Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Which Winter Activity Would Suit You Better?

Posted 09-10-2026 by Lea Papillon

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two excellent ways to explore the Alps in winter, but they offer quite different experiences. If you're considering an active winter holiday and aren't sure which to choose, understanding these differences can help you find the activity that best suits your interests, fitness and experience.

Snowshoeing is closely related to walking, making it a natural choice for people who already enjoy hiking. Cross-country skiing involves learning to glide on skis, offering a different combination of movement, technique and exercise.

Both activities can be enjoyed by beginners, and both offer opportunities to progress to more demanding outings.

In this guide, we'll compare snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in practical terms, including their physical demands, learning curves, equipment and the experience of spending a day in the mountains. The aim is to help you decide which one you'd enjoy most, or whether trying both might be the best option.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: What's the Difference?

The main difference is how you move across the snow and the terrain you can explore.

Snowshoeing is essentially winter walking. Snowshoes attach to your walking boots, spreading your weight over a larger surface to help prevent you from sinking too deeply into the snow. They also provide grip, making it easier to walk on suitable snow-covered trails and slopes.

The movement is similar to hiking, although you'll need to adapt your stride slightly and use poles for balance. Snowshoeing can take you along forest paths, through open valleys and into more mountainous terrain, depending on the conditions and your experience.

Cross-country skiing involves travelling across snow on lightweight skis, using a combination of leg movements and poles to propel yourself forwards. Rather than walking, you learn to glide, which allows you to move smoothly and efficiently over the snow as your technique improves.

Cross-country skiing generally takes place on prepared trails, often through forests and valleys, with routes graded for different abilities.

There are two main styles:

• Classic cross-country skiing: The skis move forwards in parallel, usually within prepared tracks. The technique combines a walking-like stride with a glide and is generally the more accessible starting point for beginners.

• Skating: The skis are pushed outwards in a movement similar to ice skating. It's typically faster and more technically demanding.

For this comparison, we'll focus mainly on classic cross-country skiing, as it's often the most suitable introduction for someone new to the sport.

If you'd like to understand the different skiing disciplines in more detail, see our article on Nordic skiing and cross-country skiing.

Which Is Easier to Learn: Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing?

Snowshoeing is generally easier to pick up, particularly for people who already enjoy walking or hiking. Most beginners can get started after a short introduction and quickly feel comfortable on a suitable route.

However, there are still useful techniques to learn. Walking uphill and downhill in snowshoes requires some adjustment, and different snow conditions can affect your balance and confidence. A guided introduction can help you develop these skills while getting used to moving through a winter mountain environment.

Cross-country skiing takes a little longer to master, as balance, coordination and timing play a greater role. Beginners need to learn how to glide, control their speed and negotiate gentle descents, which can feel unfamiliar at first.

A lesson with an instructor is a good way to get started, even if you've never skied before. As your technique improves, moving across the snow becomes smoother and more efficient. For many people, the satisfaction of developing a new skill is part of the appeal.

For practical advice before your first snowshoe walk, read our snowshoeing tips for beginners.

Which Requires More Fitness: Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing?

Both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing provide excellent exercise, but they use your body in slightly different ways. Neither is necessarily more demanding than the other: the level of effort depends on the terrain, snow conditions, pace and duration of your outing.

How physically demanding is snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing uses many of the same muscles as hiking, particularly your legs and core, but moving through snow can require considerably more energy than walking on a firm path.

Research illustrates the difference. One study found that snowshoeing at approximately 3.3 km/h through unpacked snow required a similar level of energy expenditure to walking at 6.4 km/h on a treadmill. On packed snow, participants could travel at around 4.7 km/h for a comparable effort.

These figures aren't a fixed conversion between hiking and snowshoeing distances, but they help explain why snow conditions have such a significant effect. Deep snow and steep climbs can make even a relatively short outing demanding.

If you're accustomed to regular walking or hiking, you'll already have a useful fitness base. The key is choosing a route with an appropriate distance, ascent and pace.

How physically demanding is cross-country skiing?

