Hike with the FFRandonnée!

Outdoor sports and activities, including hiking, are extremely popular with the French population, with 56% of French people claiming to take part in hiking and/or leisure walking. Hiking leads the rankings with 27 million people walking up and down routes on the plains, in the mountains or along the coast ^[1].

The Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre has a delegation from the Ministry of Sport for the practice of hiking, for which it defines standards. It is also a member of the European Ramblers Association (ERA).

“Hiking is an outdoor physical or sporting activity that consists of planning and travelling a route on foot, without running. It can be practised on any surface that allows walking without the use of equipment and/or progression techniques associated with mountaineering. This pedestrian route may or may not be marked with beacons and signposts.”

^[1] A study conducted by the UNION Sport & Cycle on behalf of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre, December 2021

Types of practice

It varies according to the objectives:

• A physical or sporting activity requiring fitness, assessment of environmental hazards and appropriate equipment, for individual or group practice;
• An educational and leisure activity that allows you to discover and learn about the territory, the environment and the natural, cultural and human heritage ;
• A competitive activity, codified in rules for Rando challenge® events or endurance walking (Audax patents), which allows the ranking of individuals and structures.

Its designations vary depending on the duration of the practice. Several designations, corresponding to the previous definition, express the different forms of practice according to the duration of the effective walking time:

• A walk is a pedestrian route completed in less than 4 hours of effective walking time (maximum effort index of 25)^[2] ;
• A hike is a walking route where the effective walking time is more than 4 hours (effort index from 26) ; 
• A long-distance hike is a walking route where the effective walking time is several consecutive days of travelling (effort index from 26 repeated over several days). If the hike takes place in remote areas or at altitude, it is called trekking.

^[2] - L’indice d’effort (Hiking index) est un des trois critères de la cotation fédérale des randonnées pédestres disponible sur https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/randonner/securite/cotation-des-randonnees-pedestres 

Hikers and hiking

Although there are a large number of hikers and leisure walkers, 46% of them walk regularly, i.e. around 12 million people.

Even though most people walk independently, they still do so regularly, with 25% claiming to walk several times a week^[3].

The FFRandonnée is a state-approved organisation whose main mission is to develop walking and hiking activities throughout France. It has nearly 3,500 affiliated clubs with more than 222,000 members.

Related disciplines

• Aqua Walking
• Endurance Hiking

Article L131-14 of the French Sports Code states that for each sporting discipline and for a given period, a single approved federation receives a delegation from the Ministry of Sport. The Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRandonnée) is the sports federation delegated for the disciplines of hiking and Aqua Walking by a decree dated 31 December 2016.

Finally, article L311-2 of the French Sports Code states that " the delegated sports federations or, failing that, the approved sports federations may define, for their own discipline, the standards for the technical classification, safety and equipment of areas, sites and routes related to outdoor sports". The federation has created a federal guide “Practising, Supervising, Organising”. These regulations include rules and recommendations for participants, supervisors and organisers of sporting activities.

^[3] A study conducted by the UNION Sport & Cycle on behalf of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre, December 2021

Nordic Walking first appeared in Scandinavian countries in the 1970s. It was originally a training activity for cross-country skiers during the summer season.

More dynamic than hiking, Nordic walking uses two poles to emphasise the natural swing of the arms. In this way, the body is propelled forward.

 

You go faster and further with less fatigue.

Energy expenditure is increased and the enjoyment of the sport begins with the very first strides because the technique is simple.

This new sport is accessible to everyone and will delight young and old alike, regardless of their physical condition. It's a family-friendly sport that attracts a wide audience.

The French Athletics Federation has the delegation for Nordic Walking and defines its standards. It is working with the FFRandonnée to develop the activity in France.

This activity is expected to develop in the FFRandonnée clubs. To date, 27% of clubs offer this activity.

Partners

Benefit from preferential conditions for your equipment and sports holidays:

• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/lepape
• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/guidetti
• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/ternelia 

Practice conditions

A short video presentation of Nordic Walking :

>> > You can find the full programme of video introductions to Nordic walking on the website of the NGO Sikana. Thanks to Jean-Bernard Sibour and Jocelyne Julien from our affiliated association Marche Ta Forme!

