Agree with food - get large basket poles - not easy these days. You need a pole that you can use to help stand up when you fall. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />A modern downhill pole will just push through ungroomed snow and be no help because the baskets are so small. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Also stay on packed snowshoe trails and stay off ski trails. In loose powder you are far more apt to fall. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />In deep snow your shoes will not automatically be horizontal. If you fall. try to flip over so you are uphill from your shoes, then stand up. Remove pack if necessary. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
No Lessons required for snowshoeing - just general winter backcountry skills. A novice should take a gps and set the coodinates of their vehicle in it. AND carry some emergency supplies.