Tips for a successful snowshoe outing

Take advantage of this fresh air and this space of freedom that is offered to you!

This morning, the weather is magnificent! What if you go on a snowshoe hike to the summits, to admire the panorama of the Tête de Cabeau or the Croix de Colomban?

The only thing is, you've never put on snowshoes and you're not sure how to do it ... Fortunately, we've found the best tips for a successful hike.

First of all, remember to check the weather forecast for the day. The weather may be fine this morning, but the fog is falling quickly in the mountains. Its good ? Perfect !
Of course, you picked up the little topo-guide listing the snowshoe hikes in the Aravis the day before from the Tourist Office and made your choice for the day.

Before leaving, you must prepare your excursion well

Dress warmly, without adding 10 layers either, because when you walk, you get hot quickly and there is nothing more unpleasant than being soaked in sweat and being cold with the wind that awaits you at the top . Prepare a backpack with a bottle of water, a first aid kit, something to snack on (see a picnic if you are going for the day), do not forget the sunglasses and sunscreen, the sun is beating down in the mountains, then take a t-shirt or a changing vest also if you have been sweating well, we change and we keep dry. Don't forget your camera, if you have one, preferably loaded!
It's okay, you are dressed, your bag is ready ... Now you need to equip yourself for the snowshoes. If you don't have one, any good equipment rental company can provide you with some for your outing. And if you're thinking to yourself "I don't need snowshoes to hike in the snow" give it a try and we'll talk about it again! Even with snowshoes on your feet, it is sometimes difficult to progress after a good fall of snow.

You are now fully equipped with a superb pair of snowshoes and the poles to go with them.
Can you go without poles? Yes, but we recommend that you take some. The balance provided by the poles in winter is incredible, and they will prove to be a great help on the climbs, but also will be a good support to get up in case of a fall in the powder.

It's okay, do you have everything? So let's go !

Start by adjusting your rackets properly: the size of the foot and the straps should be as tight as possible. You don't want your foot to move or lose your snowshoes along the way ... Also detach the clip at the back of the heel, you should be able to lift it freely. That's it, you are taking your first steps on snowshoes.
Whichever hike you choose today, you are going to have a blast! But now the path begins to climb, do not panic, your snowshoes are well made ... Behind your foot, you should find a "wedge" a plastic or metal element that can tip under your heel and provide you with support. extra for the climb.
Remember to adjust your posture to the slope, press your tiptoes on the way up, and your heels on the way down.

On the sides of the path, you can see many traces ... If they form ys, it is undoubtedly a hare which passed by there last night. A straight trajectory? It might be a fox. Strange zigzag tracks? A skier who took advantage of the powder. Snowshoe tracks leaving in the middle of nowhere? A mountain guide and his troop set off to explore the hidden corners ... Hey, it could be an idea for tomorrow, to deviate from the marked trails with a mountain guide.