What Is Snowshoeing? How it Works, Benefits & Equipment

Posted 11-10-2019 by Sally Guillaume

Love walking in the mountains but never tried it in winter? Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to explore snowy landscapes, without needing to know how to ski.

Using specially designed snowshoes that help you walk over snow, you can explore quiet forests, mountain valleys and winter trails that would otherwise be difficult to reach on foot.

Whether you're a keen hiker looking for a new winter adventure or a complete beginner, this guide covers everything you need to know about snowshoeing, from how it works and what to wear to what you can expect on your first outing.

What Is Snowshoeing and How Does it Work?

Snowshoeing is a winter activity that involves walking over snow using specially designed equipment attached to your boots. Snowshoes spread your weight over a larger surface area, helping you walk on soft snow without sinking as deeply as you would in ordinary walking boots.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Unlike skiing, snowshoeing doesn't require you to learn a completely new way of moving. The basic technique is easy to pick up, although walking through deep snow or uphill can be more physically demanding.

How do snowshoes work?

Snowshoes work by distributing your body weight over a larger surface area, a principle known as flotation. This helps prevent your feet from sinking too far into soft snow, making it easier to walk in conditions where ordinary hiking boots would struggle.

Modern snowshoes are typically made from lightweight plastic or metal, with adjustable bindings that fit over winter walking boots. Most also feature metal grips or crampons underneath to provide traction on firm snow, while some have heel lifts to make uphill walking more comfortable.

Different snowshoe designs suit different conditions. Smaller models are generally suitable for compact snow and established trails, while larger snowshoes provide more flotation in deep, powdery snow.

Is Snowshoeing Difficult?

The difficulty of snowshoeing depends largely on the terrain, snow conditions, distance and elevation gain. Walking along a gentle, packed-snow trail is very different from climbing a steep hillside through fresh powder.

For beginners, starting with an easier route or going with a local guide is a good way to build confidence. A guide can help you choose suitable terrain, improve your technique and explore the mountains safely. Our guided snowshoeing holidays in the French Alps are a great way to discover the activity with experienced local guides.

How fit do you need to be for snowshoeing?

You don't need to be an athlete to enjoy snowshoeing. The level of fitness required depends on the route you choose, and there are options for people with different levels of walking experience.

If you regularly go walking or hiking, you'll already have a good foundation. Snowshoeing uses many of the same muscles, although moving through snow requires more effort than walking on dry ground.

The key is choosing a route that matches your abilities. Those who prefer a gentler pace can start with shorter, easier outings, while more experienced walkers can take on longer routes with greater elevation gain. This makes snowshoeing an activity that people of different ages can enjoy, with fitness and mobility being more important considerations than age itself.

If you'd like to prepare before your first trip, take a look at our five fitness tips for snowshoeing, with practical advice for building strength and endurance.

What should you expect on your first snowshoeing outing?

Your first outing doesn't need to involve a long mountain trek. Starting with a shorter route on relatively gentle terrain gives you time to get used to your snowshoes and discover how walking on snow feels.

It's worth remembering that distances can be deceptive in winter. A few kilometres through fresh, deep snow may require considerably more effort than the same distance on a well-packed trail. Uphill sections, altitude and the weight of your equipment can also affect how tiring an outing feels.

For this reason, it's often better to think about the expected walking time, elevation gain and snow conditions rather than distance alone when choosing a route.

Alyson, who joined us on a gourmet snowshoeing short break in the French Alps, shared her experience: 

“One of us had snowshoed before, one never: both of us loved it and returned home feeling really well and relaxed, with lots of great memories of the views & adventures and of the shared stories, laughs & experiences.”

Basic snowshoeing techniques

Walking on flat or gently rolling terrain is fairly straightforward. You'll need to take slightly wider steps than usual to avoid overlapping your snowshoe frames, but this quickly becomes more natural with practice.

On uphill sections, you can use the grips underneath your snowshoes for traction. Some models also feature a heel lift, which helps make steeper climbs more comfortable.

When descending, keep your knees slightly bent, take controlled steps and use your walking poles for balance. Your technique may need to change depending on whether the snow is firm, soft or deep.

