Quick answer: choose snowshoes sized for your total weight including your pack, and pick a type that matches your terrain, such as flat-trail, rolling-trail or mountain models with more aggressive traction. Wear waterproof insulated boots and layered clothing, use poles with snow baskets, and start on a packed, marked trail. Walk with a slightly wider stance than normal, kick steps into steep slopes, and plan a shorter outing than you would in summer, because snowshoeing takes more energy.
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors in winter. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It needs little special skill, the gear is fairly simple, and it opens up trails, meadows and campsites that would be nearly impossible to reach on foot in deep snow. It is also a great way to reach a winter campsite.
This guide is part of our complete winter camping guide. It covers choosing and sizing snowshoes, what to wear, basic technique, trail etiquette and winter safety.
Sources: Snowshoe manufacturer sizing and product guides (including MSR, Tubbs and Atlas sizing charts based on total load weight); U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service winter recreation and safety information; National Weather Service wind chill information; Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics winter guidance; Avalanche.org avalanche awareness resources.
How Snowshoes Work
Snowshoes spread your weight over a larger area, so you sink less into soft snow. Instead of post-holing up to your knees with every step, you stay closer to the surface. Modern snowshoes also have traction features underneath, usually metal teeth called crampons or cleats, that grip packed snow and ice.
Most modern snowshoes have three main parts:
- Frame and decking. An aluminum frame with a fabric deck, or a one-piece plastic design.
- Binding. Straps or a ratchet system that hold your boot to the snowshoe.
- Traction. A toe crampon under the ball of your foot, and often side rails or heel cleats.
Many models also include a heel lift, sometimes called a climbing bar or televator, a wire bar you flip up under your heel on steep uphill sections to reduce strain on your calves.
Choosing the Right Snowshoes
Pick a type for your terrain
Manufacturers generally group snowshoes into three categories:
- Flat terrain or recreational. Simple bindings and modest traction, designed for easy, rolling trails and groomed paths. Often the least expensive.
- Rolling or hiking. More aggressive traction and sturdier bindings for varied terrain and moderate hills. A good fit for most beginners who want to hike or reach a winter campsite.
- Mountain or backcountry. Strong crampons, heel lifts and durable bindings for steep, icy or off-trail terrain.
There are also running snowshoes, which are narrower and lighter, and models designed specifically for women or children, with different shapes and bindings.
Size by total weight
Snowshoe size is based on the total weight it needs to support: your body weight plus your clothing, boots and pack. Manufacturers publish sizing charts that list a recommended load range for each length. If you will carry a heavy overnight pack to a winter campsite, add that weight.
Snow conditions also matter. Light, dry powder needs more surface area to stay afloat, while packed trails need less. Many brands sell optional tails that attach to the back of the snowshoe for extra flotation in deep powder.
Larger snowshoes float better but are heavier and harder to maneuver. For most beginners on packed trails, the smallest size that fits your weight range is easier to walk in.
Rent before you buy
Many outdoor shops, ski areas, and some state and national parks rent snowshoes. Renting lets you try different types before buying. Some parks also offer ranger-led snowshoe walks, sometimes with equipment provided.
Boots and Clothing
Boots
Waterproof, insulated winter boots or waterproof hiking boots work well with most snowshoe bindings. Avoid boots with very soft uppers, because tight straps can cause pressure points. Our guide to hiking boots vs. trail runners explains boot types, though in snow, waterproof boots are the better choice for most people. Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots.
Layers
Snowshoeing is aerobic. You will warm up quickly while moving and cool down fast when you stop. Dress in layers you can adjust:
- Base layer of wool or synthetic fabric that moves sweat away from skin.
- Insulating layer such as a fleece or light puffy jacket.
- Shell that blocks wind and snow.
- Warm hat, gloves or mittens, plus a spare pair, since gloves get damp.
- Warm, dry socks in wool or synthetic material.
Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and loses insulation when wet. Start a little cool, because you will warm up within the first several minutes. Our guide to layering for cold weather explains each layer in more detail.
Poles
Trekking poles or ski poles with snow baskets help with balance, especially on hills and uneven snow. Without baskets, poles sink deep into soft snow. Our guide to trekking poles explains sizing and how to use them. Some people lengthen poles slightly on soft snow and shorten them going uphill.
Putting On Your Snowshoes
Practice at home before your first outing so you are not fumbling with straps in the cold. Most snowshoes have marked left and right bindings, usually with buckles on the outside.
- Place the ball of your foot over the pivot point, so your toes can move down through the opening when you step.
- Tighten the toe and forefoot straps so your boot is snug but not painfully tight.
- Fasten the heel strap.
- Walk a few steps and readjust. Straps often loosen as snow packs around them.
Basic Technique
Walking on flat ground
Walk with a slightly wider stance than normal so the snowshoes do not hit each other. Lift your feet a little higher and take natural steps. You do not need to shuffle. On packed trails, it quickly feels like ordinary walking.
Going uphill
On gentle slopes, walk straight up and let the toe crampons bite. Flip up heel lifts if your snowshoes have them. On steeper slopes:
- Kick steps. Drive the toe of the snowshoe into the snow to make a step.
- Switchback. Zigzag up the slope rather than heading straight up, which reduces effort.
