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Climbing Hills The ability to go up a hill is a facet of the sport that makes snowshoeing fun. Snowshoeing is the fastest and easiest way to go up snow-covered hills using one's own power. There are many different ways to go uphill depending on the snow conditions and size of the hill. All techniques can be accomplished on either snow or sand.     Skill Progression Your Athlete Can: Never Sometimes Often Take shorter steps Avoid snowshoe overlap Keep weight forward and on balls of feet Climb hills without slipping or falling Climb up moderate hills without using hands Pump arms to power up the hill Use the fall line, if necessary Identify the fall line, if necessary   Teaching Points Show the athlete where the fall line is (the line a ball would take as it rolls down the hill). The fall line is usually the most direct route possible up a hill. Take shorter steps, keeping the head up. Keep weight on the balls of the feet. Keep feet spread apart to avoid overlapping snowshoes. Stamp with the toe to dig the crampon into the snow for better traction. Pump arms to power up the hill. Lean slightly into the hill. On short steep hills with loose or deep snow, crawling forward using the hands for balance and traction can help.   Faults & Fixes Chart   Error Correction Drill Reference Athlete stops at bottom of hill Teach athlete to maintain momentum Repetition Stomp Drill on slight hill Athlete slips backward Teach athlete to lean forward Repetition Stomp Drill on slight hill Overlap occurs Spread feet farther apart Follow coach in same tracks Trail Making Drill Snow Write Drill Athlete crawls up the hill Teach athlete to stand upright Have athlete hold items in both hands Athlete takes circular route Teach fall line Follow coach in same tracks Roll ball down hill to emphasize fall line   Trail Making Drill Fox Chase Game Athlete takes extended steps Teach athlete to take smaller steps Snowball Drill

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