Cross-country skiing provides a more continuous, whole-body workout. Your legs, arms, shoulders and core all contribute to propelling you forwards, making it particularly appealing to people who enjoy aerobic exercise.

The intensity can vary considerably. A relaxed session on gentle trails can provide moderate exercise, while longer distances, hills or a faster pace can make it physically demanding.

As your technique improves, gliding becomes more efficient, allowing you to cover ground with less wasted effort. This makes cross-country skiing particularly satisfying for people who enjoy maintaining a steady rhythm over longer distances.

For a closer look at the physical benefits, read our article on the health benefits of cross-country skiing.

So how fit do you need to be?

You don't need to be exceptionally fit to try either activity, but a reasonable level of general fitness will help you enjoy your time in the mountains.

If you regularly walk, you're likely to have a good foundation for snowshoeing. If you enjoy activities such as cycling, swimming or running, you may particularly appreciate the cardiovascular element of cross-country skiing.

The most important consideration is the difficulty of the particular outing, rather than the activity itself. A demanding snowshoe hike can require considerably more stamina than a gentle cross-country skiing session, and vice versa.

For advice on preparing for a winter walking holiday, see our article Preparing for a Snowshoeing Adventure: 5 Fitness Tips for the Over 50s.

What Kind of Mountain Experience Do You Prefer?

Snowshoeing: Exploring Beyond the Prepared Trails

Snowshoeing is particularly appealing if you enjoy walking for the opportunity to explore the landscape around you.

Depending on snow conditions and the route, you might follow a quiet forest path, cross an open snow-covered meadow or climb towards a mountain viewpoint. The slower pace allows time to observe wildlife tracks, notice changes in the landscape and stop for photographs.

One of snowshoeing's advantages is the flexibility it offers. You're not restricted to prepared ski tracks, so there are opportunities to explore suitable winter routes away from the established trail networks.

However, this doesn't mean you can safely walk anywhere. Snow-covered terrain can conceal hazards, and avalanche conditions need to be considered when planning routes. Exploring with a qualified mountain guide is particularly valuable if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Cross-Country Skiing: Following Trails Through the Winter Landscape

Cross-country skiing offers a more continuous sense of movement. Once you've developed your technique, you can settle into a steady rhythm, gliding along trails and covering ground efficiently.

Most recreational cross-country skiing takes place on maintained Nordic ski trails. These follow a variety of terrain, from relatively flat valley routes to more undulating circuits through forests and open landscapes.

Trails are generally graded by difficulty, making it possible to choose routes that match your ability and gradually progress to longer or more challenging outings.

Although you're following a prepared network, this doesn't mean the experience is limited to busy ski areas. Cross-country ski trails can take you through peaceful mountain environments, often with a very different atmosphere from downhill ski resorts.

Which Experience Would Suit You Better?

If you enjoy the freedom of walking, exploring different terrain and stopping whenever something catches your interest, snowshoeing may be the more natural choice.

If you prefer continuous movement, following a route and enjoying the rhythm of travelling across snow, cross-country skiing may appeal more.

Both offer time outdoors in the mountains. The difference is less about the scenery and more about how you prefer to experience it.

What If You're Concerned About Balance or Falling?

Balance is worth considering when choosing between snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, especially if you're unfamiliar with winter conditions or feel less confident on slippery surfaces.

Snowshoeing: More Familiar Footing

Snowshoeing generally feels more stable because your feet aren't designed to slide forwards. You can adjust your pace, take smaller steps and stop whenever you need to. Walking poles provide additional support, particularly on uneven ground.

However, snowshoeing isn't without its challenges. Firm or icy snow, uneven terrain and steeper slopes can make maintaining your balance more difficult. Choosing an appropriate route and using your equipment correctly are important.

Cross-Country Skiing: Building Confidence on Skis

Cross-country skiing requires greater confidence with sliding movements. Even on gentle trails, you'll need to become comfortable balancing on skis and controlling your speed.

Falls are a normal part of learning, particularly when negotiating turns or descents. A beginner lesson on suitable terrain can help you develop the skills needed to feel more secure.

