5 common misconceptions about snowshoes

*Often misunderstood, sometimes underestimated, **snowshoeing** is not reserved for bearded trappers in remote forests! This practice, which consists of walking on snow with **snowshoes attached to the feet**, has deeper origins than the footprints it leaves in the powder. As far back as **prehistory**, nomadic hunter-gatherers used [flat boards](<https://www.lokki.rent/media/histoire-de-la-raquette-a-neige>) that they attached to the bottom of their shoes to move around and carry game. They were later exported by the North American Indians and the Sami (an indigenous people of northern Europe). Today, the practice is accessible to all, and can be practised in all [of France's most beautiful ski resorts](<https://www.lokki.rent/media/top-10-raquettes-france>). ** poetry**.* 

Yes, it's possible to walk around with [snowshoes\]\(How to choose your snowshoes?) without poles, that's obvious! But they are very useful these little objects, especially when the snow is **abundant**. Walking on snow, even with snowshoes, requires a good **balance**, and it's at this precise moment that the two arm extensions that make up the poles make **easier to move around**. They are all the more essential if the course is very hilly ⛰.

Of course not! Because of the way they work, snowshoes excel at **off-piste** (subject to certain slope and condition limits). It's precisely this versatility that makes snowshoes particularly practical in winter, especially when you want to explore less-frequented territory. But there are two important considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to [safety](<https://strapi.getlokki.com/admin/content-manager/collectionType/api::media-article.media-article/74?plugins[i18n][locale]=fr>). Don't venture out without \*\*in-depth knowledge \*\*of the terrain, or opt for the services of a **off-piste guide**, and be alert to the environment . Many areas are regulated to preserve the flora and fauna buried beneath the snow you're walking on! Don't forget to bring an avalanche transceiver ([ARVA](<https://www.arva-equipment.com/fr/>)) if you're exploring high-risk areas!

Snowshoeing doesn't have to be accompanied by an experienced guide. There are applications to **guide**: Visorando, Camp to Camp, AltitudeRando, TraceGPS, Randogps, Rando-marche, Eskapad Rando, Openrunner and Skitour offer a variety of functions: validation of **itineraries**, availability of **GPS tracks**, **comments** from users, detailed fact sheets, search tools by region or activity... Each of these sites has its own advantages, whether for the **variety of circuits**, the geographical specificity, or the wealth of information provided. Alternatively, you can simply ask for maps of snowshoe trails at **station**. In general, there are **courses for beginners**, **intermediates** or **confirmed**.

The belief that snowshoeing is synonymous with a less entertaining **experience** that skiing is as solid as slush in April... 🏔. In reality, it's a **different** approach to winter, allowing a slower **immersion** and more **detailed** in nature. The pleasure lies more in **contemplation** and exploring sublime landscapes, rather than in pure speed. Incidentally, you can also increase speed if you wish, just as you can when running. The exercise is all the more sporty if the snow is powdery, as you need to lift your legs to ensure that the snowshoe follows your movement. By the way, there are [different types of snowshoes](<https://www.lokki.rent/media/comment-choisir-ses-raquettes-a-neige>), to ensure perfect flotation even in the deepest snow.

Of course, if you want to go *"The Revenant"*, if you're as crazy as Léo. But group outings are also commonplace in the snowshoeing world. You can head out with friends or strangers. Discussions, laughter and falls create a kind of **out-of-time parenthesis**, where you reconnect with yourself, with others and with nature. It's a great way to open your mind and your eyes to the world 🌎. Last but not least, snowshoes concern **everyone**, including the elderly and [children](<https://strapi.getlokki.com/admin/content-manager/collectionType/api::media-article.media-article/75?plugins[i18n][locale]=fr>), as they require no particular level of sport and are very ergonomic to use. A study by [Pôle ressources national sur les sports de nature](<https://www.sportsdenature.gouv.fr/raquette-a-neige/observation/pratiquants>) carried out in 2016 already stated that *"snowshoeing is a mixed activity"*, 51% of whom are women and popular with all age groups "30% of 15-29 year olds, 40% of 30-49 year olds and 30% of 50-70 year olds".

 Stéphane Ricard, 37, is a primary school teacher in Gap. Originally from the Hautes-Alpes region, he has been snowshoeing for 15 years. He has competed in nine world championships and has never been outside the top 5 since 2012! He placed 4ᵉ at the 2022 championships, the competition having been won by Argentina's Javier Carriqueo.

**10,000!** The number of kilometers covered by French snowshoers in one season. Enough distance to go from Paris to the Himalayas and back. Who would have thought that France was such a vast playground for these snow explorers?

 \*\*Physical health: \*\* 💪 Strengthening legs, buttocks and calves ❤️ Cardio-Training 🕺 Balance and coordination \*\*Mental health : \*\* 🧘 Stress reduction ❄️ Winter training to stay active all year round In short, snowshoeing is a **breath of fresh air for the mind**. The vast snow-covered landscapes, the soothing silence and the pure smell of winter make every outing a natural **therapy**. The perfect balance between physical challenge and mental break.