Face the Tricky Snow Treks Like a Pro – Tips and Hacks for a Perfect Ice Walk

Trekking on the snow may visually seem like a cakewalk. But it is never so. To walk on the snow is extremely fantasizing to watch and instantly drives us to imagine being in the shoes of The frozen princess. But, the more appealing it is the more difficult it gets to be faced. Trekking on land is comparatively much easier than snow trek. It requires certain skills to be developed. Snow is majorly classified into two types.

1. Hard snow
2. Loose snow

Hard packed snow is formed over time as the relative water level of the snow increases. Compacted due to repeated pressure. Loose snow is a contrast of the hard-packed snow in which the snow is in the form of powder or curd, soft and smooth. Traveling on both of these trails are equally hard. 

Here we are to fine-tune your skills on walking the ice right!

Tips to be followed while trekking on the icy trails

1. Never rush, slow and steady steps ever favor on mountains
2. Take steps according to your breath rate. i.e. one step when you inhale and another while you exhale, to prevent from running out of breath.
3. If you feel tired and realize that you’re not breathing enough, take a break and then resume your trek.
4. Maintain the right posture as you climb uphill. Bend your knees from the hip, lean slightly towards the front pushing your weight forward. Never climb upright. 
5. Use foot edges while climbing down and choose zig-zag paths.
6. Use microspikes and crampons while walking on hard snow.
7. While on loose snow to maintain stability kick the snow with your toes while ascending. While descending use your heel to lock the foot on the sliding snow. 
8. While climbing down put your entire weight on your trekking pole and ease the pressure on your knees. Shift your trekking poles between hands so that you don’t feel the stiffness.
9. Before putting your step forward check for boulders using a trekking pole, and then proceed.
10. Never take support from plants and shrubs. For safety purposes, walk on the widespread path never proceed through the edges.
11. Use gumboots while trekking on the slippery hard ice, and use gaiters while on loose snow.
12. Loose snow trekking can be really exhausting. Save energy by moving steadily following the above-mentioned hacks. Never rush. 
13. Follow your trek leads and walk on designated paths. Never take shortcuts. Imitate their foot moves mainly when trekking snow trails.
14. Use the right footwear while trekking on snow. Footwear made of rubber and neoprene composite provides better friction than the ones made of plastic and leather.
15. Use waterproof shoes. After hours of snow walk, your shoes may get wet and affect your trek. A waterproof shoe solves the issue.
16. Choose shoes with flat soles. Avoid the one with heels. They never suit the snowy trails.
17. On the whole, a conscious and stable mind with proper skill implementation can overcome any hard ice trek.

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