Safety tips for snowshoeing.

First of all, snowshoes! Choose a model suited to your weight and planned itinerary. Will you be strolling along marked trails? A classic model will do the trick. Want to explore off the beaten track? Go for snowshoes with grippy crampons (unless slipping is your thing, but then we're talking safety 😉 ).

Then there are the poles, your best friends for keeping your balance. Some prefer adjustable telescopic poles, others fixed ones. Whatever the type, make sure they're sturdy enough to support your weight in the event of a slide. 🫄

Now for the shoes. Choose hiking boots that are waterproof and insulating. They should be stiff enough to support snowshoe bindings, and as comfortable as possible to avoid blisters after a few hours' walking. A word of advice: test them with your winter socks before setting out on a hike. 🧦

Finally, the backpack, that faithful companion of any self-respecting hiker! It needs to be big enough to carry what you need, but not so big that you look like a snail on steroids. Don't forget your first-aid kit, water, snacks, map and compass (or GPS if you're not a boomer 😜 ), not forgetting the DVA (Détecteur de Victimes d'Avalanches) for routes in high-risk areas.

Now that you're equipped like a snowshoeing pro (and looking super stylish 😎 ), it's time to talk navigation. In the mountains, even GPS can sometimes get lost, so it's best to know how to read a map and handle a compass like an old snow wolf (or like a boomer, sorry for earlier 🙏😉).

First step: the menu. No, not the one at the restaurant, but a good old topographical map. It's your guide through the white vastness. Before you set off, study your route and landmarks. "But it's all white, how do I get there?" Don't panic, the beacons, streams and ridgelines are there to help you. A word of advice: always keep your map in a waterproof case, because a soggy map is useless. ☃️

The compass, on the other hand, won't let you down, even in the thickest fog (unless you've forgotten it at home, of course 😯). Learn to use it with the map to determine your direction. A short orientation course before setting off can be a brilliant idea. And remember, the compass doesn't point to adventure, but to the north (who knows, maybe adventure is to the north?). 🧭

Speaking of orientation, have you thought about checking trail conditions and the weather forecast? Even if you're feeling like a northern explorer, it's best to avoid unpleasant surprises. ⛈️

When it comes to snowshoeing, as in life, having the right people around you is half the battle! Group adventure is not only more fun, it's safer too. 🤝

The risks of avalanches and other nasty surprises are very real in the mountains. Walking in a group means having several pairs of eyes to monitor conditions and several brains to make decisions. And in the event of a glitch, it's always reassuring to know that someone is there to call for help or get out the avalanche transceiver. 🚨

A group hike is the perfect opportunity to share tips and advice. Don't know how to tie your crampons? Ask snowshoeing pro Jeanne, who's already explored every type of terrain imaginable. Forgotten your snacks? Don't panic, Pierre always has a stock of energy bars in his bag (yes, Pierre is the kind of person who thinks of everything). 👍

And let's not forget the social and educational aspect of group hiking. Sharing stories, laughing together as we fall through the snow (it's a sport, after all!), learning from each other's experience, this is what makes the activity even more rewarding. It's also an opportunity to make new friends, united by a love of nature and adventure. 💑

For novices or those who want more supervision, consider hiring a guide. These mountain pros know the best trails, will teach you the basics of mountaineering and ensure the safety of the group. With them, you're in good hands! 👌

The first-aid kit is an indispensable little bag that can make all the difference. What goes in it? Bandages, of course, but also a survival blanket, antiseptics, bandages, compresses and scissors. Don't forget the basic meds, anti-inflammatories or antihistamines - you never know when an allergy decides to join the party. 🎉

Now let's talk about communication. In the mountains, your smartphone is more than just a device for taking selfies at the summit. Make sure it's fully charged. Save local emergency numbers, they're as essential as your pair of hiking boots. 📱

A little tip close to my heart: tell someone about your outing. It's better to have someone who knows where you are, especially if you decide to explore off the marked trails (have you seen the movie 127 hours? 😱).

To conclude, a little revision on avalanche risk management never hurts. Even if you're not in high-risk terrain, knowing how to react in the event of an avalanche can save lives. A DVA (Détecteur de Victimes d'Avalanches) in your bag is like a little barking dog: discreet but ready for action (Oh no, damn, it's just the opposite! 🤣)!