Course of a session :

A Nordic Walking session is shorter than a traditional hike, lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Each session is structured similarly:

• Muscle and joint warm-up (10 minutes)
• Progressive start and actual Nordic Walking with some muscle-strengthening exercises (1-1,5 hours)
• Stretching and recovery (10-15 minutes)

Advantages of this discipline

• Involves every muscle in the body: thanks to the poles, both upper (arms, pectorals, abdominals, etc.) and lower (thighs, calves, etc.) muscles are involved.
  
  - Greater breathing and oxygenation of the body: +60% compared to regular walking
  
  - An ally in the weight loss process: fat is burned more efficiently.
  
  - Bone strengthening through vibration.

Equipment

The poles

Components: mixture of fiberglass and carbon.

They must be: solid, flexible and comfortable single-stranded poles

Pole length

Depends on the height of the walker.

Ideal length: the walker’s height (in cm) x 0,70

The length can also be estimated more roughly: height - 50 cm.

In practice, beginners should choose poles that reach just below the elbow when the arm is bent.

The more athletic walker should choose a slightly longer pole to increase speed.

The tips

They depend on the surface you're practising on (soil, hard ground, grass, etc.).

The wrist strap

It is essential as it allows the hand to be open and to extend the thrust and make it as effective as possible.

It makes it easier to control the stick.

The shoes

Choose them according to the terrain: running shoes, low-cut hiking shoes, hiking boots, etc.

Bungy Pump is a new activity at the FFRandonnée. It is a more energetic version of Nordic Walking with a new type of spring-loaded poles.

It is a fast-growing discipline that has really taken off in France in recent years: leisure sport, fitness, shape, and health, this new discipline combines all the benefits you could wish for in a sporting activity.

"It improves walkers' posture, burns more calories and involves almost every muscle in the body! It's a gentle discipline accessible to everyone, and one that has already convinced many French people". – 20 Minutes

Equipment

The Bungy Pump is a walking stick with a 20 cm pump system and a resistance that can vary from 4 to 10 kg depending on the model. The “Walkathlon” model has a lockable pump system. These poles can be used for many purposes: rehabilitation, health, fitness, hiking, Nordic walking, etc.

Partnership

The Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre has signed a new partnership with HYDRATECNHIC, the sole French distributor of BUNGY PUMP poles.

Since 2012, Hydratechnic has been managing Bungy Pump - France and is actively involved in developing and distributing the brand and its products. Today, Bungy Pump - France wants to be the technical resource centre available to all enthusiasts.

The FFRandonnée network has a special offer for members, clubs and committees when ordering BUNGY PUMP poles.

• Members benefit from a 10 % discount on public prices (on the FFRandonnée shop or on the Bungy Pump website).
• For clubs, 20 % discount on orders of 5 pairs or more.
• For committees, 30 % discount on orders of 10 pairs or more.

 Go to the FFRandonnée website in the Partners section: https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/bungy-pump 

Sports development & training

Thanks to its new partner, the Federation intends to provide the conditions that will enable clubs to diversify their activities to the delight of their members. But proposing a new discipline is not easy! To remedy this, the FFRandonnée has thought of everything: training leaders and helping them to prepare the content of their sessions!

To train club activity leaders in this new discipline, the Federation will offer a Bungy Pump training course in conjunction with this new partner. The objective is to enable these new trainers to set up their own training courses. Well-trained activity leaders, ready to explain the discipline with knowledge and mastery, are the key to success!

The commitment of the FFRandonnée

In its Federal Plan 2021-2028, the FFRandonnée asserts a strong positioning in the fields of well-being and health. To meet this objective, its clubs with the Health label offer a welcome, supervision and physical activities adapted to people who are able to walk independently, without the help of a third party or medical equipment, but whose physical abilities have been reduced as a result of :

• A sedentary lifestyle, ageing, lack of self-confidence,
• Excess weight, diabetes, prolonged immobilisation (following surgery or chemotherapy), etc.
• Stabilised chronic pathologies: heart disease, lung disease, etc.

