Do Snowshoes Work On Ice? (Some Do, Others Don’t)

Snowshoes on ice… Is it a fair match? Does it work? If so, how well does it work??? The big question as to whether or not snowshoes work on ice has been around for quite some time. I myself personally have wondered the same question in the past as I have come into contact with frozen rivers as well as frozen lakes from time to time, not to mention the steep icy slopes I’ve run into far to often when out snowshoeing in the backcountry.

I don’t know about you, but the thought of walking across ice covered Lakes, or rivers kind of gives me the shakes… Simply the thought of tens to hundreds, or even thousands of feet of freezing cold (Ice) water beneath a potentially thin layer of ice makes me nervous. But as we all know as snowshoers, the likelihood of you running into a frozen lake, or river that you desperately need to cross can be quite significant.

As this can often raise the question as to whether or not snowshoes will work on ice or not? And if so how well do they work and what is required in order to make them work well on ice? Well, we will be answering these questions along with many more below. But I do want to mention that frozen lakes and rivers are likely not going to be the only place you’ll run into ice when you are out snowshoeing.

But I’m sure you likely know this if you have been out snowshoeing a few times already. Especially if you are an experienced snowshoer that has an extensive history of snowshoeing in the backcountry. Either way we will be discussing both the questions that surround snowshoeing on ice, as well as where ice can occur along the trail and so forth.

Now, the question that surrounds the whole topic of “Snowshoeing on ice”:

Do Snowshoes Work On Ice?

In most cases, snowshoes will work on ice. However, some snowshoes will work better than others. This is because snowshoeing on ice is more a game of traction then it is flotation. For this reason you need an aggressive tread pattern on the bottom of your Snowshoe in order to gain adequate traction. Otherwise known as “Crampons”. Most modern-day snowshoes have them. But, dependent on the manufacturers intended terrain type your Snowshoe could have more or less of a Crampon.

But to be clear you definitely will need some sort of rigid tread pattern on the bottom of your Snowshoe. This will allow the bottom of the Snowshoe to bite into the ice and keep you from slipping. Typically this tread pattern, otherwise known as crampons is typically constructed using a metal alloy. This allows it to have both the strength, as well as, biting power needed so they last long, and do their intended job.

Now, Crampons are known to some as basically a sole that is strapped to the bottom of a snow boot, or hiking boot that has large aggressive spikes on the bottom in order to achieve adequate traction when on ice. Some also call them “ice cleats”. Well, crampons on the bottom of a snowshoe are basically the same thing, just they are integrated into the Snowshoe. This allows you to have both traction on icy slopes, as well as when Crossing icy sections of the trail.

But do keep in mind different Snowshoes are likely to have different terrain type specifications. Those specifications can make for quite a drastic change dependent on the specific terrain your snowshoe is designed for. We will be going over the different Snowshoe terrain types In just a moment.

Are Snowshoes Any Good On Ice

In most cases, yes! As long as you have a good crampon that has been integrated with the Snowshoe you shouldn’t have much of a problem. This includes both hiking up aggressive icy slopes, as well as on flat icy terrain. But remember the terrain specific Snowshoe you have will make a large impact as to how well a snowshoe does on ice. Specifically steep icy slopes.

Snowshoe Terrain Types & How They Do On Ice

Like we have discussed above, snowshoe terrain type has a massive impact as to whether or not the snowshoe will perform good on icy portions of the trail or not. Now there are three different  terrain types you can get in a snowshoe.

First one, is mostly known as “flat” terrain. This basically means the intended use of the snowshoe is for flatland walking or hiking. Second, is typically known as “rolling” terrain also known as hilly. The third, is known as “mountain” terrain otherwise known as mountaineering, or backcountry. This refers to aggressive steep slopes. Let’s go into greater detail of each:

Flat Terrain

Flat terrain snowshoes fall more along the lines of old fashioned wooden snowshoes. Flat terrain snowshoes don’t typically have much of a crampon, otherwise known as an ice cleat on the bottom. But rather the flatland snowshoe is more recommended for exactly that, hiking on flatlands.

This terrain type doesn’t have any of the needed features that a rolling or mountain terrain type snowshoe would have, that allow for the assent of icy slopes. Also, In most cases a flatland snowshoe will not be equipped with an articulating binding, which helps extensively for going up hills. But referring back to performance on Ice, It will not likely be equipped with much of a crampon if any cramp on at all.

