Snowshoe

If you want to go through the forest in a different way, you should try snowshoeing! All you need is snowshoes, boots and the desire to enjoy. You can enjoy a unique experience while doing a different sport.

Snowshoeing has a long history behind it. In ancient times, the inhabitants of the snowy mountains used snowshoes as a support to walk on the snowy ground in order to carry out activities such as hunting or cutting firewood. This type of footwear is a tool that must be properly chosen for safe hiking.

Snowshoeing or snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is the name given to snowshoes, which are used for walking on snowy terrain. These snowshoes fit over boots, and are used in sports such as hiking and mountaineering.

Why are snowshoes used?

In Anglo-Saxon terms, they are called “snowshoes”, and their main advantage is that they allow the weight of the person to be distributed by extending the support surface. This means that the feet do not sink in, making it a comfortable footwear tool for moving around in snow sports. This phenomenon is known as “flotation”.

How to choose the best snowshoes for snow?

In addition to their buoyancy, there are other characteristics of snowshoes that adapt to the terrain in which they will be used. One important factor is mobility, since they must tolerate the movement of the foot itself. They must also allow a good grip on snowy terrain.

Sports activities with snowshoes

There are different types of snowshoes depending on the sport you want to do. In each one, some of the factors that we have seen in the previous section will be enhanced.

When hiking with snowshoes, these have to possess a lot of buoyancy and standard mobility, but in terms of grip they are very limited. If you opt for alpine hiking, snowshoes are more versatile and easily adaptable. Compared to hiking, they have more grip but less flotation. When running on foot in nature or trail running, snowshoes must be light and have great mobility, but their buoyancy and grip are very poor, so they must be practiced in environments specifically created for this sport.

Snowshoeing technique

Before going on a snowshoeing excursion, it is important to have snowshoeing equipment and clothing. It is recommended to use fleece lining, a raincoat and a windbreaker, as well as waterproof hiking pants and sporty trekking shoes.

It is essential to regulate the binding length of the snowshoe, thus adapting it to one’s own foot and footwear in order to perform the sporting activity safely. In terrain elevations, it is advisable to raise the heel lift for greater comfort. Snow poles are an ideal complement for this sport discipline, since they provide balance and stability, always keeping a distance between the snowshoes to avoid accidents.

If your physical activity is going to be carried out in icy areas, with very compact and hard snow or on very steep slopes, it is advisable to use crampons.

Suggestions for using snowshoes

These snowshoes are designed exclusively for walking on snow surfaces, with great adaptability to snowy terrain, and are easy to use in this area. At present, snowshoes can be found quite cheaply in specialized sports stores. The price of quality standard snowshoes ranges from 160 euros.

Snowshoeing in Whistler

With Whistler Ski Experience, you can venture into untouched terrain away from the ski slopes, through a forest full of mystery where the ancient hunters of Canada walked. In this centennial forest located in the Callaghan Valley, in addition to hiking through the snow, you will learn about the ancient traditions of the area and learn about the healing properties of the teas of the plants that you will observe along the route. With this activity, you will connect with Whistler’s history and tradition while surrounded by giant cedar, spruce and hemlock trees that create a large mass of vegetation.

Departure times for snowshoeing in Whistler are 9 am and 12 pm, and 3:30 pm on weekends. The duration of the snowshoeing tour in Whistler is two and a half hours.

It is important to make the hiking excursions with expert sportsmen who know the areas of Whistler to be traversed, in order to achieve a unique experience in a unique territory in the world.