Snowshoe hiking: check out this sport

Snowshoeing made a breakthrough in the 1990s. It’s the ideal winter activity to discover the mountains with family or friends. However, it wasn’t invented recently! It seems to have been invented by northern peoples, the Lapps and American Indians, to get about on the snow. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 17th century that European settlers brought it back to our lands. In France, it was first used by hunters and the army to walk on snow. It only went on sale to the general public in the early 20th century. Recently, snowshoe hiking has become more popular for its benefits as a gentle, relaxed way to rediscover the mountains in winter.

The advantage of snowshoes is that they let you adapt your routes according to the age and level of the hikers! If you’re a beginner, hire the services of a guide who can read the snow and prepare the best snowshoe route for you in complete safety. So all you have to do is enjoy your holiday!

Snowshoeing offers many benefits on a physical level, as well as mentally! Indeed, it’s an opportunity to take a big breath of fresh winter air, as well as a dose of nature and mountain scenery to soothe the mind and bring down the stress of everyday life. A group activity, snowshoeing also lets you create a bond with your loved ones during a hike. Walking, with snowshoes on your feet, also allows the body to move in a gentle, natural way (what could be more natural than walking?). But, make no mistake! Walking on snowy terrain is a sport! Depending on your body shape, weight, etc., your body will burn between 400 and 700 calories per hour. Just that!
In short, a simple snowshoe hike can improve your mood, create memories with your loved ones and help you stay in shape, all while enjoying magnificent scenery! What more could you ask for? But if you still have any doubts, check out our 10 good reasons to go snowshoeing.

Please note that we recommend the services of a mountain guide, who knows the trails by heart and can suggest a suitable, safe route, even if snowshoeing itself is quite intuitive.

Walking with snowshoes is (almost) like walking on your usual trails. There are still a few rules of etiquette, though: move in a group so that your snowshoe tracks remain grouped together. Avoid disturbing the surrounding wildlife, of course. And respect the 10 commandments of hiking which apply in summer and winter alike (except the point about insects...).
Always think about safety first. The snowy landscapes are wonderful, but the beauty of the mountains doesn’t remove the dangers. Set off prepared, with proper support and well equipped! Pay attention to the terrain you’re on, and learn to read the snow to hike safely.

Whether you’re a fan of easy hikes or routes with a maximum height gain, you’re sure to find what you are looking for on snowshoes. There are, of course, snowshoe trips out that are more or less accessible. Indeed, on the same principle as hiking in general, it’s your route and its duration that will decide the difficulty of your outing. If you want to progress, your mountain guide will be able to help you choose the best route and go with you. You’ll then be able to make progress and really push yourself while enjoying the view and extensive knowledge of your guide on the wildlife and names of the peaks around you! You’ll find route ideas for this winter on Decathlon Outdoor, by level, duration and height difference.

Dressing properly and getting kitted out right to walk snowy trails with snowshoes on your feet isn’t something you can just improvise!

There are more and more models of snowshoes. It is sometimes difficult to navigate. If you’re a beginner, choose a pair of snowshoes that are easy to put on over your winter hiking boots (wellingtons aren’t compatible with snowshoes). There are 4 main component parts of a snowshoe: the frame, crampons, heel lift, and binding. Deck : its size will depend on your weight. Because the frame distributes the weight of your body to prevent you from sinking into the snow. You can also get snowshoes in different materials: wood, plastic or aluminium... To help you understand the differences, we’ve written a guide for choosing your snowshoes.

To provide greater stability during your walk, you can opt for poles with baskets (so they don't sink in). Also remember to take a 20L or 30L bag to store something to stay hydrated, things to eat, and store clothes in if you get too hot during your snowshoe outing. Remember to drink every 10 minutes and offer it regularly to any kids in the group. Indeed, in winter, we feel less need to drink, yet our body, especially during exercise, needs water!

Do you want to go snowshoeing to rediscover nature and mountain panoramas? There are lots of snowshoeing routes. Most of them are at medium and high altitudes in France. To find the right trail (and the right guide), you can visit the local tourist office, which can offer snowshoeing routes for all levels and requirements. Some places offer free leaflets to take with you, so make the most of them.

If you want to head off for several days, we’ve selected 8 snowshoeing trips for you (sometimes combined with an igloo bivouac or even yoga sessions).

Our Decathlon Outdoor website and app also offer day-long snowshoeing routes, sometimes with additions by other enthusiastic hikers.

In any case, find out before setting off on a snowshoe hike, because not all places are necessarily suitable, or even authorised.