How to Make a Pair of Emergency Snowshoes

If you find yourself in an emergency situation and you need to cross a wide expanse of snow, heading out without building yourself a pair of snowshoes can be the difference between life and death. Walking through a snowy landscape is extremely difficult and tiring, requiring you to constantly bring your foot all the way up, only to then sink down several inches, or even a foot, with each step. Snowshoes work by spreading out your weight over a larger area, thus keeping you from sinking as deep as you normally wood. Since they work on such a simple principle, snowshoes can be constructed using just a few tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • String
  • Trees
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut down a nearby sapling with your knife. Bend the main branch into a complete circle to make sure it can take the form. If the wood snaps, cut down another and warm the wood up a bit before trying again.

    • 2

      Sever the branches from the main core of the tree. Then cut the core so that it is about four feet long and no wider than an inch at the thickest point.

    • 3

      Bend the branch into a teardrop shape and cross one of the ends over the other to make an "X" pattern.

    • 4

      Wrap your string around the "X" numerous times and then pin the end of the string under the last loop. When you are done there should be no give in the joint when you are handling the branch.

    • 5

      Cut the thickest of the remaining branches so that it will fit across the snowshoe frame you just made. Then cut two more thick branches that are just slightly shorter than the first.

    • 6

      Place the largest branch across your snowshoe frame, about one-third of the way down from the top. Use your string to secure each side of this branch to the frame. Place your foot carefully over the snowshoe, with the ball just over the cross-branch. Place the other two large branches on the snowshoe so that they will be under the middle and heel of your foot. Secure them to the snowshoe.

    • 7

      Tie numerous smaller pieces of twig across your snowshoe. Each side should be secured to the frame. Have some of the sticks run from the back to the front, and other from side to side.

    • 8

      Repeat this process to make your second snowshoe.

    • 9

      Thread a piece of string through the lowest two holes on your boots or shoes and then place your foot on the snowshoe. Tie the end of the string to one side of the snowshoe and then cut the string on the other side of your shoe and tie it off as well. Do this for both snowshoes and you will be ready to use them.