Greener winter sport is not for softies

After a week of racing down the piste despite frostbite temperatures and skin-peeling gales, it was time for some greener winter sports.

Snow shoe walking is often described here as “sanft” which translates as soft or gentle. But though it is gentle on the environment, don’t get the idea that it is for softies.

Snow shoes no longer look like tennis rackets. An aluminium frame with harness for hiking or snowboard boot which is hinged so that the foot lifts from the heel as usual, they are equipped with fearsome teeth underneath to help grip the snow.

If you can walk, you can enjoy this winter sport. Just put one foot in front of the other as usual and the woods and the wilderness are waiting for you to come and explore.

Very often it is a monochrome world. After a big snow fall the forest tree trunks stand dark on one side, and contrasting white with snow on the other, their branches mirroring this black and white effect.

Walking through the woods, you don’t need much imagination to feel dwarfed by all around you, and even slightly tentative; do Hansel and Gretel come to mind?

What lies beneath the huge mounds of snow which loom on either side of your track, rounded and still? Ant heaps, small bushes and nascent trees. What made these tracks that cross the trail? Deer, chamois, hares, foxes and birds are all busy surviving these cold, snow rich months. Behind, you are leaving a trail the yeti would respect.

Walking with snow shoes can be strenuous at times when no one has gone before to make a trail. But it is rewarding and healthy, sucking down the cold fresh air. Down hill in powder, you can half slide, half glide with almost effortless grace.

Adventure awaits, you only need snow shoes, ski poles and a bit of imagination.