Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing with Kids

Do you dread winter? Feel like you’re trapped inside with wild kiddos because winter activities take a lot of preparation, skill, time, or money? We have some great news for you! There is a simple winter activity that requires just a few resources and will inspire you and your children to get outdoors, enjoying the winter, and getting your family much-needed exercise and fresh air. Today, Creative Team member Ashley Greenhalgh, Nevada mom of two, is here to walk you through the basics of how to get started winter shoeshoeing with kids! Consider this your beginner’s guide to snowshoeing! 

How to get started snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an amazing way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter months. As a beginner, it can be hard to know where to start. I have taken countless friends snowshoeing for their first time, and I will tell you that every one of them was nervous and intimidated before we stepped foot on the snow. Also, by the end of the afternoon, every one of them was saying “Wow, that was so easy, fun, and beautiful!” 

Snowshoeing is one of our family’s favorite activities. It’s a relatively easy sport to pick up, even for kids, and requires no prior experience or training. Everyone who is able and willing to snowshoe can and should, no matter their age! It is a great way to get the kids outside and hike through pristine powder snow. Today, I will be giving tips and tricks so you’ll feel confident to start snowshoeing with kids. Everything you need to get started; minus the information about your local area. 

What is snowshoeing?

Let’s start with the question some of you may be asking…”What is snowshoeing?” Basically, snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves walking over or on top of the snow with the assistance of footwear that displaces your weight over a larger area (so you don’t sink). With origins roughly 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, snowshoeing has played a vital role in remote mountain survival, with trappers and traders utilizing snowshoes to traverse the inaccessible regions of the wilderness. What started thousands of years ago as an essential mode of winter transportation has evolved into a popular recreational activity.

Snowshoeing is a great way to start enjoying winter!

Benefits of snowshoeing

There are so many great benefits of snowshoeing for kids. One of the best things about snowshoeing is that you and your children will get a great workout (you’re more likely to be warm than cold while snowshoeing). Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to get your body moving and work on those big gross motor skills. Snowshoeing is an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise and works muscles that kids may not otherwise exercise at home.

Also, snowshoeing is a relatively quiet and peaceful activity. You can easily talk to your children or friends or listen to the sounds of nature (birds, running water, etc.). It’s a wonderful way to bond with the kids and talk about their day or challenges. It allows you to get out of your own head and let nature clear away your thoughts and worries. Snowshoeing can be therapeutic! 

Speaking of talking, it’s a great social activity to do with friends and family. Adults, kids of all ages and ability levels can enjoy snowshoeing together. For families that love hiking together, snowshoeing lets you extend your hiking season through the year and lets you enjoy solitude in areas that might be crowded in summer. In general, there are way fewer people venturing outdoors in the winter, so it’s easy to find an area for a peaceful snowshoe adventure. 

Snowshoeing is also easy to learn and inexpensive to try. If gear and lift-ticket prices for skiing or snowboarding give you pause, you’ll be happy to know that snowshoeing is affordably priced. Your required gear includes snowshoes (see below for more on this) and appropriate outdoor winter attire. Poles are recommended, but not required. 

Good for kids of all ages

Individuals of any age and ability can go snowshoeing. Your outing can be tailored to match your interests and fitness levels, making this a great way to get outside as a family and have fun together (big and little kids alike). Snowshoe outings can be anything from a leisurely walk in the park, a casual outing to explore nature, or a steep and difficult backcountry hike!

Waterproof boots and snowshoes with a simple strap are important.

Where to find snowshoes

If you want to give snowshoeing a try, the first thing you’ll need to do is locate some snowshoes. Snowshoes are basically large flat “shoes” that distribute your weight over the surface of the snow so that you can walk (or float) over it. The design of the snowshoe is to deter snow accumulation and allow for optimal maneuverability. You may remember seeing cartoons with large wood frames with lattice (that look like a giant tennis racket). But today’s snowshoes have evolved to use durable lightweight metals, plastics and synthetic fibers.

