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Snowshoeing
Equipment Choice
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Long
gone are the days of snowshoes resembling wooden tennis
rackets strapped to the feet. They are from the same era
as the clothing in the photo on the left! Modern snowshoes
are light, sleek and technical. This has been driven by
the fact that snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter
sport in the world, and now there is now a great range
to choose from. On this page we offer some advice
that will help you, gained from our experience as one
of the largest Alpine snowshoeing operators. The aim is
that you avoid any costly mistakes, and make an informed
decision on any purchases you wish to make. Before you
rush out and get spending, don't worry as we can provide
this equipment on any of our snowshoe courses in Chamonix
and around the Alps. This
page has been produced by our snowshoe guide team. Read
about them, click
here. |
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Types
of terrain encountered for snowshoeing
Snowshoes enable access into similar terrain to that of ski
tourers, and it is generally rolling nordic type terrain. It
is possible to snowshoe on slopes up to about 30°, and depending
on the type of snowshoe you use, different snow packs can be
crossed, varying from crusts to powder. To decide what snowshoe
would suit you best is generally a function of both the terrain
you normally plan to travel over, and also budget and durability. |
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Selection
of snowshoe equipment
When looking at purchasing a pair of snowshoes, look for
the standards of construction, as these vary massively
between brands. Here we have mentioned only the most reputable.
Aside of the snowshoes, you will require a pair of trekking
poles, with big snow baskets fitted, as these give you
balance, and reduce the number of falls! Don't carry too
much in your rucksack, as this will take you off balance,
and when walking uphill make sure you do not wear too
many layers, as you will get warm very quickly. A litre
or two of water will keep you hydrated through the day.
Gaiters keep snow out of your boots and keep your lower
legs warm when walking in deep snow. Any sturdy waterproof
walking boot is fine for snowshoeing, as long as it gives
you good ankle support. When you are being guided, you
are provided with an avalanche safety kit of a transceiver,
shovel and probe. Good sunglasses are essential to protect
your eyes, and of course high factor sunscreen. Now you
are ready to go... |
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Different
types of snowshoe
There are three main types of snowshoe, and they are discussed
in detail below, so you make the most informed choice possible.
All types are widely available for purchase, both in equipment
shops and on the internet. |
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Plastic
Moulded
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Tubular
Snowshoes
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Frame
Snowshoes
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Description
Injection moulded plastic base, fitted with metal crampon
points and toe claws for traction on steep ground. |
Description
Alloy tubular metal edge with plastic or fabric decking.
Crampon points under deck, and toe claw crampons. |
Description
Vertical metal edge, with points around whole edge, rubberised
style deck and front toe claw points. |
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Binding
Systems
Choice of snowboard style, step-in, heel clip and strap
systems. Often a binding choice for each base type. |
Binding
Systems
Generally only snowboard style bindings or ratchet buckles.
Step-in bindings are not possible. |
Binding
Systems
Generally only snowboard style bindings or ratchet buckles.
Step-in bindings are not possible. |
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Benefits
Good for icy traverses. Wide range of bindings options.
Cheapest. |
Benefits
Great floatation is soft or deep snow, and light for their
relative size. |
Benefits
Good flotation due to continuous deck. Great traction
with points. |
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Downside
Lower flotation capacity, and risk of damage on protruding
rocks. |
Downside
Risk of sliding on icy traverses due to relative lack
of lateral grip.. |
Downside
Relatively heavy and awkward in crusty snow. Expensive
to buy. |
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Field
Repairs
If the plastic is cracked, it's almost impossible to repair
in the field. |
Field
Repairs
Easy to patch tears / punctures to deck, or to jury rig
a cracked tube. |
Field
Repairs
Difficult to repair with anything stronger than the original
materials. |
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Maintenance
Good supply of supply of spare parts and easy to repair
in workshop. |
Maintenance
Rarer spare parts, but cheap & easy to use substitutes.
Simple repairs. |
Maintenance
You'll need good workshop facilities to repair these,
as they're so tough. |
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1st
bit to break
Either it's the hinge that breaks, which is easy to mend
in the valley but not on the hill, or it's the plastic
frame that goes which is game over. |
1st
bit to break
Most of the time it's little tears in the deck that occur
on this type, which doesn't affect your day at all, but
needs mending on your return. |
1st
bit to break
Generally it's the heel lifter bar that goes on this type
of snowshoe first, which isn't the end of the day, but
possibly you calf muscle! |
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Icicle
Field Test
A great all rounder, but tough on the ankles on steep
traverses. Good on icy ground, and light. They suffer
in deeper powder snow. |
Icicle
Field Test
Unbeatable in soft snow, or breaking trail in new snow.
Light and easy to adjust, but not that great on steep
traverses on hard snow. |
Icicle
Field Test
You don't want to struggle with the straps if it is a
very cold day! Apart from that, these are the most durable
but heaviest on test. |
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Prices
From 60 to 120 euros in the Alps. |
Prices
From 100 to 180 euros in the Alps. |
Prices
From 200 euros and upwards. |
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Brands
TSL, Inook, Salomon, GV, MSR |
Brands
GV, TSL, Tubbs |
Brands
MSR |
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Recommended
TSL 325 |
Recommended
GV Polar Trail |
Recommended
MSR Denali Evo Ascent |
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Comments
Most popular style in the Alps. |
Comments
Great for deep untracked powder. |
Comments
Durable, Good traction. Pricey. |
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We
are very kindly sponsored by GV of Canada, and our guides
are using Polar Trail snowshoes in the 2009/10 season.
Click on the images on the left to visit GV Snowshoes
website. They are the leading manufacturer of snowshoes
in Canada & now export their snowshoes to Europe.
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Sponsored
by GV Snowshoes
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