Snowshoe Walking

Walking through a deeply snow-covered winter landscape, making the first tracks through the untouched snow cover and enjoying the silence of nature - the appeal of snowshoeing is obvious. The snowshoes increase the contact surface of your normal winter boots and ensure that you hardly sink into the deep snow, allowing you to hike even in places where there are no groomed winter trails.

However, snowshoeing is not only nature enjoyment, but also a great workout in winter! Hiking in deep snow is more strenuous than on cleared trails, but very beginner-friendly and easy to learn.

Almost any terrain is suitable for the sport, from hiking through the flat forests and over the rounded hills of Scandinavia to steep summit climbs in the Alps. Important: Find out in advance about the weather and snow conditions, check the latest avalanche report and plan your route outside protected areas. Then, you'll be ready for the fun of snowshoeing!

To make snowshoeing really fun, you need the right equipment. First and foremost, of course, the snowshoes! Depending on the terrain through which your planned route will take you, you choose the right model. Flat terrain with lots of fresh snow is best traversed on so-called „Classics“, lightweight aluminium snowshoes with a large contact surface. In icy conditions and on steep terrain, the narrower „Moderns“ made of plastic are better, as they offer ideal grip with sharp edges and integrated crampons.

In addition, your standard equipment should include:

• Warm and waterproof winter boots: It is best to take the boots with you when you buy/rent the snowshoes in order to adjust the binding
• Telescopic poles with large plates
• Waterproof winter clothing and gaiters
• In alpine terrain: avalanche equipment with avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and avalanche shovel

If you are out and about in nature, you should naturally also show consideration for the environment and its inhabitants. The two projects of the Alpine clubs, "Ski Mountaineering Environmentally Friendly" and "RespekTiere deine Grenzen" (Respect your limits), aim to resolve the conflict between people and nature when snowshoeing and ski mountaineering.

From choosing and planning the right route to on-site navigation, Outdooractive offers exactly the features and functions you need for snowshoeing. Learn more about the interactive map with winter layer, slope gradient and current information on avalanche conditions, always stay on the right track with the navigation options and be prepared for emergencies with the BuddyBeacon safety feature.