plates
Clothing suitable for the weather
Hiking rucksack with sufficient food
Emergency equipment incl. mobile phone (first aid kit, rescue blanket, avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel, headlamp)
For snowshoe hikes, we recommend ankle-high and above all waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole. Our special winter models, such as the TIBET SUPERWARM GTX /Ws and the YUKON ICE II GTX /Ws, are particularly suitable for low temperatures. Both models offer maximum comfort, especially in sub-zero temperatures! The TIBET SUPERWARM GTX /Ws owes this to its GORE-TEX® Duratherm lining and effective PrimaLoft® insulation. The YUKON ICE II GTX /Ws, on the other hand, impresses with its GORE-TEX Partelana lining and PrimaLoft® 200 insulation.
There are now a large number of different manufacturers and models of snowshoes, but there are fewer explicit variants. Modern snowshoes intended for use in alpine terrain are made of plastic or aluminium and have spikes on the bottom of the frame. In order to have sufficient grip even in hard snow and on steep terrain, the snowshoes should also have a gripping claw on the underside of the binding at the height of the foot.
In addition to the attachment to the boot, the underside of the snowshoe is also crucial. You should pay attention here: The more alpine, steeper terrain you enter, the more pronounced the prongs on the underside should be.
The right size has nothing to do with your normal shoe size. It is much more a question of body weight: the heavier the hiker, the larger the snowshoe.
If you are unsure which model is right for you, you can test them in advance at most ski hire stations and sports shops. Regardless of which model you choose, you should bear in mind that the snowshoe fastenings on your hiking boots may well show signs of wear.
When snowshoeing, we recommend using different walking techniques depending on the nature of the terrain. On flat terrain, it is possible to move forwards in a "normal stride" without any problems; on steeper terrain, for example, the V-stride, in which the toes are set outwards, is the right choice. Downhill, a slightly backward position and slightly bent knees are usually recommended for a safe descent.
Snowshoe hikers should also bear in mind that they should not use the ascent tracks of ski tourers or the cross-country ski trails! The rule here is: make your own way!
If you are travelling with snowshoes, you should never go alone and you should also inform yourself about the basics beforehand. This means: familiarise yourself with possible alpine dangers! Here too, it is always better to be safe than sorry. It therefore doesn't hurt to familiarise yourself with the avalanche report, weather and snow situation and plan your tours accordingly. There are also special avalanche courses for snowshoers here.
When snowshoeing, you often come into contact with areas of nature that are very sensitive and where endangered animal species sometimes spend the winter. This is why it is just as important to treat nature with care in winter as it is in summer. Whether in the mountain forest or on the forest and hiking trails in the open countryside, snowshoe hikers should stick to the usual routes and not leave the paths. Trail markings often indicate beautiful and nature-friendly snowshoe tours. Follow these, because this way the animals are not unnecessarily startled and can conserve their energy reserves, which are so valuable in winter.
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