For your first time, I’d recommend either borrowing snowshoes from a friend or renting them for the day. Snowshoe rentals are available at most REI stores, or local sporting good stores as well as a lot of ski resorts for a small fee. For example, our local REI rents children’s snowshoes for $8 per day. 

After your initial snowshoeing excursion or two, it is likely you’ll want to invest in some snowshoes of your own, and some for your kids. I’ve listed the equipment we use,  love and recommend near the end of this post. Some things to look for are simple but secure straps (that eventually the kids can put on and remove on their own), and good grip on the bottom, for secure footing in slippery and deep snow. 

How to dress for snowshoeing 

How you dress for any winter activity will make or break your day. And with kids involved, I like to minimize the risk of them being uncomfortable. If they stay warm and have fun, it is more likely they will want to go out snowshoeing again and again. Which, in turn, will make your winter so much more enjoyable. The easiest way to dress for snowshoeing is basically to dress the same way you would to go sledding. At the end of this article, I’ve listed recommendations for the gear we have been using for years. 

• Start with a base layer – The best base layers are wool or synthetic material. Also known as long-johns! This layer is temperature regulating and wicks moisture. Nice warm wool socks are a great investment for winter activities. 
• Add a mid-layer – This is your insulating layer ~ think a fleece, sweater, or even a down vest. 
• Finally, add an outer layer – Snowsuits (or snow pants and a winter coat), mittens (waterproof), and a good hat. The best outer layers are waterproof! We love our Reima snowsuits. 
• Snowboots – Again, start with a waterproof option, or at least a boot with a waterproof base (a lot of boots will be waterproof just over the foot area, but not up to the calf.) 
• Sunscreen and sunglasses – Sunscreen in winter might seem weird, however, the sun is hitting you from the top and also reflecting off of the snow, so double whammy. The good news is that usually only their little face is showing under their winter gear, so it will only take a few seconds to rub some sunscreen on. We love All Good Sunscreen. 

Investing in warm winter clothing will determine whether you and your children enjoy winter…or dread it. I, for one, choose the first option. Life is better outside! 

Bring a sled and your furry friends as an added bonus! Make snowshoeing even more fun!

How to snowshoe with kids

Now comes the important part…how to snowshoe with kids! The good news is, that if you can walk, you can snowshoe! It’s about that easy! Have you ever tried walking in snorkel fins? Walking in snowshoes may feel similar to that at first. You’ll need to take bigger steps, and lift your knees higher than you normally do. Your heel will be mobile though (it’s not strapped down), so really, it’s much easier than snorkel fins! 

Starting on a packed-down trail will be easier than starting in deep snow. Many winter areas have cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that are relatively flat and very easy for beginners to get started. Your stride should be wider than it is for hiking in order to avoid stepping on the insides of your snowshoe frames. Because of that, you may find your hips and groin muscles aching a bit after the first few times you snowshoe, but those muscles will get stronger quickly and you won’t notice it so much after a few outings. 

Where to go snowshoeing with kids

There are so many places you can go snowshoeing, and your location will dictate the types of terrain and available areas that you have as options. However, here are few places you can look into, which may allow snowshoeing in your area: 

• City, county, state, and national parks
• Golf courses
• Open or backcountry space
• Your own backyard
• City streets or country roads
• Flat hiking trails
• Nordic centers (around ski resorts)
• Mountain lodges & resorts

Simple tips for beginner snowshoeing 

While snowshoeing is a very easy outdoor activity to do with kids, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make your outing successful. Here are some tips that we’ve learned over the years of snowshoeing with our kids. 

Research trails

On your first couple of outings, keep it short and sweet. Aim for a flat, groomed trail and try snowshoeing for 30 minutes. Heck, with little kids, 15 minutes may be all that you get out of them the first couple of times. Praise them for their efforts! Praise yourself! You got outside in winter! It will get easier, and I truly believe you’ll love winter more. 

