Choosing the right snowshoe size can be challenging. We will help you find the right size and what you should pay attention to:

Now I have found the right snowshoe but what kind of shoes should I wear? The best “snowshoe shoes” to use are hiking boots. It is important that these are waterproof and ideally ankle height. Your feet need to stay dry and warm for several hours in the snow.

The right clothing is crucial for a perfect snowshoe hike. Here are some tips:

• Onion principle: Wear multiple layers to be able to react flexibly to changing weather conditions. Breathable materials are a must.
• Jacket: A softshell jacket for mild weather or a hardshell jacket for extreme conditions such as storms, wind and cold.
• Insulated Vest: Ideal for extra warmth, especially during breaks. They are light and provide good protection from wind.
• Pants: Breathable, water-repellent softshell pants are ideal. In colder temperatures, long johns are recommended.
• Performance Clothing: Invest in breathable performance tops, underwear and insulated socks.
• Accessories: Gloves (waterproof and suitable for winter), a hat or headband, sunglasses and a scarf or snood are also important.

• Hiking/trekking poles:  Adjustable poles with large winter plates are ideal for avoiding sinking in the snow.
• Backpack: A hiking backpack with a good carrying system is important for transporting your equipment. Make sure that it is also suitable for attaching your equipment on paths with little snow.
• Gaiters: They prevent snow from getting into your shoes, providing protection from cold and wet conditions.
• Emergency Equipment: Avalanche Victim Search Device (LVS), avalanche probe, and avalanche shovel are always part of the standard equipment when snowshoeing. A charged mobile phone (emergency call 112) and a first aid kit with a rescue blanket should also always be in the backpack.

Most serious accidents while snowshoeing occur due to avalanches. However, everyone can easily avoid this risk. Marked snowshoe routes are ideal for this: The operators secure the routes against avalanches. However, the paths are not groomed like winter hiking trails.

"Outside of the marked routes, there is a risk of avalanches. Knowledge of avalanche science and sufficient experience are mandatory here. Many mountaineering and snow sports schools as well as clubs offer guided snowshoe hikes. In an avalanche course, you can receive additional training. The Swiss Alpine Club SAC and the Swiss Mountain Guide Association SBV offer courses, for example."

When snowshoeing, careful tour planning and the correct assessment of your own abilities are important. In particular, the following should be taken into account:

• Select a tour that matches your own abilities. The SAC has a difficulty scale for this.
• Inform yourself about the weather and conditions. The avalanche bulletin, the summit book, or the map from MountainNow can help.
• Don't walk alone and take regular breaks to maintain your energy.
• Don't blindly rely on other people's leads; be aware of the conditions.

The optimal equipment includes:

• snowshoes
• Stable, warm shoes & gaiters
• Weatherproof, warm clothing
• Height-adjustable poles
• Snacks for energy on the go
• A pocket pharmacy for emergencies
• A rescue blanket for unforeseen situations
• A charged cell phone for emergency calls
• Emergency equipment for avalanche accidents: avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. The probe is a long stick that you can use to search for buried people in the snow.