:: ATLAS SNOW-SHOE COMPANY ::

SNOWSHOEING BASICS

How to snowshoe - oops, you already know how!

There's not much technique to snowshoeing. In fact, if you know how to walk, you know how to snowshoe. Nevertheless, here are a few useful tips:

TECHNIQUE
CLIMBING To ascend a slope, kick the front of your snowshoe into the snow and press down to compact it into a step. Make sure that each new step is sufficiently above the last one to avoid collapse.

DESCENDING Heel crampons are the key to an easy descent. Keep your knees slightly bent, lean back, and keep your weight on your heels to maintain control.

EDGING To traverse a slope, kick the side of the snowshoe into the hillside, engaging the crampons. Swing your heel hard towards the uphill slope, then stomp down, securing the snowshoe edge and crampons in the slope. Poles are also very helpful for balance and support.

BREAKING TRAIL When snowshoeing in a group, walk in a single line behind the leader who is breaking the trail. When it's your turn to lead, take consistent, even steps that are easy for others to follow.

POLES
The benefits of using Atlas poles:

Stabilize upper body
Improve balance and stability on difficult terrain
Reduce stress on knees, ankles, and feet
Increase cardiovascular output by including upper-body movement

Adjustable poles compact for easy carrying and you can adjust the length for different uses.
How to use adjustable two or three-piece poles:
General: Adjust so pole handles touch the ground when you hold under the basket with your hand and your arm is at a right angle.
Climbing: Adjust poles shorter.
Descending: Adjust poles longer.
Traversing: Adjust the downhill pole longer.

WHAT TO WEAR
First layer: Must wick and breathe, wool or polypropylene
Second Layer: Insulating like wool, fleece or down
Outer layer: Waterproof, Windproof, and breathable like GORE-TEX®
Footwear: Stable, insulated, waterproof GORE-TEX® hiking boots or winter trail runners are your best bets.
Gaiters: This very important and useful piece of gear keeps snow from getting in the top of your boots and helps keep feet dry.
* Don't forget to always carry a warm hat and gloves!

GETTING STARTED TIPS

New to snowshoeing? Attend one of our Explore Winter Women's Workshops or a snowshoeing event near you. Find an Event
Many Nordic Centers and Alpine Ski resorts have snowshoeing trails and rentals. Find a Resort
Start with hiking or mountain biking trails or parks you are already familiar with.
Judge your fitness level honestly. Snowshoeing will take more effort than a similar distance hike. Start with an out and back hike.
Check the weather and dress appropriately: www.nws.noaa.gov, www.weather.com
Check snow conditions and avalanche danger if you will be in a susceptible area. Cyberspace Snow Avalanche Center: www.csac.org, American Avalanche Association: www.avalanche.org
Find a trail and carry a map: www.trails.com, www.americanhiking.org, www.xcski.org, www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/

ISSUES OF SAFETY
Take Mother Nature Seriously
There are thousands of untouched acres to explore. From local parks, golf courses, and open meadows to National Forests and wilderness areas, there is something for everyone. If you will be snowshoeing in an area that is considered at risk for avalanche or you are unsure if it is at risk, we recommend you consult a local outdoor shop or guide service before setting out. Exploration of the backcountry in winter requires an advanced level of preparation, experience, and outdoor know-how. To find the backcountry area nearest you, contact your local Atlas dealer, the National Park Service, or a local guide service. And remember to respect the environment – snow tracks should be the only sign you leave behind and pictures the only thing you take away.

PRECAUTIONARY TIPS – Misfortune stalks the unprepared

Hypothermia tends to hinder good judgment. So do yourself a favor and keep your head, hands, and feet well protected (that's where you lose the most heat).
Stay well hydrated. You may not feel as thirsty in winter but dehydration is one of the quickest routes to hypothermia.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared for abrupt changes with extra clothing.
Tell someone where you're going and when you're coming back. Search parties love clues like that.
You are aware, of course, that there's less daylight in the winter months. So avoid the embarrassment of helicopters and bloodhounds and get back before dark.
Familiarize yourself with a trail map; trails that were easy to follow in the summer may now be hidden by deep snow.
Check all your equipment in advance and use an equipment checklist to ensure that you don't
forget anything crucial.

ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS:
(fit most items in a small stuff sack and take with you on all your outdoor pursuits)

Sunscreen
Warm hat and gloves
Small first-aid kit and duct tape
Whistle
Headlamp and batteries to fit
Sunglasses
Extra non-perishable food
Fire Starter, matches or lighter
Compass and map of the area
Space blanket
Cell phone (turned off of course)
Water
Extra layer of clothing

AVALANCHE SAFETY – Education is key, be prepared

Know the snow conditions. Do not go out in suspect conditions.
Learn route-finding and snowcraft techniques-learn how to read the conditions that indicate snow stability/instability.
Carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe-these are the minimal safety requirements.
Practice rescue procedures; take a course; train with experts.
Prepare for the worst. An avalanche is a very real, very serious danger. Please educate yourself and take the proper precautions. For information on avalanche safety, conditions and classes, contact:

CYBERSPACE SNOW AVALANCHE CENTER
131 NW 4th, Suite 397
Corvallis, OR 97330
www.csac.org

TAKE A MAP!
For topographical maps, National Geographic TOPO! CD-ROMs are recognized as the best in digital navigation for backcountry snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. Visit National Geographic for product information. Trails.com features hundreds of e-trails to download. They also have a wide selection of trail books and maps.