For more practical advice, read our Snowshoeing Tips for Beginners, where we explain simple techniques to help you feel confident on your first outing.

Why Try Snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing offers a different way to experience the mountains in winter. Away from busy ski slopes and resorts, you can explore quieter landscapes, discover places that are difficult to reach on foot in snowy conditions and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.

Here are some of the reasons to give it a go.

Explore the mountains beyond the ski slopes

One of the biggest attractions of snowshoeing is the freedom to explore beyond the ski pistes. Rather than following a ski lift or a downhill run, snowshoeing allows you to discover routes through forests, valleys and open mountain terrain.

There's also more flexibility in how you experience the landscape. You can stop to take photographs, admire a viewpoint or simply enjoy the surroundings without feeling the need to keep moving.

For those who love being in the mountains but aren't interested in skiing, it's another way to enjoy an Alpine winter.

Enjoy the physical and mental benefits

Snowshoeing is a great form of winter exercise that works your legs, core and cardiovascular system. Moving through snow provides additional resistance compared with ordinary walking, while using poles helps engage your upper body.

The intensity can vary considerably depending on the route, making it possible to enjoy anything from a gentle outing to a more demanding mountain adventure.

Beyond the physical benefits, spending time outdoors in natural surroundings can also support mental wellbeing. The combination of fresh mountain air, physical activity and time away from everyday distractions makes snowshoeing an enjoyable way to stay active during winter.

Discover winter wildlife and landscapes

Winter reveals a side of the mountains that can be easy to overlook during other seasons. Animal tracks become visible in fresh snow, offering clues about the wildlife living in the surrounding forests and valleys.

In the French Alps, you might come across tracks left by foxes, hares or deer, while higher mountain areas are home to species such as chamois and ibex.

You don't necessarily need to spot an animal to discover something interesting. Tracks, feeding signs and other clues can tell you a surprising amount about what has passed through an area.

What Do You Need to Go Snowshoeing?

One of the advantages of snowshoeing is that you don't need a huge amount of specialist equipment to get started. With the right snowshoes, suitable winter clothing and a few essentials, you'll be ready for your first outing.

Essential snowshoeing equipment

The main piece of equipment is, of course, your snowshoes. These attach to your walking boots and come in different sizes and designs depending on your weight and the type of terrain you'll be exploring.

You don't necessarily need to buy your own pair, especially if you're trying the activity for the first time. Renting snowshoes is a practical option, and equipment is often included in guided snowshoeing holidays.

Walking poles are also useful for maintaining balance and providing extra support on uneven or sloping terrain. If you're using your usual hiking poles, remember to attach or open the snow baskets before setting off. These prevent the poles from sinking too deeply into soft snow.

What should you wear for snowshoeing?

The key to dressing for snowshoeing is being prepared for changing temperatures. You might feel warm while climbing uphill but cool down quickly when you stop, so breathable layers that you can easily add or remove are important.

Waterproof walking boots, suitable winter clothing and protection from the sun and cold will help keep you comfortable throughout the day.

For a full breakdown of clothing and footwear, read our What to Wear for Snowshoeing in the Alps guide, or consult our Snowshoeing Kit List for a complete packing checklist.

Staying safe in snowy mountain terrain

Although the basic technique is straightforward, snowshoeing in the mountains requires preparation and an understanding of winter conditions.

Before setting out, check the weather forecast, snow conditions and avalanche risk. If you're new to snowshoeing, choose a well-marked snowshoeing trail suited to your fitness level, and check that it's open and suitable for the day's conditions. More remote or unmarked routes require greater experience, as snow can hide paths and landmarks, making navigation more difficult.

In avalanche terrain, appropriate safety equipment, including a transceiver, shovel and probe, is essential, along with the training to use it. Carrying the equipment alone doesn't make a route safe.

If you're unfamiliar with the area or mountain snow conditions, going with a qualified local guide is a sensible choice. Always be prepared to change your plans or turn back if conditions deteriorate.

Snowshoeing in the French Alps

The French Alps offer a wide variety of snowshoeing opportunities, with everything from peaceful forest trails to open mountain plateaux and dramatic alpine valleys.

