Daylight savings marks an odd time of year.  Mentally it feels like it should designate the start of spring, yet outside the weather still feels very much like winter.

In the mountains of the western USA, March is probably the best time of year for snowshoeing.  Slopes have plenty of coverage, and spring storms can wallop the mountains with FEET of snow in a single night.

This may sound intimidating, especially if you’ve never been snowshoeing in your life, but as the old adage goes: if you can walk, you can snowshoe.  Hitting the backcountry is a great way to embrace the tail end of winter, which is why this week’s blog is dedicated to helping you decide which snowshoe is right for you.

There are two basic types of snowshoes: aluminum frame and plastic.  Hiking techniques are about the same for both, but there are a few subtle differences.

ALUMINUM FRAME – Price: $80-$220

These shoes look a bit like the tennis racket styles of yesteryear.  An aluminum frame supports webbing (usually made of springy PVC plastic) that keeps you atop the powder.  A flexible cleat straps to your boot, which allows you to walk up and down inclines.

Advantages: Quieter than their plastic counterparts, typically longer with more surface area making them a good option for tall or hefty users.

Disadvantages: Bigger shoes are less maneuverable, and the webbing wears out if you step on rocks or tree roots.

PLASTIC – Price: $140-$200

These shoes are forged almost entirely out of hard plastic, with metal teeth affixed below.  The flexible cleat design is similar to aluminum frame shoes, so walking feels the same, with one big exception.  Plastic shoes have additional rows of teeth that allow hikers to traverse hills rather than going straight up or straight down.

Advantages: Great for novices since shorter shoes are more maneuverable.  Additional teeth on the bottom make it easier to walk across hills without slipping.

Disadvantages: Noisy when walking on ice or packed snow.