In this entry, we're going to cover snowshoe maintenance. On other occasions, we've discussed the use of snowshoes, but the truth is that when the season ends, like all winter equipment, they aren't cheap and can be costly to maintain. In this case, we have good news for you: snowshoes are actually the easiest winter gear to maintain, provided you handle the equipment with care.


 Snowshoe route

At the start of the season, or if the snowshoes are new or second-hand, we should ensure that the straps fit our feet properly, that the deck or frame is wide enough to keep us "afloat" in the snow. Check that the nuts are properly tightened, and have them ready to enjoy snow hikes.

Remember that snowshoes have a deck or frame, usually made of plastic, to create a platform wide enough to distribute our weight so we have more surface area to move forward without sinking. The adjustment straps, made of durable and easy-to-clean fabric, keep the snowshoes securely attached to our feet. For these two parts of the snowshoes, it will be enough to remove dirt and mud residue with a damp cloth or by brushing the areas that have debris from the trek.

 
Now let's move on to the most delicate part. Like all winter gear, snowshoes have metal components—in this case, the crampons and binding plates—which require special care if we want to prevent rust. After each use, the most important thing is to dry the equipment thoroughly and store it in a dry place. This way, we'll avoid having to worry too often about maintaining the metal parts.

It's worth noting that during the season, if we're using our snowshoes regularly, the constant use will prevent rust from forming or, if it's already formed, will help wear it away. What we must avoid at all costs is using sandpaper or abrasive materials, as this will wear down the metal and accelerate degradation.
 

 Snowshoes

An important precaution throughout the season is to avoid stepping on stones or rocks, so we must be absolutely sure the snow depth is sufficient to avoid damaging the equipment.

When transporting snowshoes, protect the crampons inside your backpack to prevent them from damaging anything, and make sure no one gets hurt by them. When snowshoes are frozen, it's important not to step on the bindings, as the plastic could crack. This is the part that requires the least maintenance but is also the most fragile.
 

 Snowshoes sign

With all this in mind, at the end of the season, following the steps above, all that's left is to remove the nuts (making sure we can put them back in the same place), dry everything thoroughly, and store them away until next year.