This does not include people with motor (paralysis), sensory ( sight or hearing loss) or mental impairments who require special equipment and support for people with disabilities.

Health Hiking session: relevant audience

Today, all scientific studies agree that regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking, has numerous health benefits.

The target groups are people who are able to walk independently but who, for physiological, pathological or psychological reasons, walk more slowly, for shorter periods of time and less far.

Whether you're a sedentary person, want to return to physical activity after a health incident, or have stabilised a chronic condition, clubs with the Health label can now safely welcome you and these groups.

• Are you in good health, but your doctor is urging you to take regular exercise? They want to protect you from a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to a number of serious diseases,
• Are you undergoing treatment? Ask your doctor for advice, but remember that moderate exercise can be an integral part of your treatment, just like your medication, and sometimes the first thing prescribed before the others,
• You can contact your regular doctor, who will give you a Certificate of Fitness and Aptitude, usually with recommendations and limits,
• Do you feel lonely or insecure? Would you like to get together in a group and share a friendly moment? Then join a club with the health label - the best thing for your morale!

By joining a club with a health label and attending regular health sessions in the discipline of your choice - hiking, Nordic walking or aqua walking - you'll get back in shape and enjoy being active in a pleasant, friendly environment and in the safest possible conditions.

The Health label

A guarantee of quality

 
In 2010, the Medical Commission created this specific label to guarantee users, prescribers and health professionals a level of health safety: the "Health" label. Since 2021, the Health label has been extended to Nordic Walking and Aqua Walking, with the "Nordic Walking Health label" and the "Aqua Walking Health label".

This specificity ensures legitimate recognition by all. It gives a guarantee of security in terms of Health Sport to the federation that meets the specifications.

A club with the Health label means :

• Regular outings

• Cultural walks

• Shorter, gentler sessions

• The pleasure of getting together with friends

• A warm and friendly atmosphere

• Outings adapted to my physical condition

• Supervision by a trained and competent activity leader

Associations with the Health label can easily be identified by the logo. In practice, this means that:

• It is a club affiliated with the FFRandonnée whose Health label has been awarded by the departmental, regional and national health teams of the FFRandonnée,

• It is a club with at least one activity leader who has completed a training course in “health” or “health walking”,

• All its members have a licence and are insured under the federal contract.

Below are the new documents required to apply for the new 2021 Health Label.

The previous Rando Santé label remains valid. If the club already has the Rando Santé label, it does not need to reapply for the hiking label. However, it must apply for the "Health Nordic Walking" or "Health Aqua Walking" disciplines.

We have carried out a report on Rando Santé activities in certified clubs for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons, which you can view by clicking on the link opposite.

NEW PROCEDURE FOR AWARDING THE HEALTH LABEL

The departmental and regional committees are now involved in the examination of label applications from FFRandonnée clubs.

They support clubs from the beginning of the project or application and give their opinion. The national Health Sport team will use this advice to award the Health labels.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW PROCEDURE 

Contact randosante@ffrandonnee.fr for more information.

Practice conditions

Administratively, the club operates in the same way as all other FFRandonnée clubs.

In practice, the directors and activity leaders draw up a programme of excursions, which they organise considering the physical condition of their members. It's a club like any other, with the same privileges and the same rules. The only difference is the pace: the walks are slower, shorter and last less time.

Additional Health training courses are organised, set up and run by doctors and trainers from the FFRandonnée regional committees. This course is aimed at qualified instructors (CARP or BF in hiking, Nordic Walking or Aqua Walking). This training enables instructors to understand the main problems associated with supervising people with reduced physical capacity, so that they can better manage their groups and reassure their participants.

Find the next training dates online.

Presentation

Endurance hikes and Audax® rides are regularity events over long distances at a regulated pace. The Audax Hiking Brevets are official competitions held over distances of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 or 150 km. They are run in groups on roads, tracks or paths at an average speed of 6 km/h.

