What To Look For
Unlike skis, there is no specific product designation of "downhill" snowshoes, so you'll be looking for characteristics that will assist in hill and mountain descents. First, look for a more serious snowshoe designed for ascending, descending and backcountry use. The least expensive snowshoes are designed for recreational use on flat, wide trails, so you'll want a snowshoe made for more serious adventures. Look for an aggressive, angled heel crampon, because your weight will be slightly back when descending. Your weight, snow conditions and terrain conditions upon which you intend to snowshoe will determine the size of snowshoe you need. Heavier individuals and lighter, deeper snow require larger snowshoes. Narrow trails and steep, icy terrain require smaller, more maneuverable snowshoes. Some composite snowshoes like the Tubbs Flex Series have a flexible tail end that provides for a more natural heel strike.
Common Pitfalls
Consider the weight of both yourself and the gear that you'll be carrying. Snowshoes work by displacing weight across a larger surface area, allowing you to glide atop snow rather than sink in like an anchor. Heavier individuals need more surface area, so snowshoe sizes relate to weight. However, the weight is total weight, not just your body weight. Think about the outerwear, backpack and gear that you'll have with you, and get a snowshoe that reflects that total weight.
Where To Buy
Snowshoes are widely available at outdoor sporting good stores, general sporting good retailers and ski shops. Since you'll be looking for a higher quality snowshoe, shop stores that offer quality choices from name brand manufacturers. Some online retailers where you'll find a good selection of choices include REI's website and Backcountry's website.
Cost
Manufacturers and retailers typically break snowshoes into three categories. The names of these categories vary from brand to brand, but follow a similar structure. Entry-level recreational snowshoes are for flat, easy trails; performance snowshoes are for more difficult trails with some ascending and descending and backcountry snowshoes are for extended treks with full-out mountain climbs and descents. Depending upon your intended use, you'll be looking for snowshoes in one of the latter two categories. These snowshoes will run you $175 to $300.
Accessories
A pair of poles with large snow baskets will improve your balance when descending hills.
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