Snowshoeing Bürchen

On a snowshoe tour you have to overcome very different terrain. In order to make good progress and save energy, different walking techniques are recommended. In our Snowshoe Hiking Guide all the walking techniques are explained. You can also do your first snowshoe hike in a guided tour or even be instructed in special courses. There you will also learn how to be best prepared for avalanches.

Not only the first snowshoe hike you should never do alone, but at least in pairs. That way, in case of an emergency, someone is there to get help or provide first aid. In deep snow, you can also save additional energy by taking turns in tracking.

For the clothing, the tried-and-tested onion technique is important at first. This way, you can take off or put back on pieces of clothing as needed. Breathable functional clothing is the best choice, you should not shy away from this investment. In addition to weatherproof clothing, which includes waterproof mountain boots or winter hiking boots, a jacket and overtrousers for weather protection, a hat and 2x gloves, as well as spare underwear or gaiters if necessary, you will also need the following equipment:

1. Snowshoes (by the way, you can also rent them)
2. Ski/telescopic poles with adjustable winter plates
3. Backpack 20-30 liters
4. Sun protection (sunglasses and if necessary ski goggles, headgear, cream, lipstick)
5. Flashlight, preferably a headlamp
6. Compass, altimeter, if necessary GPS incl. spare battery
7. First aid kit, if necessary incl. own important medication)
8. Map, guide
9. LVS equipment (avalanche transceiver incl. spare batteries, avalanche probe, shovel)
10. Cell phone with stored emergency number (112)
11. Bivouac bag (for two people at a time)
12. If you plan to spend the night in one of the huts: Hut sleeping bag, small towel, washing kit)
13. Repair kit for snowshoes and poles
14. Food and drink
15. Unbreakable drinking/thermos bottle (filled)
16. Pocket knife

For your first tours it is well worth renting snowshoes. For example, you can get very good snowshoes from Intersport Graf. If you want to continue with this sport, you should carefully choose the right snowshoes for you. Snowshoes are available in plastic and aluminum.

Important for alpine snowshoeing are

1. Prongs on the bottom of the frame
2. Gripping claws on the bottom of the binding (at the level of the foot)
3. Climbing aid for steep terrain with gritty snow

The snowshoe size has nothing at all to do with your normal shoe size. The binding is flexibly adjustable. The right size of snowshoe depends on your weight (including equipment). A rough rule of thumb is: size 22 for a maximum of 70 kilograms, size 25 for more than 70 and less than 100 kilograms and size 30 for more than 100 kilograms. Meanwhile, there are also special women's and men's models.

For snowshoeing, you should be prepared for possible weather conditions. Strong winds and heavy snowfall can hinder you and make a snowshoe tour very tedious. Avalanche risk is especially important. As soon as you move off secured routes, you must assess and monitor the avalanche situation. One of the most important bases for this is the current avalanche situation report for the area you are hiking. The avalanche situation report is published by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

As a snowshoe hiker, it may be life-saving to know how to use your avalanche beacon equipment correctly in an emergency. In a special avalanche course, you will be taught the relevant skills by an expert