Origins

In 1904, Henri Desgrange, the father of the Tour de France, introduced a new form of group cycling to France and created the "French Audax". After the success of the first Audax cycling event on 3 April 1904, he immediately thought of applying this formula to walking. The first official Audax walk took place on 26 June 1904, covering a distance of 100 km in less than 21 hours. 64 of the 72 walkers who started made it to the finish line on time, led by three route captains chosen from a host of experienced walkers who were keen to lead the first official Audax walking event. All finishers receive a diploma certifying their achievement and are entitled to wear the French Audax badge, blue enamelled for walkers.

The Audax Club Parisien and then the Union des Audax Français (UAF), founded in 1905 and 1961 respectively, were subsequently entrusted with the technical management of the Audax hikes and regularly organised events of various distances, as well as an exceptional 200 km hike (held every year throughout Europe) and introductory hikes of less than 25 km.

Since 2010, the FFRandonnée and UAF have been working together to promote and develop Audax walking.

Practice conditions

In keeping with the UAF motto “Start together, finish together”, Audax walks are organised in groups. They are led and controlled by experienced leaders - the route captains - who are responsible for maintaining and enforcing a pace of 6km/h. They are also authorised to make all the decisions necessary to ensure the smooth running of the Brevet.

The time limits for completing the various Audax brevets include stops along the route and refreshment points. For example, the 25km and 100km Audax brevets are completed in 5 hours (4 hours 10 minutes walking - 50 minutes of stops) and 20 hours (16 hours 40 minutes walking - 3 hours 20 minutes of stops) respectively. Audax walks are an opportunity to take on a personal challenge and share a convivial moment with other walkers.

Equipment

• Sports hiking clothing
• Light hiking shoes
• Fluorescent safety vest, day and night
• Individual lighting for brevets with night section

Presentation

Fast Hiking (or Speed Hiking) differs from classic hiking in that the walking pace is faster and sometimes alternates with running. It is practised on marked or unmarked footpaths using the same equipment as classic hiking, with a light backpack for half a day or a full day, and usually with the help of walking sticks. Fast Hiking is between hiking and trail.

This activity requires endurance to eat up the miles and includes a dimension of speed and timing. The aim of fast hiking is to constantly optimise physical ability and travel time. Find out more about the new Rando Challenge® Performance, developed by the FFRandonnée Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Committee. This new format of the Rando Challenge®, which can be done alone or in teams of 2 to 4 people, is sportier and aimed at young people, as it requires the use of a GPS and/or a smartphone to help participants. For more information on this new activity, click on the following link or watch the promotional video below:

Since 2021, the FFRandonnée has received a delegation from the French government to organise Fast Hiking.

1st National Fast Hiking Open

The first edition of this competition, organised jointly by the Federation and the Sud Provence - Côte d'Azur and Bouches-du-Rhône Committees, took place in the village of Roquevaire in the Garlaban massif (Bouches-du-Rhône).

A total of 105 participants set off in the cold sunshine to conquer the Garlaban, on an unmarked 14-kilometre course to be run at a free pace in total autonomy. Curious hikers, regulars, trail runners and aqua-walkers were all tempted to take part in this new sporting challenge and test their endurance on a course that alternated between steep climbs and long, rocky descents... A total of 1,050 metres of cumulative elevation gain.

At the end of the event, all participants expressed their satisfaction with the organisation and unanimously promised to meet again next time!

For further information: openfasthiking@ffrandonnee.fr.

Watch the full report on the 1^st National Fast Hiking Open!

Practice conditions

The course

The key is to find a route that includes elevation gain. Mountainous terrain remains the ideal playground, but fast walking can also be practised on hilly terrain or even in urban areas where there are steps. With practice, you can choose longer, more technical routes. It's safer and more challenging to do this in a group.

Equipment

• Fast hiking shoes: choose flexible, lightweight, sturdy shoes designed specifically for fast hiking or trail running.
• The lightweight backpack: backpacks with a volume of 15 to 20 litres can carry everything you need for several hours.
• Walking poles: telescopic models in carbon or aluminium are preferable for lightness and can be folded up and stored in your backpack on descents.
• 3 layers: the 3-layer system is even more important for fast hiking. A technical t-shirt as the 1^st layer for the ascents, a light fleece as the 2^nd layer for the descents and a windbreaker as a back-up layer for bad weather.

