Snowshoeing

Introduction & Assessment

## Intro & Assessment Have you ever looked up at the Wasatch Mountains in January and wished you could walk through all that snow? Snowshoeing makes it possible — and it is easier to learn than you think. Start by watching a few free intro videos on the Snowshoeing Utah Facebook group or YouTube to see what the gear looks like and how people move. Then ask yourself: have you ever hiked before? How comfortable are you walking on uneven ground? Write down three things that excite you about snowshoeing and two things that make you nervous. Knowing your starting point helps you plan. You are ready for the next step when you can describe what snowshoes do, name one local trail you want to try, and honestly rate your current hiking fitness on a scale of 1 to 5.

Foundation Building

## Foundation Building Before you hit the snow, you need to understand the basics of dressing for cold weather and staying safe outdoors. The golden rule is layering: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Cotton kills in the cold — it holds moisture and chills you fast. Check out the free REI Expert Advice guides at rei.com for detailed layering tips. Also study the Leave No Trace principles (lnt.org, free) — Utah trails take a beating and every visitor is responsible for keeping them clean. Pick one beginner-friendly trail near SLC like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to practice walking on uneven terrain before adding snowshoes. You are ready for the next step when you can explain the three-layer clothing system and name two safety rules for winter hiking.

Skill Development

## Skill Development Time to actually strap on some snowshoes and walk. Many Utah parks and recreation centers rent snowshoes for $10–15 a day — check Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation or REI Salt Lake City for rental options. Head to a flat or gently rolling area first, like the trailhead at Red Pine Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon or the flat section of Dog Lake trail in Mill Creek Canyon. Focus on your gait: step a little wider than normal to avoid clipping your snowshoes together. Practice turning around, walking uphill with the toe crampons dug in, and stepping sideways across a slope. You are ready for the next step when you can walk 30 minutes on snowshoes without falling more than twice and can turn around smoothly on a flat surface.

Practice & Refinement

## Practice & Refinement Now that you have the basic movement down, add distance and elevation. Pick a beginner-to-intermediate trail and aim for a full out-and-back of at least 3 miles. Dog Lake via Mill Creek Canyon is a fantastic SLC-area choice — moderate elevation gain and stunning views. Practice reading a trail map before you go using AllTrails (free app, Utah has hundreds of mapped snowshoe routes). Pay attention to pacing: move slow enough that you can hold a conversation. Bring water even in cold weather — you dehydrate faster than you think in dry Utah air. Eat a snack before and during to keep your energy steady. You are ready for the next step when you complete a 3-mile snowshoe outing and return to the trailhead with energy to spare.

Challenge Mode

## Challenge Mode Ready to push yourself? Plan and execute a snowshoe route with at least 500 feet of elevation gain. Great options near SLC include Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon or the upper section of Big Cottonwood Canyon trails. Use the free AllTrails app to check trail conditions and read recent reviews before you go — conditions change fast in the Wasatch. Practice navigation by following your route on the map instead of just following footprints. Time yourself and compare your pace per mile to your earlier outings. Go with a partner or group and take turns setting the pace at the front. You are ready for the next step when you complete a route with 500-plus feet of elevation gain and can navigate using a trail map without getting confused.

Mastery Demonstration

## Mastery Demonstration You have explored some of the most beautiful winter terrain in Utah — now lead someone else through it. Plan a beginner snowshoe outing for a friend or family member who has never done it before. You pick the trail (keep it flat and short), explain the layering system to them, help them fit their snowshoes, and guide them through the whole experience. Debrief afterward: what did they struggle with? What clicked right away? Write a short trail review on AllTrails so other beginners can benefit from what you learned. You know you have mastered something when you can teach it. You are ready for the next step when you have led at least one other person on a successful beginner snowshoe outing and posted a trail review online.