Snowshoes can grip and slide
New snowshoes will be designed for both walking and sliding, able to switch from snow gripping to snow skies to glide a gentle hill.
The snowshoes will consist of a sliding binding with a toe crampon and hinged spike plate. While climbing, the crampon and spikes will provide grip as the binding pivots to provide a natural step. To descend short hills, the binding can be locked into place to deliver stability for turns and the spikes will swing upward to allow for sliding on snow.