Essential supplies to take with you

Fast hiking, like trail running, consumes a lot of energy because it is very demanding on the body. That's why good hydration and light but frequent meals are essential. Water pouches that slip into your backpack are very practical, as well as trail vests or running belts with space for water bottles or flasks. As for food, energy bars are a good option for short rides. For longer trips, there are several freeze-dried meals that allow you to pack a real lunch without adding too much weight to your backpack.

Technique

Walking poles are recommended for ascents.  They allow the weight of the hiker and backpack to be distributed over four supports, forcing the body to straighten up, which relieves the spine and opens the chest, allowing you to breathe more freely, reducing fatigue and ensuring a more relaxed arrival at your destination. For descents, you can either fold them if they are foldable, or simply use them to balance yourself if the slope is uneven.

Presentation

The Rando Challenge® is a fun and sporty team hike that requires hikers to use a variety of skills: orienteering techniques, observation skills, knowledge of the heritage and context of the hike, etc. Following the itinerary indicated on your map, your mission will be to find the milestones and place them accurately on your map, and to answer the multiple-choice questions, all within a target time that must be calculated and achieved as closely as possible.

Practice conditions

2 options depending on your level

“Discovery” trails of 2 to 4 hours, accessible to all (especially families and people with little or no hiking experience), are usually set up during each Rando Challenge®. This is the ideal way to try out the activity.

For more experienced hikers, the Rando challenges® are between 16 and 20 km long (i.e. a walk of 5 to 6 hours) and include 12 to 15 milestones and the same number of multiple-choice questions.

Assets and benefits

A fun activity accessible to all, young or old, experienced hikers or beginners, those who have tried it have adopted it: the Rando Challenge® is fun and smart! The layout of the route and the various facilities that can be put in place (marking of the route, indication of the location of the milestones on the map, etc.) allow the difficulty to be adapted to your level of ability.

A different approach to hiking. Participants are encouraged to find their own way around and discover the heritage on their own, thanks to an itinerary prepared in advance by the organising team.

A preparation for hiking. The Rando challenge® is an ideal activity to improve, maintain or even test your skills in orienteering as well as your physical preparation.

Equipment

Shoes suitable for hiking, a small backpack, provisions, etc.: you won't need anything more than the usual hiking equipment. The organiser will provide you with the control form to be punched at each milestone to answer the multiple-choice questions and several copies of the itinerary map, including a tearproof one to mark the location of the milestones on your route.

Rando Challenge® French Club Championship

In sports, as in anything else, you progress better when you have a goal. Why not give competition a try?

As well as the physical and mental benefits, the Rando Challenge® competition encourages everyone to work together as a team towards a common goal. With 2, 3 or 4 team members, tasks are shared and it's easier to progress, have fun and build self-confidence and energy for other daily challenges.

• take place during the sports season, i.e. from September 1st of year n to August 31st of year n+1.
• are organised by FFRandonnée committees and clubs.
• are open to all FFRandonnée clubs in good standing with their membership; they are represented by one or more teams of 2, 3 or 4 members with a licence.

Points are awarded to all participating teams.

An annual total of these points per club is used to award the title of French Champion.

Rando Challenge® French Championship 2022-2023

Sunday, May 14 (the final day) was full of surprises, with the two leaders battling it out from afar: the Association de Randonnée Nogentaise Villersoise (Oise) fielded 5 teams in Champcueil (Essonne), while Rando Lattes (Hérault), next in line and defending its title, fielded no fewer than 6 teams in Naucelle (Aveyron).

On the evening of these two events (Champcueil, which was particularly competitive with large gaps at the finish, and Naucelle, which had a very tight classification), the situation was paradoxical: Nogent, who had to face some formidable local opponents, only finished 3^rd in the event with 51 points, while Lattes, who had a full house by sweeping the podium, went home with 72 points and, despite this spectacular comeback, ultimately lost the title by just 11 points!

For the record, it was a surprise trip to Aquitaine that won Nogent the title, giving Lattes a taste of their own medicine after they made a similar long-distance trip last year.

