How To Snowshoe: Uphill, Downhill, & Across Slopes


When it comes to snowshoeing like anything else in life there are ups, and downs. Points in one’s life where everything seems like an Uphill battle, as well as moments when everything feels to be headed Downhill… Now, of course the ups and downs in life don’t really relate well to the ups, and downs one is going to experience when exploring the backcountry in their snowshoes, other then the difficulty that is experienced during both.

But it is that exact difficulty that I want to help you with today. Now, I can’t exactly help you with personal matters because, frankly I don’t know exactly what you may be going through. However, when it comes to snowshoeing I can totally help! You see, the goal today is to make the journey of snowshoeing uphill, downhill and across slopes (Traversing) as easy as possible for you. This means, explaining proper technique as well as tips to best help you travel up, down, and across slopes with ease!

Now, of course the idea of simply snowshoeing on a flat plain of snow seems easy, and in most cases it definitely is. However, once you start implementing slopes into the equation, then difficulty, and frustration can set in. Now, We No Doubt Don’t Want That! So, of course we will be go over the following.

  • How to snowshoe uphill
  • How to snowshoe downhill
  • How to snowshoe across slopes (Traversing)

As well as Tips that can help you gain better technique as well as keep you safe when in the depths of the rugged backcountry!

Now, snowshoeing uphill, downhill, and traversing is simple, yet can be difficult, depending on the conditions of the snow, as well as the angle of the slope. Lets first discuss the impact snow condition, and slope angle have on a snowshoer.

Variables To Consider Before Hand

Impact Of Snow Condition

Given that the condition of the snow will change it is important you understand just how impactful the condition of the snow can be when it comes to climbing uphill, descending downhill, and traversing slopes. You will likely see the following 4 different conditions of snow over your time spent snowshoeing:

  • Powder Snow
  • Wet / Heavy Snow
  • Packed Snow
  • Ice

And each will cause for a different experience on the slopes.

Powder Snow: Can make for an easier experience on the descents, as well as on traversals. Given the snows ability to be shaped and molded into makeshift steps. However, when it comes to climbing uphills it can feel as if you are taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back… Depending on the angle of the slope it can feel as if your snowshoes are simply digging into the slope each step you take, rather then propeling you up the hill. Now, of course this is more the conclusion on steeper slopes, though not as steep of slopes can still prove to be a challenge.

Wet / Heavy Snow: Is probably the best “in between” condition you could get. At least in terms of all around ease of access, so to say. You see, wet snow is able to withstand the weight of a human as they climb a hill, as well as create a somewhat flat platform each step you take when it comes to descents, as well as traversals. Not to mention flotation of the snowshoes will be better in wet / heavy snow.

Packed Snow / Ice: Given that packed snow and Ice are nearly the same, I believe they fit together. Now, when it comes to snowshoeing on slopes that are frequented by others it is important you take extra precautions when going downhill as well as traversing slopes, as you could roll and ankle if proper care isn’t taken each step you take. Though when it comes to ascending slopes on packed snow or Ice, as long as you have a set of snowshoes with crampons it shouldn’t be to difficult. As the crampons will bite into the snow allowing you to gain traction, just firmly plant each foot before you step.

Impact Of Slope Angle

In most cases, well basically all. The steeper the slope the more difficult it’s going to be to Ascend, Descend, And Travers. Though snow condition can impact different situations, as well as the technique you choose based on the angle of the slope. Depending on the situation, some techniques can prove to be more helpful under certain circumstances then others.

The two most common techniques used when it comes to slope angle, whether you are climbing uphill, or descending downhill are:

ZigZagging: Ideal for steep slopes where the notion of go going straight up the mountain would be nearly impossible due to the angle of the slope. Rather you should look for a way to reduce the angle of the slope. In order to do so to a degree you can zigzag, or travers back and forth up, or down the mountain. This will reduce the amount of energy usage. As well, make each step count, rather then feeling as if you are walking in place.

