Beginner's Guide To Snowshoe Running

Why and how to trade running shoes for snowshoes this winter

- Reagan Colyer

We get it: winter running can be a challenge, with its icy trails and cold temperatures. But there’s a growing cadre of runners taking advantage of the chilly months as an opportunity to get serious about a particularly underrated winter pastime: snowshoeing. Snowshoe running—and racing—may translate to better, stronger running.

Snowshoeing enables you to continue enjoying your favorite trails even when they are covered in snow, and opens the door to exploring off-trail. It beats staring at the screen of the treadmill. Plus: snowshoeing has less impact on joints, because of the softer surface.

Nick Scalfone, 32, of Bend, Oregon, began his career as “your average cross country and Roadrunner” in high school and college. He went on his first snowshoe run in 2010 and it quickly became his favorite sport. He was third at the 2017 U.S. Snowshoe National Championship back in March.