Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing: A Great Winter Activity
Snowshoeing is a fun winter season activity that has been around for thousands of years as a means of winter travel. Today, its an exciting and appealing way to enjoy the outdoors! Some of the wonderful draws to snowshoeing include:
Nature - Snowshoeing is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature during the winter months! Beautiful scenic locations that are otherwise inaccessible or overly difficult to hike otherwise when covered in snow can be accessed with snowshoes. This allows you to enjoy beautiful scenic trails during the winter season!
Exercise - Snowshoeing is a great way to get exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Easy to do - Snowshoeing is often mistaken for an extreme sport, but it is actually a very accessible activity for anyone looking to enjoy the winter months.
Inexpensive - Snowshoeing only really requires some winter attire, the Snowshoes, and some trekking poles (optional). The shoes and poles are relatively inexpensive, and you don’t need any permits or passes for most locations.
Snowshoeing Gear
If you’re new to snowshoeing, renting equipment can be a good way to begin. The rental shop will give you what you need for the type of terrain and conditions where you plan on going. If you think you will be doing it again, beginner snowshoeing gear is relatively inexpensive!
Snowshoes
Snowshoes are sized based on weight. When purchasing snowshoes, make sure to check the maximum recommended load. This is especially important if you plan on taking a pack and extra gear with you when wearing the shoes—the combined weight of yourself plus your backpack should not exceed that number.
Recreational - If you’re looking to buy your first pair of snowshoes, a good option is the flat terrain variety. This type of model offers an easier introduction into snowshoeing and is appropriate for use on flat or rolling trails by people with limited experience. Recreational snowshoes are designed for people who are new to the sport of snowshoeing and want a simple, easy-to-use product.
Backcountry - Backcountry snowshoes are designed with more durable bindings and larger frames, making them better for steep or rough terrain.
Trekking Poles
Adjustable hiking or trekking poles will work for snowshoeing. You may need to get a basket with rubber tips that you put on the ends of your walking sticks to keep them from sinking into the snow.
To snowshoe with the least amount of strain on your shoulders, set your poles so that when you walk and turn, each elbow makes a 90 degree angle with the ground. To determine the correct length for a flat run, flip your pole upside-down and grab it just under the basket. Bend your arm to form a right angle between elbow and wrist—this is where you want to set your pole's length.
4 in 1 Snowshoe Kit
For a first time snowshoe setup I recommend a kit like this Odoland 4 in 1 Snowshoe setup. The kit comes with lightweight but durable set of Snowshoes, Fully adjustable trekking poles with bottom baskets, a set of waterproof snow gaiters for your legs, and carrying bag. I have had a great success with this set through three winters and even outfitted my parents with these. We have enjoyed some very beautiful winter walks!
Lightweight Snow Shoes, Trekking Poles, Waterproof Snow Leg Gaiters, and Carrying Tote Bag
How To Dress
Footwear
You don’t need any special footwear for snowshoeing. Snowshoes adjust to almost any shoe or boot. Your main focus should be keeping your feet warm and dry. Sturdy hiking boots paired with some thick wool socks are a popular option.
Headwear
Most standard winter headgear is works great for Snowshoeing. I prefer Fleece Beenies because they are extremely comfortable. Balaclavas and other similar face coverings are also popular options. The goal here is to insulate your head to prevent the loss of body heat. Sunglasses are also a necessity as snow can be blinding at times when the sun is hitting it.
Gloves
Like foot and head wear, the goal here is to keep warm and dry. Standard winter gloves work great for snowshoeing. If you plan to go out in extreme cold, consider heated gloves!
Layering
Snowshoeing is a fun activity and can be a good exercise. As such, you tend to warm up as you get going. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust according to activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton because it can get soaked as you sweat and will end up chilling you; instead choose synthetic or wool styles because they wick moisture away from your body.
Gaiters
Gaiters are great for keeping the snow off the bottom part of your legs and out of your footwear. I don’t use them every time I go out, but they sure are nice when needed. They come with the Odoland 4 in 1 Snowshoe kit I mentioned earlier.
Where To Go
Snowshoes allow you to go just about anywhere you can normally hike or wander but when its blanketed in snow! Most beginners start out at designated Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe areas or parks. These are a nice way to get started because the trails are typically well walked and easy to follow. It won’t take long before you venture off the paths a little! From there, pretty much any hiking trail and/or public lands are your playground!
Safety Tips
Snowshoeing is about the same as any other outdoor activity when it comes to safety. You want to make sure you stay warm and dry y dressing properly for the conditions. Snowshoeing can be a good exercise depending on how far and how aggressively you want to go, so bring water and stay hydrated. If you plan to get off the trails and head out on your own, know the area and have some basic navigation skills. For more serious backcountry snowshoeing, avalanche training is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Showshoeing is a fun and exciting way to explore the winter season. It's an outdoor activity that allows you to get outside and enjoy the snow, ice, and cold weather! Snowshoeing is also a great way to get fit while enjoying the beauty of nature.
[I used my Odoland snowshoes to access a scenic lookout in this video to shoot some FPV footage.]
