5 common misconceptions about snowshoes.

Often misunderstood, sometimes underestimated, *snowshoeing isn't just for bearded trappers in remote forests! The practice of walking on snow with snowshoes strapped to your feet has deeper origins than the footprints it leaves in the powder. As far back as prehistoric times, nomadic hunter-gatherers used flat boards attached to the bottom of their shoes to move around and carry game. They were later exported by the North American Indians and the Sami (an indigenous people of northern Europe). Today, the practice is accessible to all, and can be enjoyed in all of France's finest ski resorts. Let's take a look at this poetic object.*

Yes, it's possible to walk with [snowshoes](How to choose snowshoes

?) without poles, that's obvious! But these little objects are very useful, especially when the snow is heavy. Walking on snow, even with snowshoes, requires good balance, and it's at this precise moment that the two extensions of the arms that make up the poles help to facilitate movement. They are all the more indispensable if the route is very hilly ⛰.

Of course not! Because of the way they work, snowshoes excel off-piste (subject to certain slope and condition limits). It's precisely this versatility that makes snowshoes particularly practical in winter, especially when you want to explore less-frequented territory.

But there are two important considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to safety. Don't venture out without **in-depth **knowledge of the terrain, or opt for the services of an off-piste guide, and be vigilant about theenvironment. Many areas are regulated to preserve the flora and fauna buried beneath the snow you're walking on! Don't forget to carry an avalanche transceiver(ARVA) if you're exploring high-risk areas!

A snowshoeing adventure doesn't necessarily have to be accompanied by an experienced guide. There are apps to guide you: Visorando, Camp to Camp, AltitudeRando, TraceGPS, Randogps, Rando-marche, Eskapad Rando, Openrunner and Skitour offer a variety of functions: route validation, availability of GPS tracks, user comments, detailed fact sheets, search tools by region or activity...

Each of these sites offers its own advantages, whether in terms of route variety, geographical specificity or the wealth of information provided.

The other solution is simply to ask for maps of dedicated snowshoe trails in the resort. In general, there are routes for beginners, intermediates and experts.

The belief that snowshoeing is synonymous with a less entertaining experience than skiing is as solid as slush in April... 🏔.

In reality, it's a different approach to winter, allowing a slower, more detailed immersion in nature. The pleasure lies more in contemplation andexploration of sublime landscapes, rather than pure speed.

In fact, you can increase speed if you wish, just as you can when running. The exercise is all the more sporty if the snow is powdery, as you need to lift your legs so that the snowshoe follows your movement. In fact, different types of snowshoes are available to ensure perfect flotation, even in the deepest snow.

Of course, if you want to go all "The Revenant", if you're as crazy as Leo. But group outings are also commonplace in the world of snowshoeing.

You can go out with friends or strangers. The discussions, the laughter and the falls create a kind of out-of-time parenthesis, where you reconnect with yourself, with others and with nature. It's a great way to open your mind and your eyes to the world 🌎.

Finally, snowshoes are for everyone, including the elderly and children, as they require no particular level of sport and are very ergonomic to use.

A study by the Pôle ressources national sur les sports de nature carried out in 2016 already affirmed that "snowshoeing is a mixed activity", made up of 51% women and popular with all age categories "30% 15-29 year olds, 40% 30-49 year olds and 30% 50-70 year olds".

Stéphane Ricard, 37, is a primary school teacher in Gap. Originally from the Hautes-Alpes region, he has been snowshoeing for 15 years. He has competed in nine world championships and has never been outside the top 5 since 2012! He placed 4ᵉ at the 2022 championships, the competition having been won by Argentina's Javier Carriqueo.

10 000 !

That's the number of kilometers covered by French snowshoers in one season. Enough distance to go from Paris to the Himalayas and back. Who would have thought that France was such a vast playground for these snow explorers?

**Physical health : **

💪 Strengthening legs, buttocks and calves ❤️ Cardio-Training 🕺 Balance and coordination

**Mental health : **

🧘 Stress reduction ❄️ Winter training to keep you active all year round

In short, snowshoeing is a breath of fresh air for the mind. The vast snow-covered landscapes, the soothing silence and the pure smell of winter make every outing a natural therapy. The perfect balance between physical challenge and mental break.