LET'S GO SNOWSHOEING

The World Snowshoe Federation values your input, suggestions, and ideas. We’re here to connect with athletes, national bodies, and snowshoeing fans worldwide.

Benefits of Snowshoeing

Easy for Everyone to Start

Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter sports, making it easy for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, or running, getting started requires very little experience and can be learned quickly.

Join a Growing Global Sport

Snowshoe running has evolved into a competitive international sport with races held around the world. Athletes can participate in local events, national competitions, and even compete at prestigious World Championship events.

Burn More Calories Than Traditional Running

Snowshoe running provides a highly effective full-body workout. Research has shown that running in snow can require nearly twice the effort of running on a road, helping athletes burn more calories while improving endurance and strength.

Build Strength and Cardiovascular Fitness

The combination of snow resistance, varying terrain, and the added weight of snowshoes creates a challenging workout that engages more muscle groups. This increases cardiovascular performance while developing lower-body and core strength.

Reduce Impact on Joints

Unlike running on hard pavement, snowshoeing takes place on softer snow-covered surfaces that help absorb impact. This can reduce stress on the knees, hips, and ankles, making it an excellent low-impact alternative for winter fitness enthusiasts.

PRO SNOWSHOEING TIPS

Types of Snowshoes

In general, there are three categories of snowshoes: Running, Hiking and Backcountry.

Running

Also known as: Aerobic · Fitness

Running-specific snowshoes are light and small and meant for speed. They closely mimic a natural running stride and are not designed for deep powder or backcountry conditions.

Hiking

Best for: Day hikes · Simple terrain

Hiking snowshoes are geared toward recreational day hikes. These snowshoes work best on simple terrain that does not require a lot of steep climbing or descents.

Backcountry

Best for: Powder · Experienced users

Backcountry snowshoes are the toughest, made of durable flotation material and strong aluminum frames. They are geared towards powder and experienced snowshoers.

DESTINATIONS

WHERE TO SNOWSHOE

Public Trails & Parks

Perfect for beginners and families, offering groomed loops and easy navigation.

Golf Courses

Gentle rolling hills provide ideal training ground for fitness snowshoeing and running.

Backcountry Mountains

Untracked wilderness for the experienced adventurer seeking solitude and peak summits.

The Experience: Deep vs. Packed

“In deep powder, snowshoeing is a dream of weightless movement; it’s about flotation and the magic of walking atop four feet of snow. On packed trails, it transforms into a high-cadence power workout where traction and speed are king.”

Backcountry Mountains

Snowshoe Coaching

Whether you’re just starting out or training for the World Championships, expert coaching can transform your technique, endurance, and race strategy on the snow.