Breaking New Ground

By Kyle Boelte

As winter settles in, more Coloradans than ever are hitting the trails on snowshoes, and the trend is on the rise across the country. The reasons are many: the relatively low cost, the freedom to explore off the beaten path, and the opportunity for a pleasurable and challenging winter workout. And you might as well leave those heavy, racquet-shaped wood-and-leather snowshoes hanging on the cabin wall. Lightweight snowshoes made of aluminum and synthetic materials have revolutionized the sport, allowing you pick up the pace, cover more ground, and even race.

Adam Feerst, a Colorado snowshoe race promoter and owner of Runuphill Racing, explains that many athletes are looking for something new and different in the off-season. For runners, cyclists and multisport athletes, snowshoeing provides an excellent winter alternative that lets them engage in the season instead of trying to fight it by practicing summer sports amidst inclement weather. It’s not just fun; the workout is intense. In deep powder, simply hiking at a steady pace can be difficult. Running on groomed trails is also a grueling workout, and running in powder takes a Herculean effort. If you are used to one-hour runs on snow-free roads or trails, half an hour of snowshoe running will have you ready to head home to soak your muscles in the hot tub. In deep powder, you might need to alternate between running and hiking; think of it as interval training.

Courtesy Atlas Snowshoes/Boulder Outdoor Center Join the fun this winter! Almost anyone can hike on snowshoes, though snowshoe running makes for a rugged workout.

Gear to Go

Snowshoeing requires very little gear. A pair of running shoes or hiking boots is a good start, and you need warm clothing and a pair of snowshoes, of course. Your feet will be in the snow, so make sure you wear warm wool or synthetic socks and gaiters or Gore-Tex booties to keep them dry. Since you’ll be kicking up snow, a slick outer layer is advisable, at least on your lower half. Think layers for your upper body. It will be cold when you start out, but in no time you’ll work up a surprisingly heavy sweat. Being able to peel off clothes will keep you more comfortable for the duration of your outing. Competitive snowshoe runners often wear just one layer while racing—tights and a long-sleeved synthetic shirt—since they start the race warm and are running at maximum speed.

When it comes to your snowshoes, you will have a lot of choices. If you want to go fast, find a light pair in the two-and-a-half-pound range. Remember, every time you lift your leg you’ll have to pull up all that weight. Imagine running in mud: The more mud gets stuck on your shoes, the harder the going will be. Lose a little weight on your feet and your turnover will improve by leaps and bounds. If you’re interested in backcountry travel in deep power, a bigger pair of snowshoes is in order. Large snowshoes let you walk on top of the snow, even when it gets really deep. If you are heading to the backcountry, make sure you understand avalanche hazards and precautions.

New snowshoes cost a few hundred dollars, but they are a long-term investment. “You don’t go through snowshoes like running shoes,” Feerst says. “One pair of snowshoes will last for several years.” If you’re not sure you’re in it for the long haul, rent a pair before you buy. Rentals are available at ski resorts and sporting-goods stores.

If you’ve never raced on snowshoes, you won’t be alone at a local 5k race—almost every snowshoe race in Colorado is full of newbies. Don’t be too concerned with distances and times. A short 5k race can be difficult, and your finishing time will be much slower than a road 5k. It’s a good idea to get up to the mountains to practice before your first race. The technique is easy to master, but the actual running is demanding. Being in good shape will make your race enjoyable. That said, most participants view snowshoe running as low-key off-season training. Most people just want to get outside and to stay in shape, so there’s very little pressure—unless, of course, you are looking for a first-place finish. l


Kyle Boelte, a freelance writer living in Boulder, has written for Snowshoe, Trail Runner, Adventure Sports, Dirt Rag and ASX magazines.