Overall, you could probably cross and icy section of the trail as long as it is quite flat as at that point it will be more of a balancing act then an extensive need foregrip. But when it comes to climbing icy slopes you definitely need grip in order to achieve a fashionable climb.

Rolling Terrain

Rolling terrain snowshoes allow for a little bit more of an extensive option base when compared to the flat terrain snowshoes. As rolling, or hilly terrain requires a little bit more of an aggressive tread pattern on the bottom so you have the ability to climb slopes that are hard packed or have morphed into icy conditions. Which can definitely become a natural occurrence, especially in an area or on trails where snowshoers will often frequent.

Rolling terrain snowshoes typically come equipped with a little bit of a crampon on the bottom. By a little bit I mean, there’s typically a spike or two near the front of the boot platform, as well as the same pattern near the back portion of where the binding articulates. Now, the binding typically articulates with the ball of the foot, while the heel of the snowshoe is typically still with the rest of the snowshoe.

The ability for the binding to articulate with a portion of the crampon allows the snowshoer to climb hills / slopes without the entire snowshoe being rigid with the sole of the foot. Like you typically would see on a snowshoe that doesn’t allow for an articulating binding.

Meaning it is literally like strapping a couple of 25” x 8”  pieces of plywood to your feet and hiking in that… Whereas with an articulating binding you can walk in a natural, fluid motion.  It is basically like you are dragging the tail of the snowshoe behind you rather than picking it up every single time you take a step.

In all, a rolling terrain snowshoe would likely do a good job on ice covered terrain, as it is equipped with a crampon in most cases. But the next terrain type we will be discussing will prove to have quite a bit more of an aggressive tread and will allow for those who  have an interest in climbing some of the steepest, iciest sections of the trail, possible!

Mountain Terrain

Mountain terrain snowshoes offer the most versatility out of all the different terrain types. Not to mention, mountain terrain snowshoes offer the best when it comes to icy conditions. I mean, if you were to take a typical rolling terrain snowshoe and add a whole lot more to the bottom of it in terms of tread pattern as well as aggression. You would have a mountain snowshoe.

Mountain snowshoes, otherwise known as backcountry snowshoes come not only equipped with a crampon that is directly underneath the user’s foot, but some also come with aggressive tread pattern lined around portions of the snowshoe frame. This allows for basically the ultimate snowshoe when going up against ice, as well as a steep icy slopes. But that’s not all that differentiates the mountain snowshoe when compared to the flatland, or rolling terrain snowshoe.

As, the mountain terrain is also equipped with a few extra features that make climbing hills much easier. Along with the added aggression of the tread pattern. Most also come equipped with a heel lift. The heel lift it’s basically a small bar located near the heel of the foot that can be lifted up in order to allow for a more parallel foot placement when hiking up steep slopes. This makes the task of climbing steep hills much easier, and allows for a lot less foot fatigue when doing so.

Conclusion

In most cases, snowshoes will do just fine on ice. As long as they are equipped with a crampon / ice cleat on the bottom of the snowshoe. But depending on how vertical the slope is you may or may not require a more aggressive crampon tread pattern. From my past experience snowshoeing a simple rolling terrain style snowshoe would work just fine in most situations. However, if you do intend to be ascending some quite steep and aggressive slopes that are likely to contain large amounts of ice on them I would strongly suggest you go with a mountaineering or otherwise known as a mountain terrain snowshoe.

A mountaineering snowshoe will most likely offer you the utmost in versatility, as well as grip when covering I see situations. The biggest factor that determines whether or not a snowshoe will work, or will do good on ice, is its crampon / tread pattern provided on the bottom of the snowshoe. Simply just keep in mind that the better the tread pattern is on the bottom of the snowshoe the better it is likely to do on ice.

Be Sure To Check out one of the best snowshoes to use when going up against ice, Here at Amazon. Not to mention, this snowshoe will likely suit all the needs you could possibly require in a snowshoe!

If you have any questions about snowshoe sizing? Be sure to check out my recent article that covers the topic of What snowshoe size to get in great detail!

I hope you gain some value from this article! If you require any further assistance regarding snowshoeing then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for further information.

This is Colt Signing Off!