FREE CARBON NEUTRAL USA SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $50
FREE CARBON NEUTRAL USA SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $50
by Emily Batdorf January 12, 2023 5 min read
Hiking season doesn’t have to end when the snow starts to fall. In fact, it’s a great time for slower-paced outdoor adventures. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity to enjoy the beauty of winter on quieter trails.
If you’re new to snowshoeing, you’ll be out there in no time. It’s a beginner-friendly activity, and it’s easy on the wallet.
Don’t hibernate this winter — instead, stay active outdoors. Read on to learn how to plan the perfect day of snowshoeing.
If you’re an avid hiker, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the off-season. While both hiking and snowshoeing are beginner-friendly activities, there are some obvious (and not-so-obvious) differences that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Snowshoes help you travel over otherwise impassable terrain when the snow is really deep. But compared to walking on solid ground, snowshoeing is slower and requires more energy. Similar to hiking over sand, walking through snow means you’ll sink in a little and have to work for each step. Plus, snowshoes are heavier than regular shoes, making progress more exhausting.
Snowshoeing is perfectly suited to beginners, but there are a few tips to make the activity easier. The best way to become more comfortable on snowshoes is through practice, but we’ll give you some tips to try your first time out.
Okay, this is a little obvious, but you’ll need snowshoes to go snowshoeing. Luckily, it’s not hard to find a pair to rent at your local gear shop or ski resort. You might also want to bring poles with you — balance is a little harder to maintain when snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing — and really any outdoor activity — is much more enjoyable when you’re dressed for it. And because snowshoeing takes place in cold, snowy, wet conditions, it’s especially important to dress for success. Dress with each of the following in mind:
There are endless options for places to snowshoe — as long as there’s snow, that is. Depending on your experience level, here are a few places to look for a trail:
Ski resort or Nordic centers: These places usually have groomed trails that you pay to use. The trails will probably be in good condition and will be well-marked. This is a great option for beginners who also want to rent snowshoes or try them out before purchasing.
Other groomed trails: Many parks groom some trails for snowshoeing in the winter. If possible, start with a flatter, groomed trail before moving on to a more challenging one. Check the park’s website for information on trail closures and grooming schedules.
Backcountry or off-trail travel: You don’t need to stick to trails while snowshoeing. Unlike hiking, traveling off-trail in your favorite parks won’t have detrimental effects to vegetation or soil. Snowshoeing off of a groomed or well-traveled trail is an exhilarating adventure, but requires a little more effort. Only travel off-trail if you are familiar with the area and confident in your navigation skills.
Avoid ski tracks: Cross-country skiers and snowshoers often share winter trails. Groomed trails might even have specific lanes for each activity. Be careful to avoid stepping in ski tracks or ski lanes, as it can ruin the surface for skiers.
Part of the beauty of snowshoeing is that you don’t need much skill or experience to have a good time. Anyone can quickly learn and get out on an easy trail. Here are a few tips to help your first adventure go a little more smoothly:
Putting your snowshoes on: Have patience with yourself the first time you put your shoes on. Each pair of snowshoes is different, so yours will take some getting used to. Loosen all the straps all the way before trying to get your boot situated in the snowshoe. Once your foot is in the right place, tighten the straps so they’re snug.
It’s tough to put on snowshoes while wearing bulky gloves, but bare hands will get cold in a flash. Wear glove liners to keep your fingers warm and dextrous while putting on your snowshoes.
Snowshoeing on flat ground: Snowshoeing on a flat trail is intuitive. You’ll just have to get used to walking with a wider stance so you don’t trip on your snowshoes. If you’re snowshoeing with other people, give extra space on the trail so you don’t step on someone else’s snowshoes.
Snowshoeing up- and downhill: Most snowshoes have traction cleats, or crampons, that help give you traction when going uphill. Just firmly kick into the snow, putting pressure onto the balls of your feet where the crampons are located. When you go downhill, keep your poles out in front of you and your knees bent.
Getting up when you fall: Falls on snowshoes aren’t uncommon, and luckily, you’ll have a soft landing. To get up, follow these steps:
Pushing off the “X” keeps your hands from sinking in as you try to get yourself to your feet. If you don’t have poles, you can use your backpack instead.
Snowshoeing is the perfect winter sport. It’s great exercise, it’s easy to learn, and it’s inexpensive to get started. It also keeps you active and gets you outside during the long and dark months of winter.
Are you ready to try snowshoeing this winter? We’d love to hear about it! Tag us on Instagram with #cloudlinesocks with photos from your wintry expedition!
Emily is a copywriter based in northern Michigan. She's happiest outdoors, whether she's hiking, skiing, paddling, or swimming. As a writer, she loves working with companies that inspire all people to get outside. When she's not writing or playing outdoors, you can find her cooking, reading, or hanging out with family and friends. Find more of her writing here.
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