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Best Snowshoe Tips,
Especially For Beginners

By Diane Spicer

I get a lot of requests for the best snowshoe tips, especially from beginners who are a bit uncertain of whether or not to attempt snowshoe travel.

Rest assured, it's a sport you can pick up quickly.

Because you've been walking for awhile now, right?

Here's an example of an email asking how to approach this great winter sport:

My general advice for
best snowshoe brands

Which led to my detailed answer, which I quote at length here as I address all of these great questions about the best snowshoe tips.

Let's start with why I snowshoe, and you should, too.

Snowshoeing is amazing, so much better than cross country skiing because you have to go slowly (especially if you break trail and get into deep snow).

That means it is more likely to spot animal tracks, birds flitting from tree to tree, or interesting crystals and patterns in the snow.

You can take time to unravel the story of a patient predator tracking a rabbit, or a mouse lucky enough to evade a swooping hawk.

Some people get impatient with a slow, plodding pace.

But I do my best thinking when I go slowly!

And the slower pace trains your big muscle groups for endurance, something any hiker can utilize year round.

What are the best snowshoe brands?

That depends on a lot of things, including the terrain and type of snow you want to explore.

My first pair were Tubbs and I outgrew them (ability-wise) in one season. This is a good brand if you're not going to snowshoe much, or are uncertain about it, because they are inexpensive and easy to use.

I graduated to rugged MSR snowshoes and used them for 7 years. Finally I decided that they were too hard on my hips.

• They didn't make a woman's model way back then, so my stride had to be a little bit wide and I found that my ligaments got tired).
• That has now changed. Take a look at these beauties for women!
  

I also bought a pair of Atlas women's backcountry shoes and they have performed well over several years.

My husband has used Atlas shoes for over 10 years and loves them.

His left shoe sustained a major break, and guess what? The company repaired it free of charge, after 10 seasons of wear and tear.

So definitely look at the Atlas line of women's snowshoes - they have different "levels", depending on how rugged your conditions will be.

• Here is the pair from Atlas currently on my feet.
• Here's a review of the MSR snowshoes I also use.

Where to get good deals on snowshoes

Start earlier than you think is necessary to spot a good discount on snowshoes, as early as August (northern hemisphere).

If you want to ease into the world of snowshoeing, try these discount gear stores for deals on all of the brands I've mentioned.

REI always has great deals in their pre-season and end-of-season promotions.

• Be sure to become a member of this gear co-op, as it provides over 14 benefits!

Keep your body warmth to yourself
with these best snowshoe tips

More of the best detailed
beginner snowshoer tips

If you are considering entering the wonderful world of snowshoeing, be smart about it.

Get the right gear, and use the right approach, to your outdoor time.

Winter conditions are harsh, and your fair weather trail skill set has to be enlarged in order to keep your safe and comfortable.

Use my best snowshoe tips, based on decades of snowshoeing in all kinds of conditions, to get started:

• Why try snowshoeing?
  
• How to buy the right pair of snowshoes
• Snowshoeing gear you will need
• Learn to layer for warmth
  
• Snowshoe tips of the safety kind
• Winter hiking skills
• Cold weather hiking tips
  
• Frostbite prevention strategies
• Keep your hands warm
• Warm feet tips
  
• How to buy winter boots
• Trail snacks to fuel your snowshoeing adventures

Now you've got the best snowshoe tips,
so why wait?

Snowshoeing is a sport that takes very little investment in gear.

Wear your typical outdoor clothing, find a warm pair of boots, rent a pair of snowshoes (REI offers this at local stores), and GO.

Because it's a shame to stay indoors when the snow piles up, right?

Get out there and make some tracks with your snowshoes!

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Snowshoe Tips For Beginners