Not only is snowshoe racing  a fantastic cross training activity it is a hell of a lot of fun and provides relatively low cost alpine recreation, particularly when compared to skiing and boarding. It’s not uncommon for back-country snowboarders to use lightweight snowshoes to ascend before boarding down the slope.

Struggling with leg strength and endurance? Looking to build reliable hamstrings? Strap on a pair of snow shoes and harden up for increased power.

If you want to really motor in the run and ride legs of a multi-sport race then strap on those tennis racquet looking numbers and head for the hills.
A word of caution though: learning to walk before you run holds true for snowshoeing. It’s also important to consider the preparatory strength work with upper body and core strength just as crucial as butt and leg grunt. Yoga, isometrics, wood chopping and splitting, simple push ups, medicine ball routines along with standard fare squats and lunges can all be incorporated into your snowshoe strength routines. Exercises that focus on the hip flexors and quads are of specific benefit to snowshoers.

Gearing up on climbs on your bike, sand dune running in fact any aerobic activity that incorporates significant resistance can also help you prepare. Let’s face it dragging your sorry arse through snow with shoes will challenge your endurance and strength.

Don’t even think about strength work without balancing it with sufficient flexibility work for your torso, hips, legs and thoracic spine. Calf and Achilles stretches along with quads, hamstrings and lower back (including lateral) also cop a caning in extended snow shoe runs.

Unless you intend to treat yourself to uninterrupted traversal of groomed runs then it is also worth incorporating some off road running hit outs in your preparatory period as the snow you will be shoeing on will be uneven.

I recommend you practise walking in snow shoes before you hit the snow at a gallop. When you do get to the snow, stick to your natural gait for efficient movement. In terms of preventing catastrophic face plants, always try to avoid hitting your snowshoes against each other as they pass each other in the middle of your stride motion.

Many pundits encourage you to use a marginally higher knee lift and maybe widen your stance a fraction. There is a school of thought that maintains marathoners with their low knee lifts and shuffle step motion adapt more readily to snow shoeing than their middle distance gazelle-like bounding companions.

Suck it and see and work out what’s best for you – read widely, track down a video or DVD of technique particularly from top racers; no place better to start than SNOWSHOEMAG, the bible for the sport.

Now, modern snow shoes are resplendent with traction claws for maximising purchase in icy conditions; these take a little getting used to. It’s important to avoid dragging your feet otherwise the shoes will catch and down you will go!

With steep climbs, it’s sensible to put the front traction claws to use and a little like normal running you may need to shorten your stride. You can also consider using a switchback traversal approach to maximise efficiency and conserve energy. Tracking downhill should encourage you to engage the front claws and keeping your weight slightly forward.

Poles are a necessary accompaniment in undulating terrain; practising with these is important and nothing better for simulation than the past time of Nordic Walking.

No need for the look of bemusement; too many multisporters burn out and cycle (sic) through the sport far too quickly because of an obsession with sticking to the core disciplines and not incorporating cross training. Nordic walking, like snow shoeing is one such alternate activity that you would do well to consider.

There are a number of long established US snowshoe manufacturers some who design in the US and outsource to China for production and others who design and make in the USA. We recommend GV a niche manufacturer that designs and makes their own products in Colorado; Atlas Snowshoes are also a fine choice.

Modern snowshoes incorporate the latest in materials science from aluminium frames through to composite decks and freeze resistant bindings and straps. Shape, weight, claw distribution and type alter to suit particular needs from fun slopping in the slush to expedition trekking to full on racing.

Just a tip – to maximise comfort and protect your extremities invest in a pair of Gore-Tex runners – warm dry feet are essential.

I will leave you with these alpine safety reminders from the Tubbs Snowshoes web site and encourage you to have bash at snow shoeing.

• Familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential dangers before you depart; take an avalanche transponder with you and snow shovel.
• Frost bite-protect all exposed appendages, especially as the temperature drops or the wind increases. Wear an iRULE BLIZZARD or Whistlers.
• Hidden obstacles-beware of barbed wire fences, holes, or uneven terrain under the snow.
• Hypothermia-know your limits, stay hydrated and carry extra clothing on long outings in isolated areas.
• Altitude sickness-higher elevations may have better snow, but bring the risk of altitude sickness. Be aware of the effects of elevation and take a High Gear LOFT or similar altimeter with you.
• Getting lost-you can usually follow your tracks out but beware of storms and wind that can cover them up. Always let someone know where you are & when you expect to return.
• Take heed of weather forecasts and don’t travel alone.