Snowshoeing Techniques - Part 1

First Steps:
(Part 1 of 10 parts)

At the end of the day, you want time spent outdoors to be enjoyable.  Keep a few things in mind as you are introduced to this new adventure.

• Begin on a flat path, or open space with packed snow.
• Keep a natural stride and gait just like walking.
• If you scrape the opposite snowshoe, widen the gap a bit.
• If you have difficulty with balance, use poles (see part 6).
• Swing arms naturally - right foot/left arm, left foot/right arm, just like walking.

 If you fall:

• On flat terrain, roll over onto your front, bring one knee up while pushing with your arms to a half kneeling position.  Then to a standing position.  Use your poles for support.
• Grab the hand of a buddy or a tree branch to pull yourself up.
• Remove pack, position it beside you (uphill), roll over onto your front then push off with your arms.
• On descents, take your hands out of the straps, and place poles beside you.  Roll over to get your knees under you facing into the slope.  Use poles as a brace while coming to a standing position. . 

Turning:

• Walk in a circle if space and conditions permit.
• "Step Turn"; Lift one snowshoe placing it at a 90-degree angle in front of the other snowshoe forming a "T."  Do it again for a full turn.
• "Kick Turn"; Lift one snowshoe placing it a full 180-degrees and beside the other snowshoe.  Bring the trailing snowshoe along side.  Use this method in tight places.