How to choose your snowshoes

La Cordée

September 10, 2025

6 minutes

Snowshoeing is one of the most enjoyable winter activities. It’s a perfect way to stay active, explore snowy landscapes, and admire winter’s natural beauty.

With so many snowshoe options available today, finding the right pair becomes an exciting opportunity—especially when you know what to look for.

Different snow conditions?

We often hear about different snow conditions, but snow itself isn’t the key factor when choosing your gear—Mother Nature is always full of surprises. Whether it’s dry, wet, fluffy, or heavy, each snowshoe model has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the conditions.

Basic Rules

Snow conditions are often discussed, but they’re not the main factor when choosing snowshoes—after all, Mother Nature loves to keep us guessing. Whether the snow is dry, wet, powdery, or heavy, each snowshoe model offers its own advantages depending on the terrain and conditions.

The terrain - Flat, Hilly, Sloping, Mountainous, etc.

Any type of snowshoe—aluminum, plastic, narrow or wide—can be used on flat terrain. Features like heel lifts and front aluminum crampons aren’t necessary for this kind of use.

For mountainous terrain, it’s best to choose models equipped with crampons and heel lifts to make climbing easier.

If you're looking for a versatile option for both flat and hilly terrain, go for aluminum snowshoes with a deck and heel lift. Their light weight is a great asset for longer hikes, and the heel lift provides extra comfort during ascents.

MSR snowshoes can be paired with 13 cm or 15 cm extensions (sold separately) to increase flotation in deep snow or when carrying a heavy backpack. It’s a smart way to adapt your gear to changing conditions.

Your weight (with your equipment)

Your weight is always the starting point when choosing snowshoes. In general, the heavier you are, the longer your snowshoes should be. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer two or three sizes per model, along with sizing charts to help guide your decision.

Your intention

How do you plan to use your snowshoes? For a leisurely hike, mountain trail exploration, multi-day expeditions, running, or even hunting?

Asking questions in-store is by far the best way to get personalized advice. Drop by whenever it suits you—we’ll be more than happy to help you find the right path and introduce you to the exciting world of snowshoeing!

There you have it—you now know the essentials to gear up for snowshoeing. You're ready to head out and explore Québec’s most beautiful winter hiking destinations!