Build your own snowshoes - DIY instructions for homemade wooden snowshoes

Do you love winter adventures, but deep snow regularly gets on your nerves? Then it's time to build your own snowshoes! Sounds crazy - but it's not. With a bit of skill, a few tools and the right instructions, you can make snowshoes that make hiking in the snow really easy. And the best thing is: you get a DIY project with a real "I made it myself!" moment.

Table of contents

Building your own snowshoes - step by step
What materials do you need to build snowshoes?
How do you build the frame for snowshoes?
How do you attach the cover to snowshoes?
How do you attach the binding to self-made snowshoes?
Key points to summarize

Build your own snowshoes - step by step

Snowshoes make hiking in deep snow much easier. Why? They increase the contact surface of your feet so that you sink in less and make much more relaxed progress. Not only can you save money with self-made snowshoes, but you can also learn a lot while making them - regardless of whether you are already experienced or just fancy a cool DIY project.

Before you get started, here is a compact overview of the most important materials and tools so that you can get started right away:

Materials

Tools

What materials do you need to build snowshoes?

To build functional snowshoes from wood, you mainly need a light, bendable wood. Traditionally, ash is used, but hazel or willow also work well. The only important thing is that the wood is flexible enough to be bent into the typical oval snowshoe shape later on.

The following are suitable for the stringing:

• Cord (paracord holds well)
• Leather straps
• Weatherproof twine

Make sure that the cord is weatherproof - snow, ice and moisture quickly damage poor quality material.

You will also need tools such as a saw, drill, screw clamps and possibly wire if you want to reinforce the frame.

How do you build the frame for snowshoes?

The frame is the basis for everything that follows. If the frame is not stable or warps, you won't enjoy walking on it later. That's why it pays to work particularly carefully here.
We'll show you step by step how to build a stable frame that fits your snowshoes perfectly.

1. Prepare the wood
   Cut two wooden slats to the desired length. The size depends on your body weight and the amount of snow: The heavier you are or the softer the snow, the larger the snowshoes need to be.
2. Bending the wood
   Place the wooden strips in warm water for several hours or steam them (you can also use a large pot). This makes the wood flexible.
   Then carefully bend it into an oval or teardrop shape.
3. Fixing the frame
   You can connect the ends with glue, screws or a tight wrapping of string. It is important that everything dries out well and remains stable.
4. Leave to dry
   Leave the construction in shape for at least 24 hours so that it hardens properly.

How is the covering attached to snowshoes?

The frame is in place and now your snowshoe is getting its "inner life", so to speak. The lining ensures that you can walk on snow like on a solid surface without sinking in deeply.
Many people underestimate this step, but it is crucial for the function of your snowshoes. Threading is almost meditative - and you can design the pattern exactly how you like it.

This is how it works:

1. Drill the holes
   Drill small holes around the frame through which you can later thread the cord.
2. Thread the cord
   Start at the front and work your way back in a grid pattern.
   The pattern should
   1. be stable
   2. be well distributed
   3. remain slightly flexible
3. Wrap & knot
   Always pull the cord nice and tight and secure each section with a knot.
   Your snowshoes are only ready when everything is tight.

How do you attach the binding to self-made snowshoes?

Without a good binding, even the best frame is useless. After all, you want to have a secure grip when walking and not slip out of the snowshoe.
But the binding is not complicated at all - on the contrary: with just a few simple steps, you can build a solution that is robust, comfortable and super functional. And because every foot is a little different, we'll show you here how to adjust everything so that your snowshoes really do fit perfectly in the end.

This is how you do it:

1. Determine the position
   The binding is placed in the front third of the snowshoe - this keeps walking natural and prevents you from tipping backwards.
2. Building the binding
   Use leather straps or robust cord. The binding should hold the foot securely and at the same time allow enough freedom of movement.
3. Test & readjust
   Grab a sturdy boot, place it in the binding and tighten everything.
   Take short test steps - does anything wobble? Then readjust until it fits comfortably.
4. First test tour
   Before you really get going: go for a short walk for a few minutes. This will show you if anything is pinching or loose.

Key points to summarize

• Building your own snowshoes is a rewarding DIY project that is fun and teaches you new skills.
• With the right materials - especially wood and robust cord - you can build snowshoes that will reliably carry you through the deep snow.
• The construction consists of three main steps: forming the frame, tying the string and attaching the binding.
• Careful instructions and patience will ensure that your self-made snowshoes are stable, safe and durable.
• After making them, you should test your snowshoes and improve them if necessary.
• Homemade snowshoes make hiking in the snow much easier - and the sense of achievement is free on top.