The 3^rd place went to the Randonneurs d'Île-de-France: they only had one team, but they took part in 8 events!

Check out the latest rankings for the French Rando Challenge Championship.

>> Calendar of events

>> While you're waiting for the Rando Challenge® events, test your map reading skills, your orienteering techniques, your sense of observation and your knowledge of the heritage and context of hiking by taking part in virtual Rando Challenge® events.

Review of the 2021-2022 Rando Challenge French Championship

The winner had been known since May, but it wasn't until the final event (in Jaux on July 2) that the full ranking for this 5^th edition was announced.

Rando Lattes, which had already been on the podium in the previous two seasons with its fine 3^rd places in 2019 and 2020 (the championship was not organised in 2021), finally saw its efforts rewarded: by sending up to 5 teams (sometimes far away from its home base), the Occitan club won the 2022 French championship with 239 points (best score 68, 20 teams taking part). The Association de Randonneurs Nogentaise Villersoise (title holders since 2018) took second place at the last minute (205 points, best score 48, 17 teams participating), beating their eternal rivals ASPTT Castres (182 points, best score 48, 16 teams participating - remember that the Tarn club won the very first edition in 2017 and have been regularly in the leading group since).

Rando Challenge® Performance

Find out more about the new Rando Challenge® Performance, developed by the FFRandonnée Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Committee. This new format of the Rando Challenge®, which can be done alone or in teams of 2 to 4 people, is sportier and aimed at young people, as it requires the use of a GPS and/or a smartphone to help participants. 

>> Rando Challenge® Performance rules and registration :

https://ffrandonnee-competitions.fr/

>> For any questions about the Rando Challenge®,

write to us at: randochallenge@ffrandonnee.fr

Presentation

Hiking in winter: discover the joys of snow and share the magic with the FFRandonnée!

Snowshoeing is an outdoor leisure and well-being activity, accessible to all and increasingly popular with the FFRandonnée-affiliated associations. It can be intense and committed, or calm and contemplative, and can be organised as a day trip or a longer stay with stops at guesthouses and refuges.

Interests and benefits

• A well-being activity accessible to all: snowshoeing is a recreational continuation of hiking in winter, adapted to one's needs, to be practised with fitting equipment
• A quality activity: The FFRandonnée offers its members snow information days to learn more about the terrain, the clubs and the snow, as well as training courses on winter activities and how to supervise them.

Some history

They first appeared in the Neolithic Age among mountain people who wanted to travel in snowy environments, and were discovered in 1604 by French settlers in Acadia, the land of trapper legends in Canada's far north.

These unusual sieves, made from leather straps woven onto wooden frames, were first used by the military. From 1888, snowshoes became the preferred means of transport for Alpine troops.

It took almost a century, until 1980, for the first snowshoe tours to be organised for tourists. Suffering from a poor image of Alpine hunters and a significant lack of communication strategy, the sport has nevertheless managed to develop thanks to good word-of-mouth from enthusiasts.

In the 1990s, the Fédération Française de la Montagne et de l'Escalade "French Mountain and Climbing Federation" (FFME) was granted the delegation of the discipline. This encouraged resorts with snow to mark out routes.

At that time, the Snowshoer's Code of Conduct was published, outlining good snowshoeing practice:

• Avoid entering sensitive areas as this may disturb wildlife.
• Do not hike with a dog as this may disturb wildlife.
• Progress in a group and keep your tracks close together

In terms of practice, the recommendations are similar to those for skiing:

• safety : look for information on the itinerary, ask mountain professionals (mountain guides, high mountain guides). 

Different activities

- Snowshoe hiking

It is a family and leisure activity, lasting from a few hours to a day. The snowshoe is simple, polyvalent, efficient and inexpensive.

- Winter trekking

These are multi-day hikes lasting around a week in general. The equipment is solid, high-performance and most importantly light

- Approach hiking

For this activity, snowshoes are used to move in the mountains to reach nearly inaccessible places to practice extreme activities such as free-ride skiing, ice climbing… The equipment must be solid and technical.

