05 Winter · Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing,a walk in the woods.
Snowshoes let you walk on snow without sinking in: you just strap them to your boots. It's winter's easy outing, for the whole family, from children to grandparents.
i In short
Sport Extreme, at Via Prestefan 14 in Livigno, sells gear and clothing for snowshoe walks, including poles, winter boots and layers from brands such as Leki, Karpos, Salewa and Scarpa, and helps families choose the right snowshoes.
A The kit, piece by piece
What matters,
piece by piece.
Scroll: for every piece of kit we tell you what to look for in this sport, and which brands you'll find in store.
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Beanie
Merino or fleece, which stays warm even if you sweat a little. A thin one for the climb and a warm one in your pack for breaks.
Brands: Eisbär
Sunglasses
Snow reflects the sun, so you need category 3 lenses in a wraparound frame that also shields the sides. Category 4 is for very bright light at altitude and isn't suitable for driving.
Brands: Uvex
Jacket
As for ski touring: thin layers and a breathable shell, because walking warms you up and you cool down quickly when you stop. Pack a light down jacket for the break.
Brands: Karpos · Salewa · Haglöfs · Mammut
Gloves
Light, breathable gloves for walking that grip your poles well. A warmer pair in your pack, especially for children, whose hands get wet playing in the snow.
Brands: Reusch · Level
Backpack
For a day out, 20–30 L is enough: a flask, a warm layer and something to eat. If you leave the managed trails, it also has to hold a shovel and probe.
Brands: Deuter · Osprey
Trousers
Softshell or a light shell, water-repellent and breathable, with side zips to cool down on the climb. Gaiters over the top keep out fresh snow.
Brands: Karpos · Salewa · Haglöfs
Gaiters
They cover you from boot to just below the knee and keep snow out of your boots and socks. Choose a waterproof fabric with a hook that clips onto your laces.
Winter boots
Waterproof winter boots, mid or high cut, with a sole stiff enough for the binding to hold. Soft après-ski boots don't work: your foot twists inside the binding.
Brands: Scarpa · Meindl · Lowa · Salewa
Snowshoes
Choose them by load, meaning your weight plus your pack, which every model states. You want crampons underfoot for hard snow and a heel lift that raises your heel on climbs, so you tire less.
Poles
Adjustable, shorter for the climb and longer for the descent, with wide snow baskets that don't sink.
Brands: Leki · Black Diamond
All of this,
at Via Prestefan 14.
Come and try it on: we put together the right kit for you, piece by piece.
Call the shop→B Winter
How to choose
- Snowshoe sizeEvery model states a maximum load; in fresh snow you need more surface.
Every snowshoe states a maximum load: add your weight to your pack's. On groomed trails a compact model is enough; in fresh snow you need more surface, or a tail extension.
- Binding and cramponsThe binding holds your boot without twisting, the crampons grip on hard snow.
The binding should close on your boot without letting your foot twist, and it helps if you can adjust it with gloves on. Crampons underfoot grip on hard snow and icy stretches.
- Heel liftOn climbs it props your heel up, so your calves work less.
A small bar that props your heel up on climbs: your calves work less and your stride stays short. Fold it down on the flat and downhill.
- Boots and layersWaterproof winter boots and ski-touring layers, with a down jacket in your pack.
Warm, waterproof winter boots, not après-ski boots. Dress as for ski touring: thin layers, a breathable shell and a down jacket in your pack for breaks.
D In Livigno
Snowshoe trails in Livigno
Livigno has seven managed snowshoe trails, marked with green and fuchsia poles and groomed after every fresh snowfall. On these trails a shovel, transceiver and probe are only compulsory if you leave the marked route, and you may go up and down on snowshoes only, not on foot. For a first family outing, the Tee Val Federia loop is an easy route of about 4 km among old shepherds' huts.
E Quick advice
Who are you going with?
Our advice
F In store
Snowshoes, boots and layers
We help you choose snowshoes and poles to suit your weight, and warm boots that the binding holds well, for the whole family. For clothing we suggest the layers we use for ski touring, in a simpler version. Livigno is a duty-free zone, so no VAT is applied.
G Frequently asked questions
Good to
know.
Where can I go snowshoeing in Livigno?
Livigno has seven managed snowshoe trails, marked with green and fuchsia poles and groomed after every fresh snowfall; the map is free on livigno.eu. For an easy first outing, the Tee Val Federia loop is about 4 km long and starts from car park P3 at Ponte Calcheira. Trails can be closed if conditions aren't safe.
Do I need a transceiver, shovel and probe for snowshoeing?
It depends where you go. In Italy, when there's avalanche risk, anyone hiking on snow, snowshoes included, must carry a transceiver, shovel and probe (art. 26, Legislative Decree 40/2021). On Livigno's managed trails, the rules make them compulsory only if you leave the marked route.
Is snowshoeing suitable for children?
Yes, on a short, easy trail. There are smaller kids' snowshoes, with a maximum load set by the manufacturer. Dress them in layers, bring spare gloves, socks and a flask, and stop before they get tired.
What footwear do I need for snowshoes?
Waterproof winter boots, mid or high cut, with a sole stiff enough for the binding to hold it steady. Soft après-ski boots twist inside the binding and get wet. With gaiters, snow stays out even in fresh powder.
Can I walk the snowshoe trails without snowshoes?
No: on Livigno's managed trails you may go up and down on snowshoes only, and the rules forbid walking them on foot or in boots alone. Boot prints ruin the groomed track. For walking without snowshoes there are groomed winter footpaths.
Come and
see us.
Every day 09:00–12:30 · 14:00–19:30
Via Prestefan 14 · 23041 Livigno · 1.816 m