It’s not really surprising, but until I tried snowshoeing, I didn’t think it looked very appealing. A lifelong skier, I just didn’t ”get” it. Why would anyone snowshoe when they could ski? And then 2021 happened, bringing with it broken bones and a hiatus from skiing. Faced with the prospect of completely missing winter or snowshoeing, I strapped in and it’s been great! Today, eight tips for learning to snowshoe.
Why Snowshoe?
Snowshoeing is not skiing, it is not comparable to skiing and it shouldn’t be compared to skiing. This is what I didn’t understand before, despite it being rather, uh, obvious. Snowshoeing is an activity and pursuit unto itself, a means of hiking deep into the forest on trails that aren’t accessible to most skiers. And while you need to know what you’re doing — and to follow safety precautions whenever you venture out onto snow — snowshoeing has a low barrier to entry with big payoffs.
Eight Tips for Learning to Snowshoe
Tip One: Just Try It
You can try snowshoeing at many resorts, where it is often paired naturalist talks, meals, and other activities. But don’t feel you need to pay for a snowshoe experience. Instead, rent snowshoes and poles and try it on your own or with a friend. Ask the shop where you rent the gear for recommendations if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. Or, if you’re at home, choose a favorite hiking trail that allows winter access and set off. Snowshoes are usually quite inexpensive to rent (about $10 a day in our area), and you can buy a pair of snowshoes with poles for less than $70 for adults and kids. It’s a very low barrier to entry.
Tip Two: Dress in Layers
Like any winter activity, layers are a must for keeping yourself warm, without getting too warm. My first time snowshoeing was on a frigid, storm day, so I dressed for downhill skiing, thinking that I wouldn’t be working that hard. Silly me. I should have dressed for Nordic skiing, in other words, a light pair of ski socks, baselayers, lightweight protective snowpants (but not insulated), a fleece and a lightweight jacket. Snowboots that go well above your ankles are a must if you’re going on unpacked trail, as are a hat or headband, sunglasses, and lightweight mittens.
Because balance isn’t a big issue, carry a lightweight pack with handwarmers, sunscreen, snacks, and sufficient water. You’ll work up a thirst!
Tip Three: Using Snowshoes and Poles
Most snowshoes have plastic bindings that adjust similar to snowboard bindings. They are easy to use, with a ratchet system that you pull on to tighten and release to loosen. If in doubt, as the rental shop to show you how to use them or find a video.
Center the ball of your foot squarely atop the ”teeth” under the snowshoe. These teeth grip the snow and give you traction. Poles should be fit similar to ski poles or hiking poles. You don’t want to bend over the use them and your arms should move freely and comfortably when walking with them. Don’t swing the poles way out in front of you. Instead, keep your arms at a roughly 90-degree angle, and plant the tip near your foot, alternating as you walk forward. Push back into the pole and repeat. It’s a small movement that provides support and momentum without a lot of extra effort.
Tip Four: Start Slow
We are vigorous, enthusiastic hikers, so thinking that snowshoeing would be akin to hiking, I chose a challenging five mile route on an early expedition, only to find myself physically spent and turning around well before the end of the trail. Snowshoeing is both easy to learn and do, yet quite physically challenging, While I thought snowshoeing looked ”easy,” it taps into different muscles than hiking, and is shockingly aerobic, especially in deep snow and on rolling terrain. Keep your expectations in check and plan to go about half as fast, and half as far, as you normally hike. Over time you may want to go faster, but take it easy your first few times out.
Tip Five: Get Off The Groomed
Sometimes you’ll see nordic or cross-country trail systems that include access for snowshoers. This usually means a snowshoe lane to the side of groomed nordic track, and perhaps a few “off-piste” trails for some added adventure. In these areas, follow all trail restrictions so that your snowshoes don’t damage the ski track.
You’ll find that snowshoeing on groomed trail is easier and faster than in the backcountry or off-trail. It can be a great workout, and if you have snowshoes built for running (yes, they make these!), you can log some quick miles. However, if I’m headed to a cross-country skiing track, I want to nordic ski. Avoiding groomed trail and sticking to snowshoe trails is what makes snowshoeing special. While you may want to start on groomed track, don’t be nervous about venturing onto ”single track” snowshoe trails as a beginner.
Tip Six: Be Snow Smart and Safe
If you’re planning to snowshoe anywhere that isn’t groomed and/or patrolled, be smart and check the weather report before going. Identify the trail you plan to take, make sure you have the layers you need (including extras), a full cell-phone battery, and plenty of snacks and water. If you’ll be venturing out in avalanche country, check the avalanche report and don’t go if the snowpack is unstable.
If conditions are adverse, choose flat, forested terrain, or stick to groomed trail. Be smart and safe!
Tip Seven: Snowshoeing With Kids
My tips here are similar to our family’s tips for hiking with kids. Make it fun, keep it fun, and let your kids lead. Most kids love snow because snow is fun! Exercising, burning calories, or getting a sweat on are generally not goals that consume them. Being outdoors, throwing snowballs, having an adventure, and eating special snacks are likely to be the type of things they are thinking about. Let your child choose the trail with you and set the pace. Pick a location where you can combine snowshoeing with other fun activities like sledding or where there is a lodge or bonfire for s’mores and hot chocolate. Don’t try to go to far or for too long.
Tip Eight: Stretch It Out
While this may not apply to your children, we’ve found that most adults who take up snowshoeing discover muscles they didn’t know they had before. Make time to stretch, roll out your IT bands, and even relax in the hot tub after an outing. Not only are these activities good for your body, they’ll make you more eager to snowshoe the next time, if you aren’t sore.
Another Wonderful Way to Love Winter
Snowshoeing is not going to become my preferred winter activity, but as an adjunct to skiing, a means of getting away from crowds, and an enjoyable, invigorating that allows our family (and our dog!) to enjoy the wintery wilderness, it’s a wonderful experience.
We love winter. It’s our favorite season. And this year, despite the challenges and injuries, snowshoeing allows us to continue loving winter in a new way.
Enjoy!
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