- Competition

Developed mainly in North America, snowshoeing competition is a hybrid between orienteering and endurance. Equipment must be at the cutting edge of technology, lightweight and durable.

Partners

Benefit from preferential conditions for your sports equipment and holidays:

• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/lepape
• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/villages-clubs-du-soleil
• https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/la-federation/partenaires/vtf-esprit-vacances

Snowshoeing competition

After organising the first National Snowshoeing Open in 2022 in the resort of Puy Saint-Vincent (Hautes-Alpes), the FFRandonnée is innovating by launching a new race format for off-piste night snowshoeing as part of the Oxyrace Trail Blanc Jurassien, which will take place on 21 January in Les Rousses (Jura).

Participants will take part in a 10km individual race or a relay race in teams of 2, each completing a 5km loop. They will be equipped with snowshoes specially designed for the race and supplied by our partner TSL Outdoor.

Participants will complete the course by headlamp, on undulating paths and single tracks where snowshoes will be a real asset.

Visit the following link for information and registration: https://www.oxyrace.fr/accueil-trail-blanc-des-rousses/10-km/

There will also be an untimed 5km hike for children aged 7 and over: https://www.oxyrace.fr/accueil-trail-blanc-des-rousses/trail-blanc-5-km-marche-nordique-raquette-jurassien/

The FFRandonnée organised the first National Snowshoeing Open on Sunday 27 March 2022 in the resort of Puy Saint-Vincent (Hautes-Alpes). This new competition, open to all and by registration, took place on a signposted, groomed and safe 10-kilometre route. This National Snowshoeing Open was organised as part of the 1^st edition of NordicWalkin'Puy Saint Vincent, which took place on 25, 26 and 27 March 2022.

Equipment

There are two main categories of snowshoes, defined by their shape: American snowshoes and Alpine snowshoes.

The American snowshoe

This is the closest to the “original” snowshoe and is made from strong, lightweight aluminium alloys. This snowshoe is perfect for North American terrain, which is mostly flat, open and rolling, with lots of snow and little elevation gain.

In this type of terrain, the snowshoe needs to be able to carry weight and not sink into the fresh snow. On the other hand, it doesn't need much grip.

Its morphology is characterised by wide, oval sieves in the shape of “bear paws”.

Advantages

- Light weight

- Easy handling

- Conformability

- Perfect fit if you don't want to tackle steep climbs

The Alpine snowshoe

This type of snowshoe first appeared in the Alps in the late 1970s. Its principle is almost identical to that of the American snowshoe, except that it has been adapted to the Alps' mountainous terrain: slopes, ice and lots of vertical drop.

The screen is more tapered, in the shape of a “wasp waist”.

Advantages

- Suitable for hard snow

- Strong grip

Binding

Today, it's the fastest evolving element, with new products coming out every year and technologies that may not be implemented in the long term.

That's why it's important to carefully assess your needs and desires to ensure your binding will last the test of time.

The purpose of the fastening is to provide both foot support and energy transfer, i.e. traction on the ground.

It ensures good stability when walking. It also limits energy loss for the most efficient walking.

There are three main binding systems:

- Articulated binding

This is the most used system. The foot rests on a plate, which is also used to adjust the shoe size, with a sliding heel piece. Its special feature is that the adjustment is permanent, i.e. one binding per shoe.

- Speed binding system

This system is derived from the articulated binding. It is similar to the quick release cleats system used by mountaineers, hence the need for “cleated” shoes to secure the back to the snowshoe.

- The semi-articulated plate system

With this system, only the front of the foot remains mobile.

It's a very flexible plate that reduces weight and provides greater comfort.

Adjustment

There are two types of adjustment : the length of the plate (shoe size adjustment) and the tightening of the foot.

Shoe size adjustment is fairly straightforward, except in the case of plate bindings where precise adjustment is required. It is permanent but very efficient once set.

For semi-articulated plates, a back strap holds the shoe in place.

The tightness of the boot is very important.

It allows precise walking and prevents energy loss and ankle sprains.

The simplest system is to tighten the instep with straps or a rack: pull the straps to lock the position of the foot or tighten the rack to ensure a good hold.