Um, Is Snowshoeing the Pickbleball of Winter Activities?
So, it’s winter. The season when we hunker down and try to make it through to brighter and warmer days. Right? Not quite. While snowboarding and skiing have been long heralded as top sports of the season, another activity is quickly gaining traction—even on icy surfaces.
The activity in question? Snowshoeing. You heard me. Snowshoeing: the low-frills activity that involves strapping snowshoes to your boots, grabbing some trekking poles, and venturing into a winter wonderland. Arguably a sibling to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing has quickly gained fans across generations, quickly installing it as a popular winter activity for the full family (and drawing those pickleball comparisons).
In fact, the intrigue around the sport has grown so much that WGSN, a global leading trend analysis company, called it out as part of their “Soft Adventure” movement, a key trend for 2025. In the description of the trend, WGSN analysts call out that snowshoeing has become the fastest growing outdoor activity in the U.S., participating increasing over 20 percent in 2022, per Outdoor Industry Association.
Ahead, learn more from experts about the activity, why it’s on the rise, and how to get started.
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing can be viewed as hiking, or even trail running, in wintry landscapes. “Snowshoeing is basically hiking on snow,” says Betsy Bothe, Nordic instructor and ski and snowshoe guide at White Pine Touring in Park City, Utah.
The activity requires a pair of snowshoes ($170), which are strapped onto waterproof boots to help muster through the elements. Depending on the terrain, you might be advised to use trekking poles ($26), like those in cross-country skiing, which can help with balance and momentum, and provide an upper-body workout, according to Bothe.
Once you’re geared up, you can hit the trail by simply stepping into the snow with your snowshoes. “If you can hike, you can snowshoe,” Bothe says. Like hiking, snowshoeing can be done on a variety of terrains. While more experienced participants might want to take their adventure off the beaten path, those who are looking for a more, err, chill(y) experience can easily find opportunities that traverse low-key trails.
Why is snowshoeing becoming so popular?
Well, a bunch of reasons. From a response to the pandemic to its accessibility, snowshoeing is rife for the picking.
“Snowshoeing meets the massive consumer demand we’re seeing for connection with nature through adventure,” says Rory McAllister, sports and outdoor content strategist at WGSN. Perhaps spurred by quarantining during the pandemic, folks are seeking refuge in the great outdoors, which has been proven to bolster mental health. According to the Outdoor Industry Association and its 2023 Annual Outdoor Participation Report, “outdoor recreation participation grew 2.3 percent in 2022,” the eighth consecutive year of growth.
Bothe agrees, stating that she’s seen an uptick in participants and that more people got into the snowshoeing during the pandemic and have kept it up since. Further, because snowshoeing is less competitive than snowboarding or skiing, it can appeal to a wider set of participants. McAllister says the activity’s low-barrier entry is also a cause, as it’s less physically demanding for beginners than more adventurous alternatives.
“It shares the winter-specific, off-grid appeal of cross-country skiing, but with more affordable equipment, lower physical demands, and a shallower learning curve for beginners, alongside greater convenience and opportunity,” he McAllister says. This means folks of all ages can give the activity a try, underscoring the 2023 Annual Outdoor Participation Report’s findings that seniors are contributing to overall outdoor activity growth.
Bothe has observed a similar attitude among resort guests. “Snowshoeing is a great sport for anyone who is interested in getting into the backcountry to see the mountains in the winter. Many of my clients are people who don’t downhill ski, but they are here with family that does ski.”
How to snowshoe for beginners
While snowshoeing is relatively accessible, there are a few key components to know before heading out on your first trip. First, be sure to pick up the right gear—this means knowing what sort of snow you’ll likely be hiking through.
“The snowshoes distribute your weight so you can float on the higher layer of snow without postholing down deep,” Bothe says. “There are so many different types of snowshoes. Some snowshoes are made for running and others are made for deep powder.” When getting fitted for your first pair of snowshoes—regardless if you plan to buy or rent—consider working with a pro at a local gear shop who’s familiar with the paths, terrain, and snow or ice type you’re bound to encounter to find the best fit.
On the day of your snowshoe trip, opt for a pair of waterproof boots ($97)—ideally already broken in—and dress warmly, but for activity, advises Art Myshrall, another snowshoe guide at White Pine Touring. “I like to have layers that make it easy to adjust your clothing to the conditions. Since it’s as aerobic as you want to make it, you might want to be able to adjust while you are out,” he says. Keep in mind that cold wind can be vicious, so having some sort of shell or protective coat ($85) is optimal.
And, before you head out, give the weather report a look. While Myshrall says many beginner snowshoe trails aren’t in dangerous areas, avalanches can occur and it’s best to be prepared for escape routes and an essential pack containing extra layers, snacks, fluids, and a first aid kit, among other items your guide might advise you to bring.
If you’re interested in trying out snowshoeing this winter, there are plenty of trails and resorts to check out. Just be sure to stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the views.