Snowshoe Running – Fun or Flop?

[Hi visitor, if you’re interested in snowshoe running take a look at our snowshoe running basics and snowshoe racing articles.] […]

By on November 17, 2008 | Comments

Atlas Snowshoes[Hi visitor, if you’re interested in snowshoe running take a look at our snowshoe running basics and snowshoe racing articles.]

Winter is fast approaching in many parts of the United States, if it hasn’t arrived already. With snow on the horizon it’s time to start thinking about how to stay in shape when your favorite trails are covered with snow. One way many snowbound trail runners get in some winter trail time is by snowshoeing. While we here at iRunFar headquarters have run many a mile through snow, we’ve not had snowshoes strapped to our feet for a single mile of it. With that in mind, we thought we’d open up iRunFar to a discussion of snowshoeing by the experts among our readers.

  • Atlas Snowshoe Team Helen CospolichWhile we know that Atlas, Kahtoola, Crescent Moon, Redfeather, North Lites, and Dion make running snowshoes, we’d love to hear what your favorite running snowshoes are and why? (Trail Goat’s really interested in what you suggest, as he’s looking to pick up a pair.)
  • What kind of special clothing or other accessories are needed or useful when snowshoeing? Are regular running tights sufficient? We did find Atlas Snowshoe’s FAQ, which includes discussions of footwear, clothing, and poles.
  • Is there any training one should do before attempting their first snowshoe run? How about training tips for folks who are regularly floating on powder already?
  • Know of any great resources that beginner or even more experienced snowshoers should check out?
  • Have any good suggestions of how to try running snowshoes before buying them? We know Kahtoola has a number of demo events each winter.
  • Most importantly, what do you like most about snowshoeing? Share your cool adventures. Sell the iRunFar readers on why they should be snowshoeing!

As this is a discussion post, be sure to check out the comments for useful information and interesting perspectives on snowshoeing.

[iRunFar Fun Fact of the Day: This is iRunFar’s 300th post!]

Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell is the Founding Editor of iRunFar. He’s been writing about trail running, ultrarunning, and running gear for more than 15 years. Aside from iRunFar, he’s authored the books Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, been a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, written for publications including Outside, Sierra, and Running Times, and coached ultrarunners of all abilities. Based in Silverton, Colorado, Bryon is an avid trail runner and ultrarunner who competes in events from the Hardrock 100 Mile just out his front door to races long and short around the world, that is, when he’s not fly fishing or tending to his garden.