- Use poles to support each step.
Going downhill
Keep your weight slightly back, knees bent, and plant your heels first so the heel cleats and crampons grip. Take shorter steps. On steep or icy descents, side-stepping can feel more stable. If you fall, aim to sit down to the side rather than lunging forward.
Traversing a slope
Crossing a slope sideways is often the trickiest move for beginners. Kick the uphill edge of your snowshoe into the snow to create a flat step, and keep your weight over your feet. Avoid traversing steep slopes in avalanche terrain.
Getting up after a fall
Falls in deep snow are common and usually harmless. Roll onto your side, bring your snowshoes underneath you, plant your poles or hands, and push up. Removing your pack first can help if you are carrying a heavy load.
Caring for Your Snowshoes
Snowshoes need little maintenance, but a few habits help them last. After each outing, knock off snow and ice, let them dry at room temperature, and check the straps, rivets and crampons for wear or damage. Store them somewhere dry rather than in a hot car or next to a heater, which can stress plastic parts and straps. Before the season starts, test the bindings at home and replace worn straps, since a broken binding far from the trailhead turns an easy outing into a long, tiring walk.
Food and water also need attention in cold weather. Water bottles and hydration tubes can freeze, so carry an insulated bottle, keep it inside your pack, and store it upside down so ice forms at the bottom first. Snack often, because your body burns more energy staying warm and walking in snow. Easy, calorie-dense foods such as nuts, cheese, chocolate and energy bars are simple to eat with gloves on. A thermos of a warm drink can lift spirits on a cold day and helps you notice whether everyone in the group is staying comfortable.
Trail Etiquette
- Stay off groomed cross-country ski tracks. On trails shared with skiers, walk to the side. Snowshoes can damage groomed tracks, and many Nordic centers have separate snowshoe trails.
- Yield appropriately. Follow posted rules. Many trails ask uphill travelers to have the right of way, and skiers coming downhill may be moving fast.
- Walk single file on narrow trails so others can pass.
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and wrappers.
- Respect closures for wildlife, avalanche danger or private property.
Winter Safety for Snowshoers
Winter conditions add risks that summer hikers do not face. A few habits go a long way.
Plan conservatively
Snowshoeing takes more effort than hiking the same distance in summer, and daylight is short in winter. Plan a shorter route, start early and set a turnaround time. Check trail conditions and road access, because some trailheads are not plowed.
Check the weather and wind chill
The National Weather Service publishes forecasts and wind chill information. Wind makes cold much harsher on exposed skin. Be ready to turn back if weather changes.
Know the avalanche risk
If your route crosses or passes below slopes steeper than about 30 degrees, avalanches are a real possibility, even on snowshoes. Check the local avalanche forecast at Avalanche.org, stay on low-angle terrain when danger is elevated, and take an avalanche course before traveling in avalanche terrain.
Carry essentials
Bring water in an insulated bottle or carrier, high-energy snacks, extra layers, a headlamp, a map and navigation tool, sun protection, a first aid kit and a way to call for help. Our guide to the ten essentials explains what to pack and why.
Watch for cold injury
Know the signs of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, confusion and clumsiness, and of frostbite, such as numbness and pale or waxy skin. Stop, add layers, eat and drink, and head back if anyone shows symptoms.
Stay found
Trails look different under snow, and blazes or trail markers may be buried. Follow marked routes, watch for trail markers on trees, and carry a map and a GPS app with offline maps. Your own tracks can help you return, but wind and new snow can cover them.
Snowshoeing to a Winter Campsite
Snowshoes are a great way to reach a winter campsite. Carrying an overnight pack changes things:
- Choose snowshoes sized for your weight plus a heavy pack.
- Start with a short approach, ideally a mile or two, on a known trail.
- Expect to move more slowly than on a day hike.
- Leave daylight for setting up camp, which takes longer in snow.
Some campers pull a sled or pulk with gear instead of carrying everything, which works well on gentle, packed trails.
Snowshoeing With Kids
Kids often love snowshoeing. Use child-specific snowshoes sized for their weight, keep outings short and playful, and bring plenty of snacks and warm drinks. Children get cold faster than adults, so check hands and feet often and turn back early. Games such as following animal tracks or making snow angels keep them motivated.
Leave No Trace in Winter
Snow covers a lot, but it does not erase impact. When it melts, trash and human waste reappear. Pack out all trash, follow local rules for human waste, and stay on durable surfaces, which in winter usually means snow at least several inches deep over vegetation. Give wildlife extra space, because animals are often stressed in winter and need their energy.
Questions People Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
What size snowshoes do I need?
Snowshoe size is based on your total weight, including clothing and pack. Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, and choose larger sizes or add tails for deep powder.
Do I need special boots for snowshoeing?
No. Waterproof, insulated winter boots or waterproof hiking boots work with most bindings. Add gaiters to keep snow out.
Is snowshoeing hard for beginners?
Most people pick it up quickly. Walking on packed trails feels much like hiking. Steep hills and deep powder take more effort and practice.
Can I snowshoe on cross-country ski trails?
Usually only on the side of the trail or on designated snowshoe routes. Walking in groomed ski tracks damages them, and many trail systems prohibit it.
