If you can walk, you can snowshoe. That is what makes snowshoeing holidays the easiest way into the winter mountains: no lift queues, no technique to learn and no expensive equipment – just quiet forests, frozen lakes and wide snowfields, with a warm inn waiting at the end of the day.
This guide covers the best regions for snowshoeing in Europe, when to go, how hard it is and what to bring.
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoes are wide frames that you strap onto ordinary winter boots. They spread your weight so you do not sink into the snow, and small crampons underneath give grip on slopes. With a pair of poles you walk almost as you would in summer, just a little wider and a little slower.
Snowshoeing is not the same as ski touring. On ski touring you climb on skis with climbing skins and ski down again, which takes skiing skills. Snowshoeing is walking – most people are comfortable after an hour.
The best regions for snowshoeing in Europe
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are hard to beat in winter: pale rock towers above snow-covered meadows, lots of sunshine and some of the best food in the Alps. In the Sesto and Braies valleys and on the Prato Piazza high plateau, well-prepared winter trails lead to huts below the Tre Cime, and snowshoes can be rented locally.
If you prefer one base and a bit of luxury, the 4-star hotel La Majun in Alta Badia (5 days / 4 nights) combines snowshoeing with skiing, ski touring and a spa.
Piedmont, Italy
The quiet valleys of Piedmont, such as Valle Maira, see very few winter visitors. Small villages, stone houses and long, gentle valleys make them ideal for snowshoeing away from the crowds. Valle Maira is also one of the best ski touring areas in the Alps – see our Valle Maira ski touring week.
Tyrol and the Austrian Alps
Austria has a long tradition of winter hiking, with marked snowshoe trails, many huts open all winter and good public transport between the valleys. The side valleys of Tyrol and the Dachstein region are especially good for gentle tours with an inn at the end of the day.
Switzerland
Switzerland combines dramatic peaks with very well-marked winter trails. Regions such as the Engadin, Graubünden and Valais offer snowshoeing with views of glaciers and four-thousand-metre peaks, with comfortable hotels and excellent train connections.
The Vosges, France
The rounded summits of the Vosges in Alsace are lower and gentler than the Alps, which makes them a great choice for beginners and families. Forested ridges, farm inns and wine villages in the valleys below give a snowshoe holiday with a very different feel.
When to go on a snowshoeing holiday
The snowshoe season in the Alps usually runs from late December to March. January brings the coldest, driest snow; February is the most reliable month; and March offers longer, sunnier days and softer snow. Avoid the school holidays around Christmas and in February if you want quiet trails and better prices.
How hard is snowshoeing?
Walking on snowshoes takes noticeably more effort than walking the same distance in summer, so plan shorter days. On prepared winter trails, anyone with normal hiking fitness will be fine. Off the marked trails, the mountains are a different world: avalanche risk, deep snow and short days call for avalanche equipment, experience or a local guide. On our snowshoe tours you stay on safe, well-chosen routes.
What to bring
- Warm, waterproof hiking boots that fit your snowshoes
- Gaiters to keep the snow out
- Telescopic poles with snow baskets
- Layered clothing: a base layer, a warm mid-layer and a windproof jacket
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sun cream – the sun is strong on snow
- A thermos with a hot drink
You will find a full checklist on our What to bring page.
Guided or self-guided snowshoeing holidays?
On a self-guided snowshoe tour you walk marked winter trails on your own, with your hotels, luggage transfers and route notes arranged. A guided tour adds a local guide who knows the snow conditions and can take you away from the marked trails safely. For groups, clubs and companies, we can also put together a private snowshoe trip in any of these regions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to go snowshoeing?
No. If you can hike, you can snowshoe. Most people get the hang of it within an hour.
Can I rent snowshoes?
Yes. Snowshoes and poles can be rented in all the regions in this guide, so you only need to bring your own boots.
Is snowshoeing good for families?
Yes. On easy trails, snowshoeing works well for children from around eight years old, especially with a hut stop for hot chocolate.
Ready for the winter mountains? See all our snowshoeing holidays.
