Start the cold. What for many homebound means next to the heating is, however, for a small group of mountain lovers the exciting arrival of the first snow. But while the postcards of snowy peaks and valleys are beautiful, everyone who has ever tried knows how difficult it is to try to walk on three feet of snow and not end up gasping for five minutes without having advanced more than twenty meters.

For those who do not slide on skis, the only acceptable outcome is the rackets. Although not far from a new invention, have undergone considerable evolution since our ancestors to use them made of wood and leather, back in the Stone Age.

Rackets today are moving bindings that allow the foot to work freely in the ups and downs in the block, as if a fixation of crossing is involved. They also incorporate some small points that make the role of crampon (across distances) and some systems even incorporate shock absorption during walking.

But what is really important when choosing a racquet is summarized in three-four basic aspects:

1. Fixing in position to walk or free position:

– The size of the racket must match the user’s weight. Logically, the smaller and less cluttered weigh less walking, but may not serve for nothing if not chosen properly to our weight. The materials are too light to be less resistant.

– The type of fixation that incorporates must adjust to the boot we carry. Currently the options are similar to those of crampons, ie automatic or belt attachment. Should not forget that in order to use automatic boot bindings must be rebated at the toe and heel. The important thing in any case is that the racket and the boot are firmly attached and without any backlash, the belts, which are the most interesting work for any type of boots.

– It is important that the racket has some sort of metal blade tip or along the same profile and forefoot, to provide grip in hard snow conditions, but it is important to note that these tips are not as effective as a crampon of truth, and its use should be reserved for hard snow. In ice the only valid option is the crampons.

2. Technical

On the method of use is really nothing complicated. Get used to walking with a «feet» wider than normal, and try not to lock, lifting his feet a little more. On rises and plains, setting loose position is recommended. There are models that incorporate a rise in the heel for steep climbs, but still, the slopes should be addressed in a zig-zag most of the time, or the way of the cross-country skiers (the tips leading to the outside) if a short climb. (Very important, I’ll buy rackets heel rises).

On downhill stretches or delicate is advisable to take the racket in a fixed position to avoid shocks and have more control of the steps we take, what we should always avoid racketeers are the average slopes (with all types of snow have But if there is not that cold out).

One example, to climb a hill on skis, is advanced by progressing to the hillside above, snowshoeing, walking down the valley to the end and from there straight up the hill.

Finally, the rods are an essential part of the team, unless we have a horse quadriceps, and are closely linked to snowshoes, allowing us to keep the balance and help in the progression, try to be telescopic, is that has two or three sections, it will make us easier to transport and allow us to choose the most convenient height for every occasion during our journey.

As a curiosity, to comment that there are expandable and adjustable racquets offer more or less buoyant surface depending on the need of the hour or the weight of the individual, and for-suffering sports fans know that, especially in the Nordic countries, organize races and marathons on snow shoe … For brave only.

3. Snowshoe hiking equipment

Snowshoeing: If possible to hike in the heel.
Sticks: Two expandable batons.
Backpack: With capacity for clothing, food and water.
Clothing: Wear layers of clothing always and never forget or good gloves, and sunglasses.
Boots: Try to be with Gore-Tex and remember to have good warm socks and leggings feet that would prevent the snow in your boots.
Ice axes and crampons: Necessary for mountain hiking.

4. Crossings recommended for racketeers

Salazar Valley: From the Nordic ski Abodi, to Mount Abodi.
Roncal valley: From the refuge of Belagua, tour of the Karst Larra.
Anso Valley: From the refuge of Linz, on the top of Lapaquiza of Linzola.
Echo Valley: From the refuge of Gabardito until Foratón Height Depth. «Since the Selva de Oza, by Aguas Tuertas, the Ibon tin.
Astún Valley: From the resort, by the Ibon Trout, the Lac de Chasterau (Midi d’Ossau).
Valle de Tena: From the car before the Port of Portalet at Collado de Lafite-Tramacastilla From Ibón of the Mallata of rafters.
Ordesa Valley Bridge of Navarre, shelter Bujaruelo, Valle de Otal. «Bridge of Navarre, shelter Bujaruelo, Ordis Valley. -Parking Pradera de Ordesa, Soaso harrows, Cola de Caballo.
Eriste Valley: From the same people to the refuge Angel Orús.
Benasque Valley: From Camping Aneto, the refuge of these. «From the Plains Hospital, the Forau of Aigualluts.
Boi Valley: From the Palanca de la Molina, shelter and Lake Estany Llong.
Bonaigua Valley: From the resort, the Valley of the Estany Gerber Gerber and shelter Mataró.
Peguera River Valley: From the village of Espot, for the shelter J. M. Blanc to Estany Negre.
Written River Valley: From Espot, through Lake St. Maurice to the shelter of Amitges.

In the mountains in winter there are many risks, covered lakes, cornices, avalanches, icy slopes, rivers, etc … and especially the rapid changes of time. Try the evening before the trip, studying the map and see the weather forecast.

With these basics tips we hope you enjoy the mountain in winter!