Snowshoeing 101

Take to the snow this year by donning snowshoes. Here you'll find out the things you need to do to get started, from equipment and clothing to technique and safety.

: A snowshoer enjoys a beautiful winter day on the Panorama Point Snowshoe. Photo by bev.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s that simple. The trick is to find a place that is close and convenient that you can return to time and again. You won’t get bored. Snow has a way of changing the terrain so that each outing offers new discoveries and challenges. As snow blankets the backcountry, it also beckons: Come! Enjoy the silence and the calm. Come! Explore!

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Weather & Road Conditions

Sno-Park Information:

Preparation Resources:

Technique:

It’s true that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. You just have to widen your step. The first couple of steps feel awkward, but your body quickly adjusts to the width of the snowshoes. Walking backwards or turning takes a little practice. You may fall, but the snow is soft.

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Safety:

Choose your destinations wisely. Some popular summer hiking routes can be deadly avalanche hotspots in winter and should never be considered as snowshoe destinations. To find safe snowshoeing trails, consult our Hiking Guide, Trip Reports or a guide book.

Knowing how to navigate is also key. Snow tends to make the landscape look uniform and obscure landmarks. Finally, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return and call them when you get home. For more information about snowshoe safety, click here.

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Clothing:

Lightweight ski pants, rain pants with long underwear, snowboarding pants lined with a little fleece layer or regular trekking pants will work well. Snow in Western Washington is quite wet, so you’ll want something water resistant. Layer your upper body with a quick-dry piece close to your body then a fleece jacket that can be unzipped for ventilation. You want to be a little cold when you start because you will warm up quickly.

: Showing off the gear on the Artist Point Snowshoe. Photo by geezerhiker.

Footwear:

You’ll want warm, waterproof boots. If your hiking boots come with materials like Gore-tex, they will be just fine.

Equipment:

Rent gear if you want to check out the different types. Most snowshoes now have aluminum frames with a decking material that will keep you on top of the snow. Teeth or cleats on the bottom are essential for the icy, hard-packed snow of Western Washington. Some shoes have straps that secure your boot to the shoe. Others offer a binding mechanism similar to ski boots.

In Your Backpack:

Snowshoeing is hiking on the snow, so you’ll want to carry the same essentials that you take hiking including a map and compass, a hat and gloves, water, sunglasses, sunscreen and snacks.

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Etiquette:

Snowshoeing is an increasing popular activity, though, not without conflict. Snowshoeing is permitted on all ski trails but snowshoers are requested to keep to one side and not walk across the ski track. On steep grades, snowshoers should keep in mind that skiers have the right of way. Do your best to move to one side and allow skiers to pass.

Stay safe, have fun, and let us know what you find by filing a trip report on WTA’s website!