Is anyone here familiar with snowshoes?

[debthaven]

I have a very stupid question about snowshoes ...

Do people wear them just to hike in the snow for fun/exercise? Or are they also useful in getting from Point A to Point B in everyday life in a snowy climate?

DD moved to the Alps last year and a friend suggested we get her a pair for Christmas. I'm trying to figure out what she'd use them for, and how often. 

Thanks!

[debthaven]

To be clear, I don't mean snow boots, I mean snowshoes ... the ones with crampons on the bottom. 

[jerseygirl]

I’ve only used snowshoes for hikes. But should also be helpful anytime walking in deep snow

[billisonboard]

Snowshoes make sense if you were crossing an extended area that has a layer of snow that you would sink into deep enough that walking would be a struggle. They are a bit of a pain to put on so I wouldn't use them for less than a half mile. I can't see them of being of use in any urban area. There are slip on products for icy conditions. 

[jerseygirl]

Since she’ll be living in snow country, having snowshoes could be fun taking cross country hikes in the woods. A different experience than skiing

[billisonboard]

My two cents: I think it is a bad idea for you to blindly purchase someone a pair of snowshoes. Not only is there the question of using them in general but also the fact there are different sizes and types of shoes for different situations. If your gift giving style allows for DD to send you a link that says "these", go for it. Otherwise I think something else would be better. 

[jerseygirl]

Mine were a gift that I enjoyed. Never expected or thought of snow shoes. Once I had them I enjoyed

[finnime]

Is she an active outdoorsy sort who enjoys hiking or running? If so, these would be fun, I'd think. Bill has a good thought about sending her a link to some choices, as there are many types suited for different uses.

Also, she might enjoy cross-country skiing. It takes a little practice but is not difficult, and allows you access to almost everywhere you can get to on foot regardless of snow depth.

Hope your DD is loving her new home.

[debthaven]

A friend has been advising me ... the "starter" range is pretty clear-cut, and based on size and weight. DD is very small so that eliminates most of the choices in our budget. If we do get them, I'll get them from a national sporting goods chain where DD can exchange or return them.

I may still ask her about it ... I would rather, but DH likes gifts to be a surprise. So we'll see. 

Yes Finnime DD loves hiking and outdoor sports ... that's why my friend (who is from there) suggested getting them for her.

Thanks everyone! 

[raeoflyte]

Snowshoeing is way better than running or even hiking. It's just walking, but more fun.

[billisonboard]

Dec 3, 2022 9:02:21 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

Snowshoeing is way better than running or even hiking. It's just walking, but more fun.

There is a special quiet that can be heard out there in a snow covered world.

[billisonboard]

Dec 3, 2022 5:14:25 GMT -5 debthaven said:

A friend has been advising me ... the "starter" range is pretty clear-cut, and based on size and weight. DD is very small so that eliminates most of the choices in our budget. If we do get them, I'll get them from a national sporting goods chain where DD can exchange or return them.

I may still ask her about it ... I would rather, but DH likes gifts to be a surprise. So we'll see. 

Yes Finnime DD loves hiking and outdoor sports ... that's why my friend (who is from there) suggested getting them for her.

Thanks everyone! 

Hopefully your friend is advising on flat v hilly terrain shoes. Hilly have an additional cleat to help grip on upslopes/slipping on down. I have both. Flat is usually great and I can deal with the occasional slope but it can be frustrating and lessen the enjoyment if there is too much. I am thinking Alps = hilly but don't really know what she would be facing.

[debthaven]

Yes billisonboard my friend said to get DD snowshoes with a heel lift. 

I DO understand your concerns, and frankly I'd prefer to talk to DD about them. But DH much prefers surprise gifts, and I know that if DD doesn't like/want them, she can find a ton of other items at that store. 

Last Christmas she asked for a good sleeping bag and a camping stove.. The previous birthday she asked for a tent. So I think she'll be happy with the snowshoes. Like jerseygirl mentioned, it's not necessarily something she'd think of. And if not, like I said, she can always return or exchange them. 

My friend (who again, is from the city DD lives in now) specifically said, you can't buy somebody ski boots, but you CAN buy them snowshoes. 

I'm willing to make an educated guess. I'm pretty much decided now, but purposely holding off because DD would have 30 days to return or exchange them, so I'm waiting to get a bit closer to Christmas before I actually purchase them. 

PS Given DD's weight, we have three options: kiddie snowshoes, that's a hard no. For the two adult pairs, one is in stock, the other isn't (although there are a few pairs that I could chase down). So it's between those two. 

[billisonboard]

Dec 3, 2022 20:27:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Yes billisonboard my friend said to get DD snowshoes with a heel lift. 

I DO understand your concerns, and frankly I prefer to ask DD if she'd like them. But DH prefers surprise gifts, and I know that if she doesn't like/want them, she can find a ton of things she would want at that store. 

Last Christmas she requested hiking/camping equipment. She bought herself a paddleboard, so I think she'll be pleased with the snowshoes. And if not, like I said, she can return or exchange them. 

If i had all the information I have now from the start, my posts would have been different. I now say you should go for it.

[debthaven]

Thanks billisonboard I appreciate that! 

[tractor]

A nice set of walking poles go real well with snow shoes. Especially if she's going to go out on long hikes.

[billisonboard]

Dec 4, 2022 13:30:57 GMT -5 tractor said:

A nice set of walking poles go real well with snow shoes. Especially if she's going to go out on long hikes.

with the little baskets

[Artemis Windsong]

Snow shoes also go by user weight for length.  Boot size for the correct bindings.  I don't know if there are adjustable bindings or not. There used to be adjustables.

My DD bought some used and the bindings were rotten when she tried to use them.  To replace the bindings would cost as much as new.

She lives in the Alps with how much snow fall?  She might need them just to get to a clear road.

[debthaven]

I just ordered the snowshoes and a carrier bag. She has until 5 Jan to return/exchange them if she chooses to. 

I agree about the poles but we keep our gifts in the same price range for our 4 kids and their partners, so I didn't order the poles. Plus DD just bought an apartment and we're giving her money towards a couch.

Thanks very much to all of you! 

PS Artemis Windsong it's a small city, but it's a city ... they clear the roads. They're used to getting snow.