Anybody have any experience with snow shoes?

[hedgehog]

I live in a high snow region - we generally have about a foot of lake effect on the ground from December through MArch. Textures may range from near slush to dry powder. I want to walk the dog about 1/2 mile up and down hills on a path.

[redqueen]

1. None at all...

but now I'm wondering if they make them for dogs.

[DS1]

2. they make booties

but they're more for keeping the road salt off their feet than snow

[hedgehog]

4. Believe me, the dogs don't need snow shoes! They have no trouble at all

running over or through the snow!

[redqueen]

5. Oh yeah...

I've seen videos of dogs in deep snow (hardly ever any snow down here)... but I was just wondering if anyone made such a thing. They make all other manner of ridiculous contraptions for pets... so... :D

[Writer]

3. I snow shoe almost every year here in colorado.

Just be sure to get the proper length corresponding to your weight. There are also more lightweight models. They also make little snow booties for dog's feet, if you're interested in checking it out.

[old mark]

6. The booties for the dog are a good idea - my dog used to

just sit down wherever we wre when her paws got filled with snow, and she refused to move till I cleaned the ice out from between her toes.

Snow shoes require some expertise, and I would advise you learn the technique and practice without the dog first.


mark

[hedgehog]

7. I have a vision of myself more or less "water skiing" over the snow

if the dogs spot a squirrel!

[LNM]

8. Snowshoeing is very easy to learn.

Strap them on and just start walking. You may want to rent some first to see what you like. I learned on the old wooden ones. It was easy but they get heavy. The aluminum ones with grips on the bottom are great for hills, both up and down. You won't slide as much with them and the aluminum is lightweight.

[Beer Snob-50]

9. I bought some last year from EMS that were inexpensive

Just made sure they were for my weight. I am actually looking forward to the first storm because I found a great trail to clomp through.

[hedgehog]

10. What I call a path is a cut through the woods for the power line that

crosses the property. So, it has no trees but the snow may or may not be packed down by a snow mobile. Does that make a difference?

[Beer Snob-50]

12. snow shoes are for use in snow that is not packed down

as it keeps you on top of the snow. Mine has teeth on the bottom however for better traction in the packed down stuff.

[mikeytherat]

11. Do I ever! I made these when I was 11 (no BS)!

I had a little help with the cutting and brazing, but the rest I did completely by myself (quality job on the webbing, I know, but...I was 11). BTW, they still work great 30 years later (I took the photo today).

mikey_the_rat