Snowshoes come in different shapes depending on the snow to provide better floatation and grip. Wide snowshoes are suitable for soft and light snow, while narrower snowshoes are better suited for hard and compact snow.
Light snow, known as powder, is dry, very airy, and has a lot of air between its crystals. It's nice because it's easy to traverse but quickly sinks under weight, hence the need for buoyancy. Conversely, heavy snow, often referred to as wet or spring snow, is rich in water: it provides good support but sticks more to snowshoes. Then there's crusted snow, hard on the surface but fragile just below, making it very unstable to walk on. Finally, compact or wind-hardened snow is dense and rigid, ideal for making progress easily, but be careful, it slips quickly. These physical characteristics directly influence how we choose the shape of our snowshoes to avoid struggling during winter hikes.
There are mainly three large families: oval snowshoes, teardrop-shaped snowshoes, or more tapered ones. The oval models are particularly effective on flat or slightly uneven terrain. They provide a good surface for support, allowing for even weight distribution and preventing sinking too much into soft or powdery snow. The teardrop-shaped snowshoes, which are a bit narrower at the back, offer better maneuverability and are more suitable for gently sloping or slightly hilly terrain. Then there are the more tapered shapes, narrow and elongated: they glide easily and allow for a more natural stride, making them ideal for moving quickly or taking long walks on hard-packed snow. Each shape thus plays a specific role depending on the conditions and terrain encountered.
The shape of the snowshoes directly affects two key points: floatation and stability. A wide, rounded snowshoe distributes the weight of the walker better and avoids sinking deeply into powder snow, providing a nice, relaxed floatation without struggling. Conversely, narrower and elongated snowshoes penetrate the snow more, but they are practical when the snow is compact or icy, as they offer better grip. For stability, the wider the snowshoe, the more comfortable the lateral balance, making it ideal for flat or standard terrain. However, for moving in the mountains or on slopes, a narrow shape clearly facilitates movement and reduces the risk of tripping over oneself. Choosing the right shape, therefore, primarily involves understanding the condition of the snow and the type of activity planned.
The consistency and depth of the snow are the first things to check before choosing your snowshoes. Light and powdery snow? Get a snowshoe with a large surface area, as it will distribute your weight over the snow to avoid sinking like a post. On the other hand, if the snow is hard or packed, it's better to have smaller snowshoes with a narrow shape that grip better and make walking more natural. For mixed terrain with variations, choose a versatile pair with an intermediate profile, so you won't have to change them for each outing. The idea is simply: the less the snow supports, the wider your snowshoe should be.
Modern snowshoeing competitions have been around since the 1970s. Today, this sport is practiced in over 40 countries worldwide.
The shape and size of snowshoes directly influence their ability to distribute pressure on the snow surface, thereby facilitating flotation and preventing sinking deeply into fresh snow.
The lighter and fluffier the snow, the more it is recommended to use wide snowshoes with a large surface area for flotation; on the other hand, on compacted or icy snow, narrow snowshoes equipped with spikes will provide better control and stability.
Some modern skis feature adjustable climbing wedges, allowing you to adjust their angle of inclination during steep ascents to reduce calf muscle fatigue.
To walk on powdery snow, choose wide snowshoes with a large surface area to ensure better weight distribution. This significantly improves flotation and reduces sinking.
Some versatile snowshoes may be suitable for most occasions, but they won't be optimal everywhere. To maximize safety and comfort, it's best to choose snowshoes specific to the dominant type of snow in the area where you plan to walk.
Yes, the spikes provide excellent grip, especially on icy or hardened snow. They significantly enhance stability, particularly in sloped areas or varied terrain.
The size and shape of the snowshoes depend particularly on your weight (with gear): the heavier you are, the more surface area you will need to stay on top of the snow. Check the technical specifications provided by the manufacturers, which clearly indicate the recommended weight ranges.
First, make sure your shoes are properly secured in the bindings of the snowshoes. Then, check the weather and snow conditions before heading out, and consider bringing hiking poles to improve your balance. Finally, it’s best to walk in a group and always inform someone of your route.
Walking in fresh snow is complicated because it is not compact, decreasing natural buoyancy. As a result, our feet sink, requiring more effort. Using properly fitted snowshoes allows for better flotation, reducing physical effort while walking.
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