Straight: Simply referring to Ascending or Descending straight up, or down a slope. The act of going straight up, or straight down a slope typically should only be done on slopes with a minimal amount of tilt. As, the difficulty of reaching the top or bottom of a slope greatens when the angle of the slope greatens as well.

Now, there isn’t an exact point at which you should either Zigzag a slope or face it Straight on. Rather this is more based on your intuition, as well as judgement. But it’s important that you utilize zigzagging when facing some aggressive slopes, as it will make the ascent or descent easier.

Below we will be going over best techniques to be used depending on the slope as well as the condition of the snow.

How To Snowshoe UpHill

Snowshoeing uphill is the simplest of the three slope directions your likely to deal with. You see, most modern snowshoes are designed significantly for the climbing of slopes. Given they are equipped with a pivoting binding, as well as the modern trait of heel lifts, and crampons. Not to mention how natural it feels to be walking up a snow covered hill with a pair of snowshoes with pivoting bindings.

Though, that’s not to say snowshoeing uphill is easy by any means! Obviously this depends on the slope of the hill as well as the condition of the snow. But like most situations, the steeper the hill, the harder it’s going to be to climb.

Snowshoeing Uphill Technique

Foot technique when Snowshoeing uphill should be as follows: Firmly plant the toe of your foot into the snow in order to create a makeshift step. This will also allow the crampon on the bottom of your snowshoe to bite into the snow securely. Doing so will provide you both a semi flat step that can withstand your weight, as well as, deliver traction as you hoist yourself up. Repeat the process for each step you take.

Now, this will very slightly depending on the condition of the snow, and the angle of the slope you ascend. But for the most part this technique is best for snowshoeing uphill.

Using Poles (Uphill)

Using poles can greatly improve the experience whether your snowshoeing uphill, downhill, or traversing pole can aid greatly! Now, specifically when using poles for snowshoeing uphill it is important you set them at the correct length. Otherwise using poles can make the endeavor more difficult as with just snowshoeing in general.

Your poles should be adjusted slightly shorter then when traveling on flat lands. This is because the point where your poles will contact the snow is going to be closer then when traveling on flats, or downhill.

Now there isn’t exactly a specific technique or method for using poles other then using them to aid in balance, as well as upward propulsion. The biggest factor to keep in mind is to have them adjusted slightly shorter than you would if you were traveling on the flats.

How To Snowshoe DownHill

Now the interesting point that I have noticed about snowshoes, specifically the design of modern snowshoes is that they do amazing, and feel natural when ascending slopes covered with packed snow. However, it’s a different story when it comes to snowshoeing downhill on packed snow… You see, most modern snowshoes have a pivoting biding which allowed for a natural stride when walking on flats, or heading uphill.

But when it comes to snowshoeing downhill, that pivoting binding doesn’t help much given that the heel portion is unable to pivot below the level of the decking. This makes snowshoeing downhill more difficult. Especially if you are descending a steep slope that is heavily packed due to other users of the trail.

Snowshoeing Downhill Technique

The best technique for Snowshoeing Downhill is to do as follows: Begin by placing most of your weight on the heels of your feet, keep your knees slightly bent, and your weight neutral. Begin down the hill, be prepared to sit down if you begin to slip. In powder snow, side stepping like a crab could make the decent easier. But don’t do so, on packed snow as this could put a lot of stress on your ankles.

Now of course the condition of the snow heavily impacts the method that best works to the descent.

Snowshoeing Downhill In Powder Snow: Opposite of ascending slopes. Descending in powder can be much easier, and less strenuous on your ankles. You see, powder snow will mold as the weight of your body is placed over it. And as long as you keep the majority of your weight on the heels of your feet the snow will likely create a step like feature that keep your feet perpendicular with your body each step you take.

