How to walk in the snow

Hiking in snowy areas is a magnificent experience, but it also involves several risks; here we will explain from scratch, the basic recommendations that you must take into account about how to walk in the snowThese are important considerations for beginners, but can also be useful for fine-tuning details if you already have some experience.

The basic equipment

Here are some essential items of equipment you should be aware of; in addition to the clothing, we recommend that you first purchase the snow boots that best fit your feet, considering not only size, but also flexibility, terrain and the number of hours a day you will be wearing them; and depending on their characteristics, choose the following basic items.

Snowshoeing

They are a great help, particularly in snowy areas that do not have steep slopes; they are elements that adapt to our footwear and allow us to "float" on the snow to be able to walk more easily.

It is important to consider your weight bearing capacity, not only your body weight, but you must also calculate the weight in case of carrying backpack or other equipment; rackets that are too small can cause us to sink all the time if they are not big enough, or on the contrary, if they are too big for our body, it will be difficult to manoeuvre.

There are also some more comprehensive ones which are adjustableThe touring or mountain bikes are a more convenient option, and for starters, the touring or mountain bikes will be a more accessible alternative to racing bikes, as they require more skill.

Just keep in mind that as well as it is a bad idea to use them on steep slopesIt is also a risk not to take the proper precautions regarding hard snow.

Crampons

Crampons are metal-tipped elements, which are attached to the bottom of snow boots, and are used for a better grip, particularly in the snow. hard snow areas or where you have steep slopesincluding verticals.

They have been in development for more than a century, and to find the type that best suits your needs it is important to determine what type of journey you plan to make.

The steeper or steeper the slope, the more useful it will be to have more pointed picks that can dig into the ice, although there are also "T" or single-point picks, which will be useful for mixed climbs. In any case, their use should be combined with an ice axe.

Ice axe

Of course, ski poles are also useful for balance, but they cannot replace the ice axe in more difficult situations. The ice axe is an indispensable element that will give you greater security.

The ice axe is not only used as a kind of "hook" to help us climb and keep our balance, but it is also very useful in the event of a fall or slide to help us catch ourselves more quickly and easily. The pole ice axe is the most recommended for sections that do not have steep slopes, a more technical ice axe will be most useful when the slope becomes steeper than 45º and a traction ice axe will be indispensable when climbing areas with slopes greater than a 70º angle.

Consider the climate

It is important to consider the climatic conditions of the place according to the time of the activity; generally between spring - be careful in early spring, when there are still significant snow accumulations and the temperature is rising - and summer there is less risk of avalanches, although this type of conditions can change suddenly, so it is best to confirm the local conditions of the day.

Consider that on a very cold morning, or at dusk, the snow is often harder and almost frozen, which can also become a danger that is important to be aware of.

Ways to walk on snow
In order to know how to walk safely in the snow, it will also be useful to know some basic techniques:

To go up

On light ascents, but which are perceived to be somewhat slippery, the technique of the duck is useful, i.e. by opening the soles of the feet - like penguins - and taking big steps by first leaning on the inside of the foot.

For steeper areas, it is useful to use the Americanwhich is similar, although first one foot is extended to support us, and then the other is launched to reach the place, so that the greatest effort is made on one foot at a time, although if you get tired you can interchange them; and the use of the ice axe will also be of help.

If the snow is not only steep, but also hard, the style French The most secure way is with cross-steps and zigzags, although in this case the tips of the feet should point slightly towards the slope in order to have more contact and grip with the ground; of course, in this case crampons and ice axe will also be essential.

To download

If you are in soft snow conditions, it is best to descend with your feet open, but with your heels on the ground, keeping your toes pointed skyward, but this should be done with caution, depending on your practice and the steepness of the terrain.
In case of firm snow, you will have to descend with the help of crampons and ice axe, with your feet wide open a bit like a duck, but also bending your knees to better balance your body; in case of vertigo or insecurity, it is best to concentrate on the slope and how to move forward.

Final recommendations

It will be important in any case to remain attentive It will not be enough to focus on the next step, it will also be useful to consider the route ahead in order to make adjustments in time; for example, if we are about to tackle a steep descent, we should put on our crampons in advance of it, once we encounter it we are already in the risk zone.

Remember also that in hard snow conditions you should not walk on tiptoe, it is better to try to support yourself with the whole sole of your foot, or with one of the styles mentioned above.

If you do not know the terrain, it is best to go with a guide or observe the progression of experienced people. Do not decide to explore unknown areas without sufficient experience, you may find cliffs, crevasses or other risky areas that can compromise our activity, and of course our health and physical integrity...

If in doubt, consult the experts, and opt for quality equipment to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your tools, as well as safety.

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