Trying snowshoes at Hautacam

Hello! I hope you are doing well. I am back after a few months in Perpignan, where I helped a winemaker friend manage his estate and made a photo report with my new camera, the Leica Q3.

I am going back in time a little with this article to tell you about my mountain activities from March 16: buying snowshoes and testing them at Hautacam before heading into two days of walking in the snow. Spoiler: that outing will be the subject of another article, and it was fire.

Starting point of the hike

Parked at Col de Tramassel with friends, we decided to follow the ridge to the point “42°57'49.0"N 0°00'50.4"W”. I will let you use Maps to follow the idea of the walk.

The route of our small out-and-back

My snowshoes + Haize Clamshells-38 bag

My friend Alexandre, future firefighter, with his Haize Backpack 0.0

Which snowshoe model?

The desire to go walking in the snow has stayed with me since last year, when I did a fairly simple walk at Pont d’Espagne. Back then, I bought some small traction devices to put over my shoes for walking on snow and ice. I will be honest with you: they are not great. Maybe for walking down your street if it is slippery in the middle of winter. Otherwise, move on.

Testing the TSL 2.28 HIKE snowshoes at Hautacam

So, back to Decathlon I went, with the desire to get snowshoes. I learned that my weight and height would be linked to the model I needed to buy. I gathered information, asked a few sellers, and finally chose this model: the black TSL 2.28 HIKE.

Just as I thought I would be able to use them with my Merrell hiking shoes, I learned that I needed proper snow boots, and high-cut ones. So I added the SH500 Mountain MID to my purchase, a choice I did not regret because they are very warm and I had no problem with them, whether at Hautacam or during our two-day outing to the Ayous lakes.

A few tips for your future purchase

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Define your needs

• Terrain: Identify the types of terrain you plan to walk on. If you are planning hikes on groomed trails, light and basic snowshoes may be enough. For steeper and snowier terrain, choose models with crampons and heel lifts.
• Frequency of use: If you plan to use your snowshoes regularly, invest in a durable, good-quality model.

2. Consider your body shape

• Weight and height: The choice of snowshoes depends on your weight and height. Wider and longer snowshoes offer better flotation in deep snow, while more compact models suit lighter people or rougher terrain better.

3. Choose the right bindings

• Shoe compatibility: Make sure the snowshoes are compatible with your hiking boots. Some bindings are designed specifically for high-cut snow boots, offering more support and comfort.

4. Consider traction options

• Crampons and claws: For better grip, especially on icy or sloping terrain, choose snowshoes equipped with metal crampons and claws.

5. Try and adjust before buying

• Comfort and fit: Do not hesitate to try several models in store to check comfort and fit. Ask the sellers for advice; they can help you adjust the snowshoes correctly.

6. Budget

• Value for money: Snowshoes can vary a lot in price. Set your budget and look for models offering the best value. Sometimes investing a little more at the start can save you discomfort and extra costs later.

By following these tips, you will be well equipped to choose snowshoes suited to your needs, and you will be able to fully enjoy your winter hikes. Have good walks in the snow!

The Brèche de Roland from Hautacam