While many visitors come to the Alps for skiing, snowshoeing offers a different way to discover the region, taking you beyond the busy resorts and into some of its quieter corners.

Where to go snowshoeing in the Southern French Alps

The Southern French Alps have plenty of variety for snowshoeing, with wooded valleys, traditional mountain villages and more remote routes at higher altitudes.

The Champsaur Valley, on the edge of the Écrins National Park, is one of our favourite areas for snowshoeing. Its mix of forests, open pastures and mountain scenery makes it a wonderful place to explore in winter, with different routes offering new perspectives on the nearby peaks.

Further east, the Queyras Regional Natural Park is known for its traditional villages, larch forests and beautiful mountain landscapes. In winter, snowshoeing provides an opportunity to explore its quieter valleys and more remote surroundings, particularly on multi-day adventures that take you deeper into the mountains.

The region is also home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including chamois, ibex, deer and golden eagles. While sightings are never guaranteed, fresh snow can reveal animal tracks and other signs of wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What is snowshoeing in the Alps actually like?

A typical day of snowshoeing might begin in a quiet mountain village before heading into the forest, where snow-covered trees and animal tracks line the route. As you climb, the trees gradually give way to open views across the valley.

Depending on the route, you might stop for a picnic in the snow, reach a panoramic viewpoint or discover a remote mountain refuge.

Snow conditions also shape the experience. Fresh powder can make walking more demanding, while firmer snow allows you to cover greater distances. No two outings are quite the same, particularly in mountain environments where the weather and landscape can change throughout winter.

Different ways to experience snowshoeing in the Alps

Snowshoeing doesn't have to be a single-day activity. Spending several days exploring different trails gives you time to discover more of the region, and some itineraries include overnight stays in mountain villages or refuges.

A snowshoeing short break can be a good introduction if you want to spend a few days exploring the mountains without committing to a longer trip. You can also combine snowshoeing with an interest in local food, as on our

gourmet snowshoeing short break, which includes opportunities to discover Alpine cuisine and regional specialities.

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, hut-to-hut snowshoeing involves travelling between mountain refuges, carrying your overnight essentials and spending nights in the mountains. For a closer look at what to pack and how to prepare for a multi-day trip, read our hut-to-hut snowshoeing guide.

You don't have to dedicate your entire holiday to snowshoeing, either. It can be one of several activities to try during a winter multi-activity holiday, alongside experiences such as cross-country skiing and husky sledding.

The right option depends on how much walking you want to do, your fitness level and whether you'd prefer focusing on snowshoeing or trying a mix of winter activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need experience to try snowshoeing?

No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. Most beginners get used to walking in snowshoes fairly quickly, especially on gentle terrain.

If you're joining a guided outing, your guide will usually show you how to adjust your snowshoes and help you get comfortable with them before setting off. The most important thing is choosing a route that suits your abilities rather than attempting something too demanding on your first day.

When is the best time to go snowshoeing in the French Alps?

The main snowshoeing season in the French Alps generally runs from December to March, although conditions vary depending on altitude, location and snowfall.

January and February often provide good opportunities for exploring snowy landscapes, while March can bring longer, sunnier days. The best time ultimately depends on the snow conditions and the type of route you want to explore.

Can you go snowshoeing if there's not much snow?

It depends on the conditions. Snowshoes are most useful when there's enough snow to make ordinary walking difficult, particularly in soft or deep snow.

On thin or patchy snow cover, walking in snowshoes may be uncomfortable or unnecessary, and exposed rocks can damage the equipment. In the mountains, guides and local operators may adapt routes or choose higher-altitude areas when snow conditions are limited.

Ready to Give Snowshoeing a Go?

Snowshoeing doesn't require years of experience or specialist skills. With the right equipment, a suitable route and a little preparation, it's a great way to discover the mountains in winter.

Whether you're trying it for the first time or looking for a new way to explore the Alps, there's plenty to discover once you leave the ski slopes behind.

If you'd like to experience snowshoeing in the Southern French Alps, take a look at our guided snowshoeing holidays and discover where your next winter adventure could take you.