Guest author: Whitney Buchli
As a family that loves winter, we’ve found snowshoeing to be one of the best ways to get outside, explore, and make memories together. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about discovering new places, enjoying the beauty of the season, and embracing the unexpected moments that turn into unforgettable adventures.
Our snowshoeing experiences have taught us that you don’t need to follow a specific trail or head to a far-off destination to enjoy a great day in the snow. Some of our most cherished memories have come from simply exploring new areas, seeing where the snow takes us, and letting the kids’ imaginations run wild.
Why We Love Snowshoeing as a Family
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities out there. It’s affordable, requires little equipment, and can be done almost anywhere there is snow. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise, enjoy peaceful surroundings, and escape the winter blues. Here are a few reasons why we keep coming back to it as a family:
- No Lift Tickets or Crowds: Unlike skiing, there’s no need for expensive lift passes or busy resorts. Snowshoeing lets you enjoy the quiet beauty of winter at your own pace.
- Minimal Gear: Snowshoes and warm winter clothing are all you need to get started. It’s easy to pack up and go without the hassle of bulky equipment.
- It’s an Easy Entry Point: No special skills required - if you can walk, you can snowshoe! This makes it perfect for kids of all ages.
- Endless Adventure: Snowshoeing opens up new possibilities to explore areas that are often inaccessible in winter. You can forge your own path and discover hidden spots that would otherwise remain untouched.
The Day We Built a Snow Fort
One of our favorite family snowshoeing memories happened on a day when we didn’t have any particular trail in mind. We had our snowshoes, packed snacks, and the intention of just spending some time outside. Rather than keeping to a marked trail, we ventured off into a quiet, snowy area that we hadn’t explored before.
After some time walking through deep snow and enjoying the view of the snow-covered mountains, we stumbled upon the perfect clearing. The kids immediately got excited and wanted to stop and play. It wasn’t a part of any plan, but that’s when the real adventure began. Before we knew it, we were building a snow fort together - rolling snowballs, stacking them into walls, and creating our very own winter hideout.
It was one of those magical days where time seemed to stand still. The kids were completely absorbed in building and playing in the fort, we ended up staying until sunset. What made it even more special was that we wouldn’t have found that spot or had the chance to play there if we hadn’t ventured out on our own path. We didn’t need to complete a specific trail or reach a destination - the adventure was in simply being there, in the moment, creating something fun together as a family.
Tips for Snowshoeing with Kids: Focus on Fun
From our experience, snowshoeing with kids is all about keeping things flexible, relaxed, and focused on fun. Here are some tips that have helped us make the most of our outings:
Start Small and Keep it Simple
Kids’ legs tire quickly, especially when trekking through deep snow. We’ve found that it’s best to start with shorter, flat hikes and build up from there to allow your kiddos to get used to wearing them. The key is to keep things light and fun, so they enjoy the experience and want to come back for more.
Dress in Layers for Warmth
Layering is essential when snowshoeing in the winter. A key tip we’ve learned is to wear fewer layers while you’re active and moving to prevent overheating, and then put on extra layers when you stop for a snack or a break to stay warm. We always dress the kids (and ourselves) in merino base layers, fleece, and waterproof outerwear. Avoiding cotton and opting for wool socks is a must for keeping everyone warm and dry.
Embrace Play
One of the best parts of snowshoeing is the freedom to explore and play. Whether it’s building a snow fort, throwing snowballs, or making snow angels, these playful moments are what turn a simple walk into an adventure. Letting the kids stop and have fun along the way has always been more important to us than covering a certain distance or reaching a specific goal.
Bring Hot Drinks for Breaks
There’s something magical about taking a break in the snow and sipping hot chocolate or tea. We always bring along our large Hydroflask insulated water bottle, and it’s become a little tradition to find a spot to sit down, share a warm drink and snacks, and enjoy the quiet beauty of winter around us.
Explore Safely
Whenever you explore the outdoors, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan your adventure according to the conditions and terrain. If you’re planning to snowshoe in alpine terrain, be aware of avalanche danger. It's important to do your research to be informed about potential risks. Avoid slopes of 30 degrees and steeper and talk to locals for the most up to date conditions. Here’s a helpful article to learn more about avalanche safety in the backcountry.
What You’ll Need for a Snowshoeing Adventure
Snowshoeing doesn’t require much gear, but having the right essentials can make all the difference, especially when you’re out with kids. Here’s what we typically bring along on our snowshoeing outings:
Snowshoes
We look for lightweight, durable snowshoes that are easy to put on and take off. The kids love having their own pairs, which are sized just right for little feet.
Winter Boots
A good pair of warm, insulated, waterproof boots is essential. We’ve found that lightweight winter hiking boots make it easier for the kids to move through the snow without getting tired too quickly. We love namuk’s Couloir GTX winter boots as they fit easily into any adjustable snowshoe and offer excellent support for uneven ground and snow.
Poles
While we don’t always use them, poles can be helpful for balance, especially when trekking through deeper snow or on steeper terrain.
Snacks and a Thermos
Snacks are a must for keeping energy levels up. We always pack some fruit, nuts and granola bars, and Sirocco’s Piz Palü tea for breaks along the way.
Creating Your Own Winter Adventures
What we love most about snowshoeing is the freedom it gives us to explore new areas and create our own adventures. You don’t need to plan out a detailed route or have a specific destination in mind. Some of our best days have come from simply wandering and playing in the snow, and discovering places we’d never have seen otherwise.
Snowshoeing has become a tradition for our family, not just because it’s a fun winter activity, but because it brings us closer together. It’s a chance to disconnect from screens, get out into nature, and enjoy the quiet of winter. If you’ve been thinking about trying snowshoeing with your kids, I can’t recommend it enough. There’s a whole world of snowy adventures waiting just beyond your doorstep!
