How to choose your snowshoes?

First choice: the screen material. 🎉

When you're preparing for a snowy hike, choosing between plastic and aluminum for your snowshoes seems as complex as deciding between hot chocolate and mulled wine after a day in the powder (I know some who never hesitate 😅 ).

Snowshoes have a rich history, and plastic ones are like grandma's old recipes: reliable and often very affordable. They offer excellent load-bearing capacity on snow, which is great if you don't want to sink knee-deep in powder. Perfect for those who like to walk on beaten paths or for occasional hikers who don't want to break their piggy bank. 🐖

What about aluminum? 🤔 Aluminum models, often with technical fabric screens, are the athletes of snowshoes. Less heavy on the feet, they're ideal for those who love uphill and more technical hikes. Their structure often provides better grip on varied terrain, and for mountain walkers, that's a real plus! 👌

The clamping system is your snowshoes' safety belt. It ensures that your feet stay securely in place, no matter what pirouettes you might do on the snow (because if you don't read the following tip, you will! 👺🤣).

Models vary: some with straps, others with more sophisticated mechanisms. The important thing is to choose a system that keeps your feet firmly anchored, without making you feel like you're in a vice. Comfort and safety, that's the winning duo here! ✅👟

Bindings, meanwhile, are your best allies for smooth, hassle-free walking. They must be easy to handle, even with thick ski gloves. 🧤 Moreover, for fans of mixed hiking, including portions of walking and skiing, versatile bindings are a wise choice.

Finally, don't forget to take a look at the climbing wedges. These little marvels help keep the foot in a comfortable position when climbing. So you don't end the hike wondering why your calves have suddenly decided to sulk. 🤷

Why are crampons essential? Simple: they give you the grip you need to get around safely, whether on gentle snow-covered slopes or more rugged terrain. Their role is to bite into the snow so that your hikes don't turn into unintentional figure-skating sessions. ⛸️

The golden rule? The more technical the terrain, the more robust the crampons. For leisurely strolls on snow-covered trails, basic crampons will do the trick. But if you're planning to conquer mountains or venture onto frozen terrain, opt for more aggressive models with longer, sharper claws. 🏔️

If you buy your crampons separately, make sure they fit your snowshoe model. It would be a shame to discover mid-hike that your crampons are going on strike because they don't get along with your snowshoes. 😡

So, we've chosen the material, checked the bindings and crampons, now what? Let's take a look at the essential duo: weight and size. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Weight: light as a feather or solid as a rock?

We've touched on it quickly, but it's worth stressing that weight is a major criterion when choosing a snowshoe. 💪

You don't want to imagine having anvils on your feet, especially after a few hours' walking. Lightweight snowshoes are perfect for long hikes or fiery climbs. But beware, lightness doesn't always rhyme with durability. For hikers who prefer more demanding terrain, a slightly heavier but sturdier model may be a better choice. 🏔️

Size matters: small, medium or large?

Lift is the fabulous ability of snowshoes to keep you on the surface of the snow. Screen size plays a major role here. The larger the surface area of the snowshoe, the better it is for floating on the snow, especially if it's deep and powdery. 🏂

However, a large surface can be a bit cumbersome on narrow trails or in dense forests. As always, it's a question of balance and choice depending on your playground. ⛄

It really depends mostly on your weight (and sometimes the weight of your pack if you're the type to take the house with you 😅). Manufacturers often provide size guides based on weight to help you with your choice. Too small and they won't support you enough, too big and they could get in the way.

Now that you're equipped with snowshoes as suited to your needs as a cup of tea is to a rainy afternoon, let's talk shoes. Because, yes, here again, good snowshoeing equipment is two partners who get along just fine! 💑

Your shoes must not only be comfortable and suitable for walking in the snow, but also compatible with your snowshoes. Imagine slipping your snowshoes on over ski boots or ballet slippers... Not very practical, is it? 🥿

In the snow, your feet need protection from the cold and damp. Waterproof hiking boots with good insulation are essential to keep your toes happy and warm. And don't forget breathability! After a few hours' walking, your feet will sweat, even in cold weather. 🦨

When it comes to children's snowshoes, the golden rule remains the same: the right size and weight. You wouldn't put size 42 shoes on a 5-year-old, would you? 🤡 It's the same for snowshoes. They have to be light enough not to tire them and small enough for them to walk without tripping every five minutes. 😩

Snowshoe manufacturers get it: kids love bright colors and fun designs. But don't let looks fool you, and make sure the snowshoes are functional and safe too. A good fastening system adapted to their little shoes is vital to avoid any incidents while out hiking. 👍

Choose models that are easy to put on, adjust and, above all, remove. The less complicated it is, the more independent and happy they'll be to take part in the snowy adventure. 😎

Finally, children's snowshoes are a bit like their first bicycles. They should enable them to discover the pleasure of riding on snow in complete safety. Encourage them to test their balance, walk on different types of snow, and above all, have fun! 🎉

PS: We haven't mentioned the full range of equipment required for this outdoor activity, as we were afraid of going into too much detail, and that's not the point. But of course, don't forget to choose good poles! You won't be able to do without them, for any type of hike. 😚

Come on, let's get our snowshoes on, and get ready for an escapade in the snow! But, butterfly minute, before you choose your snowshoe model, whether it's a TSL, Inook, or MSR pair, and head out into the deep snow this winter, let's talk safety. Yes, we know, it sounds less fun than choosing the sieve or claws for your future pair of snowshoes, but it's crucial! 🚨

DVA (Détecteur de Victimes d'Avalanches)

This high-tech little gem is just as important as choosing the lift function of your snowshoes. In the event of an avalanche, this gadget locates you or helps you find others. A bit like your pair of snowshoes saying, "Don't worry, I've got my eye on you!" 👀

The Shovel

Indispensable, especially if you're practicing off the beaten track with your snowshoes from the MSR or TSL range. It's your key tool for getting someone out of the snow. Remember, the main function of the shovel is not to build an igloo, but to save lives! 🚑

The Probe

After the DVA has done its job, the probe specifies where to give the shovel blows. It is to your hiking bag what wedges are to your snowshoes: an essential complement for a very specific function.

And these are the watchwords:

• Master your equipment: Just as when you choose the binding or frame for your snowshoes, learning how to use your avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe is essential.
• Pre-departure check-up: A check-up of your snowshoeing and safety equipment is essential.
• Hiking is a group affair: Just like choosing your hiking poles, never set off alone. It's safer and so much more fun.

And that's it! With this information, you're ready to enjoy winter snowshoeing with maximum safety. And don't forget, the best snowshoeing moments are those with a happy ending. So, while prices and models may vary, safety is priceless. Enjoy the snow! ❄️👣

What's the difference between plastic and aluminum snowshoes?

Plastic snowshoes offer excellent load-bearing capacity on fresh snow and are generally more affordable, while aluminum snowshoes are lighter and offer better grip on varied terrain, making them ideal for technical hikes.

How do I choose the right size for my snowshoes?

Snowshoe size depends mainly on your weight and that of your equipment. Manufacturers offer size guides to help you choose the ideal load-bearing surface to stay on the snow.

What kind of footwear should I wear with my snowshoes?

Choose waterproof, well-insulated hiking boots. They should be compatible with your snowshoe bindings and offer good protection against cold and damp.

Are snowshoes suitable for children?

Yes, there are snowshoes specially designed for children, with lighter weight and bindings adapted to their smaller shoes. Be sure to choose a size and weight appropriate to their morphology, for their comfort and safety.

What safety equipment is essential for snowshoeing?

Never leave home without an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. These tools are essential for your safety and that of your group in the event of an avalanche.