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Learn Snowshoeing

Learn to Snowshoe You don't have to be a super-athlete to snowshoe. If you simply want to enjoy the scenery and fresh air, you can stay on flat, groomed trails and have a great time. Alternatively, snowshoeing can be a much more challenging sport than most people think. The payoff is that it will give you a great workout.

Gear is fairly inexpensive to rent, I found out, which basically consists of snowshoes and poles. REI checked in with the lowest price, and for a *1-day rental*, and I could pick up the gear the day before and return it the day after for no extra charge.

If you have a pair of hiking boots (waterproof is good), you can simply attach them to the snowshoes, and you're ready to go. Some people even say that snowboard boots or tennis shoes work, but I have yet to try those.

If you snowboard or ski, you can wear the same warm, snow-proof clothing you already have. Unless you choose a balmy 70 degree day in the California Sierras - then bring a tank top, shorts and sunscreen.

The best tip I learned when first starting out is that when you go uphill, kick your foot into the hill and the "teeth" of your snowshoe will grab the hill and keep you from slipping. Great trick.

learn to snowshoe Beginner’s Guide to Gearing Up 5 star rating
& Enjoying Snowshoeing

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What you'll find out >>

  • Getting the right snowshoeing gear
  • Your first time out on the snow - what to expect
  • How to pick up the pace and get a better workout
  • Click here >> Beginner Showshoeing

beginner snowshoeing Snowshoeing: 
From Novice to Master

What you'll learn >>

  • About snowshoes, bindings and winter safety: how to avoid injuries
  • Walking on snowshoes: how to get more balance, traction and power and different snow conditions
  • Snow camping, running and racing
  • Click here >> How to Master Snowshoeing


Snowshoeing Gear hot deals

  • Hiking Snowshoes
    Find great deals on snowshoes with stainless steel crampon systems, powder-coated frames and V-tails to make your hikes easier and more enjoyable.  You can wear snowboots with your snowshoe, or waterproof hiking boots work fine (better with gaitors).  I actually got some basic waterproof hiking boots from Target for $39.99 that traveled through 6+ hours of pretty crazy snow - and they worked great.  No need for fancy expensive boots - as long as they fit well, are comfortable and waterproof.  
  • Trekking Poles
    Not just your regular ski poles - these lightweight anti-shock trekking poles with Positive Angle Grips allow for high-speed snowshoe workouts and the ability to maneuver in tricky terrain.
  • Trail Gaitors
    Keep the snow out of your boots with easy, affordable tail gaitors. Dry feet means you can extend your venture and enjoy your hike.
  • Binoculars
    If you don't want to miss what's out there with you on your snowshoeing adventure, pick up a compact pair of binoculars. Look for ones that offer less sunlight glare and waterproof frames - just in case.
Foot Gear for a Winter Enthusiast

Winter is a spectacular time of the year. From dog sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, or just camping out in the woods, it’s a time when you can experience the hushed, serene world of white. However before planning any trip or sporting activity in the winter you must be prepared to face the dangers of this glacial weather.

Winter activities can be dangerous and this is further compounded by the weather that they are performed in. If you aren’t prepared for the hazards with the right kind of winter gear, you could be at risk from frostbite and hypothermia, the most common threats to your health from winter activities.

snowshoeingSo, it becomes imperative for an outdoor winter adventurer to know the finer points of winter gear. For instance, winter shoes. Backpackers, fishers, or campers exposed to ice, snow, and water can enjoy their sport without fear of frozen toes if kitted properly with the right foot gear for the winter.

The foot gear you choose will naturally depend on the activity that you are involved in as well as the temperature that you expect to be in. It also depends on the kind of environment that you will be facing, e.g. will it be wet, snowy or icy? For instance, different types of shoes are recommended for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

For the former you will need a boot that provides support to the ankle. You may also need a ski over boot to give to the added insulation over the ski boot. For snowshoeing or hiking in the snow, regular backpacking boots are just not good enough. They are simply unable to provide the requisite dead air apace. There are several options for boots. Among them are:

Insulated Boots - Commonly called ‘Mickey Mouse’ or ‘M&M’s boots, these were originally designed for use in the Korean War. They are designed to provide an impenetrable shield against water and extreme cold. A wool-lined interior and several layers of rubber serve as insulation. Their most distinguishable features are their giant size and pure white color.

The boots are able to prevent frostbite even at -20 or -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 to -34 Celsius); a thin layer of air trapped between two layers of rubber acts as a powerful insulator. They’re now available in black, with pressure valves, special moisture-wicking liners, and ratings down to an amazing -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 Celsius). You can purchase them thorough Army Surplus Stores, which is preferred over the modern copies.

Mountaineering Boots - Plastic shell mountaineering boots have a woolen or a foam insulated inner boot. These are very warm and can be easily used with ski bindings, crampons and showshoes.

Mukluks - Mukluks are a type of footwear originally made by the Athabaskans and Eskimos to keep their feet warm and dry in the winter. These are one piece moccasins which come up to the knee and are lined with felt and wool. How ever, since they are not waterproof they are best used in dry, cold winter settings. They can easily be used with snowshoe bindings and on cross country skis with special bindings, as well as with hinged crampons.

About the Author: Jack Smith writes about winter clothing, winter sports, winter accessories, and winter gear. Please visit this winter directory for more resources on winter shopping, winter clothing and winter sports.


Snowshoeing News & Tips

  • Snowshoe Magazine
    Snowshoe event calendar, photo gallery, gear reviews and more importantly, a very helpful "First Timer's Guide".
  • Cross Country Skier
    Destinations, tracks to try and trail reports.


Snowshoeing Destinations Orbitz Online Travel reservations

  • Winter Trails
    Try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free at these one-day events held nationwide every year. For both children and adults, put on by volunteer hiking trail clubs, community parks, Nordic centers and outdoor gear suppliers. They have a map you can click on to get more information on events near you. Interested in a strenuous but rewarding challenge? Try Mt Tallac at Lake Tahoe (The NE Route accessible in winter). Also see Mt Tallac Trail Map Image (Not for beginners)
  • 35,000 Trail Maps
    Whether you want snowshoeing trails, hiking trails, mountain biking trails or running trails, you'll find them here. Includes National Park and State Park trails too.
  • Ski Resorts
    Get profiles, locations and reviews of ski & snowboard resorts worldwide. Travel there with Orbitz Online Travel Reservations
  • I'm In! Group Trip Planning - Online!
    Plan a trip with your friends! Use this unique online group travel planner to organize Snowshoeing Getaways | Classic Group Snowshoe Trips or browse hundreds of other cool trip ideas to help you book your trip.
  • Find People to Snowshoe With
    Find people in your area who are interested in snowshoeing, and make new friends who enjoy spending time in the snow wilderness as much as you do.

Snowshoeing Articles