1. Going Downhill
Traveling downhill on snowshoes can be tricky, but poles can make it easier and safer. First you need to shift your body weight to the back of the snowshoe tails and bend your knees slightly. That said, be careful not to shift your weight too far back; otherwise, the snowshoes will come out from under you and you'll end up sitting on your rump. Use the poles to help you keep your balance as you progress. The poles can also be used as brakes to make sure you don't go down the slope too quickly.
2. Work Your Upper Body
Going uphill in snowshoes gives your legs a real workout. However, if you're snowshoeing with poles, you can get an upper body workout too. Lean forward and place some of your weight on the poles. Dig the poles into the snow to provide friction and then pull yourself using the poles as leverage. You'll feel the work in your biceps, triceps and chest muscles. Depending on how you hold the poles, you may even feel the work in your forearms. You'll also exercise your upper body when you use poles to help you get over logs and streams while snowshoeing. Use your upper body muscles to grip the poles and leverage yourself over the obstacle.
3. Get Your Face Out of the Snow
If you trip and find yourself face-first in the snow, then you'll soon discover that it's extremely difficult to get yourself up by pushing the snow with your hands. The snow shifts and if the snow is deep, your arms will get stuck up the shoulder or elbow in snow. Instead, use the poles instead to push yourself back up.
4. Adding Resistance
Poles can help you get a full body workout when you're snowshoeing, especially if you use them on flat or moderate terrain. When the terrain isn't extreme, you won't need to use them as much to move around and they're simply a way to add some extra motion and resistance to your trek. However, if you want to take it easy when you hit flat terrain during your hike, then cross your poles and hold them in front of you with your hands.
5. Get Your Balance Back
Sometimes your snowshoe may hit some uneven snow or ground, which can throw you off center. Poles can help you regain your balance. To use them to balance yourself, simply dig them deeper in the snow if you're already using them on your hike. If you're carrying them, twist your body so that you can shove the poles in the snow from the right side.
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