Snowshoeing Downhill In Packed Snow: However, packed snow will try to force the bottoms of your feet inline with your body which will put stress on your ankles. Also snowshoeing downhill on packed snow can make traction difficult to obtain even with crampons. This is because trying to plant the heels of your feet into the snow as the snowshoes themselves are fighting you from doing so can make the situation difficult. For this reason it is important you be prepared to sit down gracefully if the possibility of slipping is to occur.

Now, of course this is assuming you are descending a Steep Slope. But in the majority of descents it shouldn’t prove to be to difficult. Also if you do happen to come across a steep descent. Keep in mind Zigzagging down the slope can make the situation easier depending on the situation you find yourself in.

Interestingly snowshoeing downhill is easier in powder snow whereas snowshoeing uphill is more difficult in powder snow, and the opposite is true when traveling on packed snow…

Using Poles (Downhill)

Again poles can aid greatly, especially when snowshoeing downhills. As they help with balance, but can also be used to aid in traction, as well as, maintaining weight concentration over the heels of your feet.

But it is important that you extend the length of your poles in order to reach the ground in front of your snowshoes. Think of it like your walking down stairs, if your poles are set for walking on flats it will be difficult the reach the step below the one you are currently on, and vice versa for ascending stairs (Slopes).

How To Snowshoe Across Slopes (Traversing)

Crossing slopes, otherwise known as traversing can require a little added thought as you go about the process as the foot on your left will likely be at a different level then the one on your right and vice versa depending on the direction your traveling and the direction of the slope. Same goes if you are using poles.

Though the overall motion may require greater focus, this doesn’t mean traversing more difficult or less as difficult as ascending and descending slopes. Simply you just need to pay closer attention as to where you step, how you step, and during the stride.

Traversing Technique

Technique for Traversing Slopes is as follows: Depending on the direction of the slope and the direction your traveling the focus of your weight needs to be focused on the sides of your feed closest to the slope and planted firmly before taking your next step. Also keep your knees slightly bent, and be prepared to gracefully sit down into the slope if you are to slip.

Using Poles (Traversing)

Traversing with poles can make the process drastically more easier. You see, traversing has a lot to do with balance. To much weight toward the slope and your snowshoes will lose traction. To much weight out from the slope and you could fall down the hill. Simply put the biggest factor poles will play when traversing is balance.

However, it’s important you set you poles up correctly as they will not be set to match one another when comparing length. You see, the pole that will be used closest to the slope will need to be shorter than the one that will be used in the opposite hand.

For example: Say your traversing (Crossing) a slope that is on your left (This means if you turn to your left 90° you will be facing up the hill). In this case you will have the pole that is in your left hand significantly shorter than the one that is in your right. This is because the ground is closer on your left then it is on your right.

Conclusion

When it comes to either Snowshoeing uphill, downhill, or traversing it is important to focus on keeping the bottoms of your feet perpendicular with your body, otherwise you could either lose control, or find yourself hurt. Also If you have a set of adjustable poles I strongly suggest you take them along with you, as they will aid greatly when facing slopes. If you haven’t got a pair, I suggest you get some. My snowshoes came with poles, However, many people seem to like These Ones sold on amazon! Plus they work on more surfaces then just snow.

Other then equipment, it is important you maintain focus as you navigate slopes, as well as us your best judgment as to how to go about conquering each slope you come across.

Now, of course I need to mention. It is vitally important you scan the hill visually and make sure there is nothing on the hill that could put you in danger. This means look out for areas where avalanches could occur. As well as, dangerous features such as large rocks, cliffs, fallen trees and so forth. Probably the most important part of snowshoeing is scanning the path ahead for dangers!

I hope you were able to find this helpful. Good luck on your next snowshoe outing! If you have any other question or concerns regarding snowshoeing then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for further Information.

This Is Colt Signing Off!

Colt

Hi, My name is Colt And I Enjoy the Outdoors. I may not look it, as I am often seen as the only guy wearing Jeans Hiking on a hot summer day. But I can honestly say there is no place I like to be more than out in the Backcountry exploring the landscape around! Learn more about me on the About Page

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