Skye Michel
Getting new winter gear is usually great for the ego and painful for the bank account... but it doesn’t have to be. Did you know you can make your own snowshoes? And for quite cheap, too.
There are plenty of ways to equip your feet for the winter, whether it be a quick walk to the trash can or a lengthy alpine meander. All you need is time, ingenuity, and a little bit of grit. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Duct Tape
Duct tape can solve anything, right? Scratch the complicated weaving and tape yourself shoes instead.
Tennis Racket & Bike Tire
A popped bike tire can still get you places. Weave the tube between the racket’s webbing and tie tightly to secure your feet. Make sure your toes are snug and your heels can move up and down.
Sticks & Paracord
Gather and assemble twigs, using paracord to keep the frame together. Twigs can be left straight for longer frames or boiled in water and bent to create a rounded frame.
Recycled Materials
Have fun, be crafty, and save the environment. You can use scrap wood as a foot frame, plastic bottles cut in strips as webbing, or ripped plastic bags as string.
Last Resort
If you're sinking in snow and really in a pinch, tie yourself to some branches!
This article originally appeared in our winter 2024 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our magazine archive.
