Do I need special trekking poles for snowshoeing in the UK?

**Not necessarily – you can use your regular trekking poles for snowshoeing, but you must fit snow baskets. Standard mud/summer baskets are too small – they'll sink into deep snow, making your poles ineffective. Snow baskets (7–10 cm diameter) provide the necessary floatation on soft snow. Beyond that, your existing poles – if they have carbide tips and adjustable length – are perfectly suitable for snowshoeing. However, if you are buying new poles specifically for snowshoeing, choose 7075 aluminium with lever locks (carbon is more brittle in cold conditions). The Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Pro are excellent choices. In the UK, snowshoeing is rare – most walkers use their standard poles with snow baskets fitted. If you are hiring snowshoes, you can usually hire poles too.

1. What makes snowshoeing different from walking?

Snowshoeing involves walking on soft, deep snow. The main challenge for poles is that they need to prevent the pole from sinking deep into the snow. Without a large basket, the pole will plunge up to the handle with each plant, offering no support and making walking difficult. A snow basket spreads the load, keeping the pole on the surface of the snow, providing stability and support.

2. Do you need a special pole?

• No – If your regular poles have carbide tips (most do) and you can fit snow baskets (which are readily available for most brands), you can use them for snowshoeing. You do not need to buy a separate set of poles.
• Yes – If your poles have a push‑button locking mechanism (common on folding Z‑poles) that can jam with ice and grit, you may prefer a telescoping pole with lever locks for reliability in winter conditions.

3. Key modifications for snowshoeing

a. Fit snow baskets – Snow baskets are larger (7–10 cm diameter) than standard trekking baskets. They are available from Leki, Black Diamond, Decathlon, and online. Ensure they are compatible with your pole's shaft diameter (usually 10–12 mm). Cost: around £10–15 per pair.

b. Remove rubber ferrules – Rubber tip protectors have no grip on snow and ice. Remove them and use the bare carbide tip.

c. Lengthen poles slightly – In deep snow, you may need to extend your poles slightly to reach the ground comfortably without leaning forward. Adjust length as needed.

4. What to look for if buying poles for snowshoeing

• 7075 aluminium – Carbon fibre can be brittle in cold conditions and may snap on a side impact against frozen snow or rock.
• Lever locks (cam locks) – Easier to operate with gloves than twist locks. More reliable in freezing conditions.
• Cork grips – Comfortable in wet, cold conditions. Cork becomes tacky when damp.
• Snow basket compatibility – Ensure the poles accept snow baskets.

5. Snowshoeing-specific technique

• Plant vertically – On snow, plant the pole vertically (straight down) rather than at an angle. This gives you maximum floatation.
• Use a steady rhythm – An alternating rhythm (left pole with right foot) works well on snow.
• Avoid planting too deep – With snow baskets, the pole should sit on the snow surface. If it sinks, the basket is not large enough.

6. UK snowshoeing – when and where

Snowshoeing in the UK is a niche activity, primarily in the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms, and occasionally the Lake District or Snowdonia during heavy snowfalls. For most UK walkers, snowshoeing is a rare activity, and buying a dedicated set of poles is not necessary. Using your existing poles with snow baskets is the most practical approach.

7. Hiring vs. buying

If you are doing a snowshoeing trip in the UK or abroad, many hire centres include poles with the snowshoe rental. If you are hiring snowshoes, you can often hire poles too – saving you from buying a set for a single trip.

8. Final verdict

You do not need special trekking poles for snowshoeing in the UK. Your regular poles, fitted with snow baskets and carbide tips, are perfectly adequate. If you are buying poles for winter use, choose 7075 aluminium with lever locks and cork grips. Snow baskets are a cheap and simple addition that transforms your summer poles into winter‑ready equipment. For the rare occasions when you snowshoe in the UK, this is the most cost‑effective and practical solution.