You hear a lot about skiing in winter months, but have you considered snowshoeing with kids?  This easy-to-do winter activity is a lot of fun, and can be quite economical as far as winter sports goes.

The past couple of years, my family has taken up snowshoeing and really enjoys it. We took the plunge because we discovered when trying to traverse our nearby Grand Mesa in incredibly deep snow… you literally can’t maneuver without snowshoes!

Why Take Your Kids Snowshoeing

There are so many beautiful outdoor areas you can explore when winter rolls around.  Think of the low crowds in areas many people consider “inaccessible”.  Strap on some snowshoes and they’re all yours.  Honestly, sometimes my kids like it even more than hiking.  It definitely adds a level of excitement, is a great way to sneak in exercise and fresh air, and gets you back into some incredibly scenic areas.

Snowshoeing with kids just may help you fall in love with this frosty season.  Plus once you have the gear… it’s free!  No lift ticket needed.

Here are some reasons I think your family will love snowshoeing.

Uncrowded Trails + Unlimited Beauty

I hate crowds in the wilderness.

The reality is, many scenic areas have become tourist destinations which draw outdoor lovers from all over the world.  In summer on the most popular trails, you may find people hiking nearby at all times. Irritating.

But alas, you won’t find this situation when snowshoeing with kids!   Granted, part of the reason is that snowshoeing is a little more strenuous than hiking.  We don’t cover nearly the same distance in winter.  But it’s fantastic exercise, and the peacefulness and beauty are huge payoffs.

It admittedly takes effort to get yourself and your family out there.  Mom typically does most of the work, gathering all the warm gear to stay dry and comfortable on the trail.  But it’s worth it.  Uncrowded beauty!

No Athletic Skill Required

Skiing can be SCARY, man!  But snowshoeing is easy.  And not even a little bit scary.  🙂

The reality is that although I enjoy downhill snow skiing, I get nervous every time.  And I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment.  Again, not the case with snowshoeing.  You’ll love it.

You also don’t have to worry about starting your kids out snowshoeing at a certain age.  And not to downplay the fitness aspect to it, but basically if you can walk – you can snowshoe.  Which is a real plus.

Snowshoeing is Safe Winter Fun

Which leads me to my next reason to love snowshoeing.  It’s a gentle sport.  And if you’re dressed appropriately and warmly… a totally safe sport.

No one’s going to hit a tree at high speeds, or be plowed into by another speeding snowshoer.   You don’t even need a helmet (woo hoo!)

I’m a somewhat overprotective mom.  I love snowshoeing because of the low risk of injury.  You are surrounded by a cushioned blanket of snowflakes.

One of my kid’s favorite things to do on our family snowshoe adventures is to make snow angels.  If you’ve got insulated waterproof clothing on (which you should), a snowbank makes a very relaxing resting place.  Custom molded to your body!

Kids May Prefer Snowshoeing Over Hiking

We are an outdoorsy family that does a lot of hiking.  Sometimes these adventures are fantastic, and other times it’s like pulling teeth to get my kids to hike a trail.

But apparently with snowshoeing, the playing in the snow factor pushes this into a more fun category.  It’s so pristine, that even they sense it.  An added level of excitement at being in this wild nature environment, in the beautiful snow.

For my kids, snowshoeing is just plain more entertaining.   And I give the same advice when hiking in summer on a trail – it’s not about making linear progress.  We let them stop and mess around.  You have to when there’s SO MUCH FLUFFY SNOW!

Surprising Lack of Being Cold

I HATE being cold.  I attribute this to the childhood trauma of walking home from school in frigid South Dakota winters.

If you dress properly when snowshoeign, this really shouldn’t be an issue.  Wear layers, with a technical base that will dry quickly (not cotton).

Cover your head.

I purchased some fleece neck gaiters for each of us for around $5 each, and they might be the best thing that’s ever happened to us.  Genius!

This is the truth:  we have never once felt cold while snowshoeing.  The reality is, it’s a cardio workout!  And unlike skiing, where you have down time to catch the chills when riding the chairlift…. this is slow and steady activity.  Your core stays warm, and you stay warm.

Snowshoeing Trails are Free

Or at least they should be.  I do believe groomed Nordic / cross country ski trails sometimes have “passes” (sorry, but this annoys me).  But in snowshoes you’ve got the freedom to go to any former, non-groomed hiking trail.  And those are free.  There are often available maps, and trails are typically marked along the way.

No $500 in lift tickets for snowshoeing with kids!

The midrange price for a pair of adult snowshoes averages $100-250.  Check into buying a used pair if you’d like to save some money. Because they just strap to your boots, they should last a few seasons for your kids.  Renting snowshoes is also an option, especially if you just want to try it out and make sure your families enjoys it.

Just think of all the awesome places you can explore!

Appreciate Winter Once Again

Going about our daily city life in freezing winter cold does NOT contribute to winter love.  And I admit, winter is still not my favorite season.

But snowshoeing has done a lot for me, in helping me learn to embrace this colder season.  Especially when I have that exquisite mountain moment, in a lovely forest blanketed in snow.  Crystal blue sky above.  My kids are giggling and stomping around.

And I see the beauty of winter once again.

I hope these reasons your family will love snowshoeing inspire you to try it this winter!

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