High Country Life

Running on snow is more challenging than running on pavement, requiring an effective combination of cardio, power, core strength and total-body conditioning to compete at this winter sport. Snowshoe runners use lightweight snowshoes with bindings designed to accommodate running shoes for an enjoyable run on this growing winter sport.

Kahtoola of Flagstaff provides race-ready models like their 2.81-pound RNR22’s ($239) that feature tapered sides to accommodate natural stride patterns of runners.

What is Snowshoe Racing?

Snowshoe running has quickly become a favorite winter activity among runners looking to stay in shape during the cold months. Snowshoe races have emerged across the country, including one hosted by USSSA that was originally planned in 2021 but cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Competing on snowshoes provides runners with an alternative and fulfilling workout experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Snowshoeing differs significantly from standard running in several key aspects. Maintaining proper form requires higher core strength due to uneven and difficult-to-navigate surfaces; and keeping pace with other runners as snowshoeing typically happens at a much faster pace than standard running.

As part of their preparation for snowshoe racing, runners should build speed and endurance over summer and fall months while adhering to proper nutrition and hydration. Alongside regular training regiments, snowshoe runners should wear light but durable snowshoes designed specifically for snowy conditions – these should feature wider soles to allow for a more natural stride – plus lightweight models with narrow frames, binding options that fit runner needs, and cleats designed specifically to grip snowy surfaces for optimal results.

Registering for a local snowshoe race and getting out onto the course is the simplest way to begin snowshoeing. Beginners should start off small, like looping a local golf course or park; as their skills advance they can increase distance and difficulty of courses over time. Groomed trails provide ideal training conditions as their smooth surface enables participants to easily measure progress by comparing times against those of other participants.

Dion Snowshoes of Vermont is an industry favorite among serious snowshoe racers, offering traditional snowshoe floatation while providing maneuverability and durability of modern shoe technology. Louis Garneau also makes high quality snowshoes designed with ergonomics in mind so as to provide comfortable stride length and reduced weight to reduce fatigue during races.

How to Start

Snowshoe racing can be an intense workout that tests all your body’s stabilizing muscles to their limits. Furthermore, snowshoe racing is highly competitive – as evidenced by National Snowshoe Championships and other organized events held around the country.

Preparing to race requires diligent preparation. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily and arrive early at the start line in order to warm up, check equipment conditions and warm up prior to arriving. Furthermore, practicing running trails similar in terrain and elevation to your race course could prove helpful as a final preparation step.

Gall suggests the best way to train is to find and sign up for a local event, with most races lasting either 5K or 10K distance and taking place at Nordic centers and ski resorts featuring snow-covered trails. You can use a web search to quickly locate a race near you or visit the United States Snowshoe Racing Association website for additional help in finding race locations.

If racing this winter is out of the question for you, why not sign up for a snowshoe clinic with an experienced coach instead? They’ll give advice and suggestions to improve your technique and maximize performance.

One great way to gain exposure to running is through joining a group run, as this provides the perfect way to meet other runners who share your interest and enjoy being out in nature during winter runs. Some groups even host weekly snowshoe runs!

Once you are comfortable with group runs, try snowshoeing on your own. Snowshoeing provides an effective workout while providing an opportunity to explore beautiful natural areas with friends.

Be mindful that running with snowshoes won’t allow you to maintain the same pace as road running; due to snow being heavier and the bindings that connect shoes and snowshoes making feet work harder to lift legs over surface, plus snowshoeing kicks up lots of snow which may strain feet and ankles during your run. Focus instead on distance rather than pace during snowshoe runs!

Equipment

As any snow lover knows, exploring a winter wonderland with ingenious gear strapped to their feet is one of the greatest joys in life. However, for serious snowshoe enthusiasts a pair of lightweight racing-oriented snowshoes is an indispensable piece of equipment – not only can they help runners maintain speed and form on challenging terrain while covering it, but racing snowshoes provide an intense cardiovascular workout!

Racing snowshoes come in a wide variety of styles and models for athletes of all sizes to find comfortable fit, including traditional mountaineering models with long decking and heavy bindings to lightweight models with adjustable-width bindings that give athletes of all sizes access. When selecting racing snowshoes it is also important to take into account floatation, terrain compatibility and maintenance issues as factors when making their choice.

Choose snowshoes based on the terrain you intend to race on; most racing snowshoes are designed for groomed trails or packed snow conditions. V-tail snowshoes help with tracking by keeping its tail in front of your foot rather than behind it; furthermore, their frames should be narrow enough so as to prevent pinching or pressure points on your foot that could lead to blisters and cold feet.

Outdoor retailers and recreation parks frequently offer rental snowshoes as a great way to try them before making a purchase decision. To participate in sanctioned snowshoe races, however, you will require snowshoes with adjustable bindings that fit both you and the size of your running shoes.

Racing snowshoes tend to be smaller and lighter than their recreational counterparts, which are tailored specifically to your body weight and depth of snow cover. Smaller snowshoes may be easier to maneuver for shorter races while larger models offer greater flotation and stability for longer events or powder conditions.

Other key considerations when purchasing racing snowshoes include flotation, terrain compatibility and binding system adjustability. Many snowshoe manufacturers provide recommendations on their websites that help determine the appropriate snowshoe size based on weight and preferred terrain. Finally, racing snowshoes must be constructed from durable materials with strong bindings that easily attach to shoes for vigorous use.

Courses

Snowshoe Racing provides an intensive full-body workout, ideal for winter fitness. It builds strength and endurance while adding competitive flair; making this an excellent alternative to road running or cross country skiing.

Snowshoe races take place all around the world and have quickly become an increasing trend in North America. Last January alone, more than 5,000 runners competed in La Ciaspolada snowshoe race in Italy’s Dolomites mountains – similar to mountain marathon competition with competitors traversing tough terrain and climbing steep hills.

New York State offers numerous snowshoe races every winter, creating an exhilarating racing experience on picturesque snow-dappled trails woven through beautiful scenery. New York is also well known for its Lake Effect snowfall which makes ideal conditions for snowshoe racing.

As an experienced runner looking for something different or simply wanting a fun outdoor fitness activity, snowshoe races offer an ideal challenge and fitness solution. However, proper preparation must take place to prepare yourself adequately before participating. To gain more insight into training for this particular form of running sport, see “How to Prepare for a Snowshoe Run.”

As with other running events, snowshoeing requires you to start out slowly and gradually increase mileage as your body adjusts. Finding suitable snowshoes for yourself and the conditions in which you will be running is also key; certain models are better suited for general hiking while others provide enhanced performance while racing.

If you’re considering competing in a snowshoe race, use its excitement and competitive nature as motivation to push yourself further than expected. Although adapting to a snowy environment and new challenges can be tough at first, participating in one can be rewarding and take you places you never expected.

Interested in trying snowshoe racing this winter? Make sure to visit the Special Olympics Snowshoe Racing schedule online or through contact with their office to register.