It's also worth remembering that classic cross-country skiing can be a good alternative for people who haven't enjoyed downhill skiing. Although there are still descents to negotiate, the emphasis is on travelling across gentler terrain rather than skiing down long pistes.

Whichever activity you choose, starting on gentle, suitable terrain will help you build confidence. Taking time to become familiar with the equipment and conditions, ideally with an instructor or guide, can make your first experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Is Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing Better for People Over 50?

Both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed well into your 50s, 60s and beyond. Your current fitness, mobility and interests are far more important than your age when deciding which activity to try.

For people who already enjoy regular walking holidays, snowshoeing can be a natural progression into winter mountain activities. You can build on your existing walking experience and choose outings that match your preferred level of challenge.

Cross-country skiing is equally worth considering, even if you've never skied before. Learning a new technique later in life can be enjoyable and rewarding, particularly if you appreciate activities that combine physical exercise with developing a skill.

The important thing is to choose an outing that matches your current abilities and interests. A gentle introduction and a demanding full-day excursion are very different experiences, regardless of the activity.

Age alone shouldn't determine your choice. Your confidence, fitness and enjoyment matter much more.

What Equipment Do You Need for Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing?

Both activities require some specialist equipment, but you don't need to invest in everything before trying them for the first time.

Equipment for Snowshoeing

The main essentials are snowshoes, walking poles and sturdy, waterproof winter walking boots. Gaiters are also useful for preventing snow from getting inside your boots, particularly in deeper snow.

On our snowshoeing holidays, snowshoes are provided, so the main things you'll need to bring are suitable boots, clothing and personal equipment.

For a complete packing checklist, see our Snowshoeing Kit List.

Equipment for Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing requires skis, poles and dedicated cross-country ski boots. The equipment is lightweight compared with downhill skiing gear and is designed to allow greater freedom of movement.

You'll also need clothing suitable for sustained physical activity. Cross-country skiing can generate considerable body heat, so breathable, flexible layers are generally more comfortable than heavy, insulated ski clothing.

Our Cross-Country Skiing Kit List explains what to wear and bring.

What If You're Planning to Try Both?

The clothing requirements are broadly similar, with breathable layers, protection from wind and snow, gloves, a hat and sunglasses all important. Our guide to dressing for snowshoeing explains how to manage layers in changing winter conditions.

If you're considering a holiday combining several winter activities, our Winter Activity Holiday Kit List covers the essentials.

Before travelling, always check the equipment arrangements for your particular holiday, as what's provided can vary between trips.

Can You Try Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing on the Same Holiday?

Yes, and if you're undecided between the two, trying both can be an excellent way to discover which you prefer.

You could spend one day snowshoeing through a quiet mountain valley and another learning the basics of classic cross-country skiing. This gives you the opportunity to experience the different styles of movement and decide which you enjoy most.

Combining the activities can also work well for couples, families or friends with different interests. One person might already be a keen walker, while another is particularly interested in learning to ski. A flexible winter multi-activity holiday allows you to experience both without committing to a full week of just one activity.

It's worth allowing enough time for a proper introduction to cross-country skiing. A lesson will help you learn the basics, but having an opportunity to practise afterwards can make the experience more rewarding.

Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Which Would Suit You Best?

By now, you should have a clearer idea of what each activity involves. The choice ultimately comes down to how you prefer to spend your time in the mountains.

Snowshoeing might suit you better if you:

• Already enjoy walking or hiking.

• Prefer an activity that's relatively easy to pick up.

• Like exploring varied terrain away from prepared ski tracks.

• Enjoy travelling at walking pace, with time to observe your surroundings.

Cross-country skiing might suit you better if you:

• Enjoy learning new skills and improving your technique.

• Like activities that involve rhythm, coordination and continuous movement.

• Want to cover more ground as your confidence develops.

• Prefer following prepared trails with different levels of difficulty.

The type of holiday also makes a difference. Both snowshoeing holidays and cross-country skiing holidays can range from gentle introductions to more demanding itineraries, so it's worth considering the level of activity as well as the sport itself.

And if both appeal to you, there's no reason you can't try them on the same winter holiday.