Invest in good winter gear

Good quality winter coats, snowpants, and boots for the whole family can be expensive. Try a second-hand store for gently used winter gear. Kids grow out of things so quickly that rarely their gear is worn out by the time they need the next size. That is why it makes sense to buy second-hand. Not to mention, it is much easier on the environment. If you cannot find any gently-used gear, REI is a great place to buy clothing and supplies. They have a great return policy if something doesn’t end up working out for you or your children. 

Bring a backpack

It’s always nice to have a backpack on you, filled with some essentials. We always pack a compass, map, snacks, water, camera, spare gloves, sunscreen, First Aid Kit, and phone. Include whatever essential items you may need to stay safe and warm (extra gloves, hand warmers, etc.).  

Pack snacks

As I mentioned before, snowshoeing is a really great workout. You’ll be burning calories from snowshoeing itself, and if it is cold outside, your body will be using energy to keep you warm. Solution? Snacks. Always snacks.  Having a filling snack on the trail will keep everyone happy. Think carbs and protein. Also water! It may seem counterintuitive that you’ll need to drink water, but in the cold and during exercise you breathe faster so you lose water just with exhalation. An easy thing to bring is a PB&J sandwich and a water bottle. Also, a quick dose of sugar (a piece of dried fruit or hot chocolate, for example) is always nice to have on hand in case someone starts to meltdown. 

Have fun

As parents, we all know that our attitudes affect our children’s attitudes. If we’re not having fun, chances are that they aren’t either. But if they see how excited we are to do this, they just might be more open-minded about it. Point out the trees, plants and animals around you. Tell them repeatedly how well they’re doing. This applies to any activity, not just snowshoeing. If they’re not enjoying the hike, stop and build a snowman! Or bring a sled to play on. Or have a delicious snack. 

Be safe

Before you leave for your outdoor adventure, tell someone where you’re going, when to expect you back, and mark the location where you parked. It is easy to get turned around in the snow when the entire ground is white. If it starts snowing, it can be even worse. 

Snowshoeing gear recommendations

Again, snowshoeing is a great entry-level outdoor activity for kids that doesn’t require a lot of gear or equipment. However, there are definitely benefits of making sure you’re dressed appropriately for outdoor weather when doing anything outside with kids in the winter. Obviously, none of this is required for a good time, but here is the gear that we have tried and tested over the years and love and recommend to you. 

• Snowshoes – When you’re ready to invest in snowshoes for yourself or your kids, start with flat terrain snowshoes. They’re designed to walk on flat, groomed, or rolling terrain. Smaller snowshoes are better for compact snow, larger snowshoes provide more “floatation” and are best for deep powder. The snowshoes will list the recommended weight (this is your body weight plus gear).
• Boots – We have had the best luck with Kamik boots – waterproof, warm, and durable. 
• Base Layer – We like a fleece-lined long john layer.  This option comes in plenty of colors.
• Insulating (mid-layer) – A fleece jacket is a great mid-layer and can also be used year-round to take the chill off during evenings outside. We love Columbia Fleece. 
• Outer layer – We can’t say enough about our Reima snowsuits! Waterproof and toasty warm! 
• Mittens – Fingers warm each other (so we like mittens better than gloves) these are a good option, affordable and waterproof. 
• Sunscreen – All Good Sunscreen 
• Extra socks, as well as hand and foot warmers. 

Outdoor winter activity for kids

Starting a new winter activity can be so exciting, and snowshoeing is a simple, fun way to enjoy an afternoon outside with your children. It is quiet enough that you can talk as you go, but also gives a great workout. The views you can find in the winter are incredible and it will give you a whole new appreciation for the beauty of winter. We really hope you’ll give snowshoeing a try this winter. Get those kids (and yourself) outside for a fun new adventure! 

Have you ever tried snowshoeing with kids?
I would love to hear about your snowshoeing adventures!

About the author

Ashley is an RN certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She’s a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business.

You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations:
Instagram: @sage.and.summit
Website: Sage & Summit Photography
RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh