Learning how to use snowshoes requires less training. Snowshoe movement is more practical in confined areas, such as assembly positions, field trains, and mortar and artillery positions. If traveling on foot, you should become skilled on both skis and snowshoes.

Your ability to use, and the availability of, over-snow equipment is a major factor in learning to travel well over snow-covered terrain. With previous training in cross-country skiing and if equipment is available, travel on skis is recommended. In most snow conditions and over most types of terrain, skis provide the fastest and most energy-saving form of travel. Use of snowshoes requires little training, but your speed will be slower and travel more exhausting.

Snowshoes are more exhausting than skis. However, a light crust on the surface of the snow prevents skis from sinking and provides for fast and easy skiing. A crust hard enough to support a man makes travel on foot feasible, but even then travel on skis is recommended.

In a survival situation, improvise equipment for travel if snow is loose and deep. Make snowshoes of willow or other springy wood using a wood separator and thong, wire, cord, etc.

USE SKIS WHEN:

• Speed is essential.

• Long distance must be traveled.

• Stealth is necessary.

• Conditions allow.

USE SNOW SHOES WHEN:

• Moving through heavy brush.

• Speed is not essential.

• Troops are not proficient on skis.

Figure 8-2. Improvised snowshoes.