LET'S GO SNOWSHOEING!
Walk it. Run it. Explore it. Enjoy it.
Experience Winter Differently: Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is more than a winter sport it is a way to experience the outdoors, stay active, and
enjoy the unique beauty of a snow-covered landscape.
Whether you are competing in a championship race for prize money, training for a national or
international event, or simply stepping onto a snow-covered trail on a crisp winter morning,
snowshoeing offers an enjoyable and rewarding way to stay active during the winter months.
Why Snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is one of the fastest-growing winter activities and is accessible to people of all ages
and fitness levels.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. If you can run, you can snowshoe run.
Getting started is simple. With the right snowshoes, suitable clothing, and a safe snow-covered
route, you can begin exploring the winter outdoors almost immediately.
For those looking for a competitive challenge, snowshoe running has developed into an
international sport, with races held across the world and established national and world
championships.
Benefits of Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing provides an excellent full-body winter workout while allowing you to enjoy the
outdoors.
Burns More Calories
Moving through snow requires more effort than exercising on a conventional surface.
Snowshoeing and snowshoe running can therefore provide a significantly more demanding
workout than regular walking or running.
Research has shown that running in unpacked snow can require substantially greater energy
expenditure than running on a treadmill or firm surface.
Builds Strength and Endurance
Every step through snow requires additional effort. The resistance created by snow and the added
weight of snowshoes engage the legs, hips and core while also challenging cardiovascular
endurance.
Deeper or softer snow can make the activity even more demanding, providing an excellent
combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
A Lower-Impact Winter Activity
For people who find hard surfaces uncomfortable, snowshoeing provides the opportunity to
exercise on a softer surface. Snow can absorb some of the impact associated with movement,
making snowshoeing an attractive alternative to conventional road running.
As with any physical activity, however, appropriate technique, equipment and gradual
progression are important.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Perhaps the greatest benefit of snowshoeing is the opportunity to explore winter landscapes.
From forest trails and open meadows to mountain routes and snow-covered parks, snowshoeing
allows you to experience places in an entirely different way during winter.
Types of Snowshoes
Snowshoes are designed for different activities and terrain. They can generally be divided into
three main categories:
Running Snowshoes
Running snowshoes are lightweight, compact and designed specifically for speed and efficiency.
Sometimes referred to as aerobic or fitness snowshoes, they are designed to closely follow the
natural running stride and are best suited to packed trails and firm snow rather than deep powder
or demanding backcountry terrain.
Hiking Snowshoes
Hiking snowshoes are designed for recreational winter outings and day hikes.
They provide greater flotation and stability than running models and are suitable for relatively
moderate terrain where steep climbs and technical descents are not a major factor.
Backcountry Snowshoes
Backcountry snowshoes are built for demanding terrain and deeper snow.
They generally feature durable construction, strong frames and enhanced flotation and traction
systems, making them suitable for experienced snowshoers exploring more challenging winter
environments.
Where Can You Snowshoe?
Anywhere there is suitable snow.
Snowshoeing can be enjoyed in a wide variety of environments, including:
1. Snow-covered trails
2. Parks and open spaces
3. Golf courses
4. Forests and meadows
5. Mountain areas
6. Backcountry routes
7. Designated winter recreation areas
The experience can vary greatly depending on the terrain and snow conditions.
On packed snow, snowshoers can move quickly and maintain a strong pace. In deeper snow, the
experience becomes slower and more physically demanding—but also offers the unique
sensation of floating across the winter landscape.
Climbing uphill provides an intense cardiovascular and muscular workout, while descending can
be exhilarating and requires balance, control and good technique.
Start Exploring
You do not have to be an elite athlete to enjoy snowshoeing.
Whether your goal is fitness, adventure, competition, recreation or simply spending more time
outdoors during winter, snowshoeing offers something for everyone.
Put on your snowshoes, step onto the snow and discover the joy of winter movement.
