The answer to that question has historically been not really unless you lived in the high mountains of the West, or the deep North Woods of Maine or Minnesota. And for the southern half of the United States, a pair of snowshoes in the trunk is probably a bit overboard. Better to use that space for another warm blanket or a compact stove to heat food.
But the recent “historic” snowfalls in the upper eastern quadrant of the country may force a reassessment for some of us. When areas around New York City, Boston, and Chicago are expressing snowfall in terms of feet, the possibility that you may have to leave your car to get home or to shelter in a foot and a half or more of snow means that a pair of snowshoes could mean the difference between getting home warm and dry, getting home with frostbitten toes, or not getting home at all.
The nice thing about “shoeing” is that there is little technique. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Most snowshoe bindings will accept any kind of footwear, though a warm set of boots will be more comfortable than your dress shoes. Yes, ascending or traversing steep hills takes a little practice, but you will probably be following buried streets and highways to your destination, and the grades they follow won’t be an issue.
So what kind of snowshoe do you need? The heavier you are the longer shoe you need to spread out your weight. The kids or your petite spouse probably only need 24 inch platforms, hefty dads should look for 30 or even 36 inch lengths. Remember to include the weight of any emergency kit or kits you will be toting in your calculations.
Frankly, if you are not planning on using the snowshoes for recreation as well as emergencies, don’t spend a lot. You only need the shoe to get you to your home or a shelter. Snoop around and you can probably snag something cheap but decent for under a hundred bucks at a discount or big box store.
If you think that you will also use the snowshoes for winter family fun on nearby meadows, golf courses, or mellow trails, upgrade a bit just so the shoes will last a while longer. I find lots of snowshoes labeled “recreational” or “day hiking” at moderate price points in sporting goods stores.
Finally, if you will be taking a winter pack laden with gear into the backcountry and camping in a tent on snow just for fun in addition to emergency use, get the best snowshoe you can find and afford. Specialty shops carry some great backcountry shoes. Going into their various features and making a comparison is way beyond the scope of this short article. But fair warning, winter camping, if you are properly equipped and ready, can be some of the best camping of all and downright addictive.
One other item to consider-poles. If you are just waddling home from your car, they are very much optional. If the mileage rises or the load increases, they are a better idea. You could spend a ton on genuine trekking poles with adjustable lengths, cork grips, and a cool sounding brand name, or just visit your local thrift shop and get a pair of beat up old ski poles. Guess which one I did.