Is Snowshoeing Easier than Hiking?

If you’re visiting Tahoe and looking for a fun winter activity, you may be interested in trying snowshoeing! Snowshoeing is a great activity that can be both challenging and rewarding, depending on the trail you choose. The great thing about snowshoeing in Tahoe is that there are plenty of options! At Snowshoe Tahoe, we offer kid-friendly guided snowshoe tours perfect for families, so even the most beginner snowshoer can have a fun time out on the mountain. You may be wondering, is snowshoeing easier than hiking? Keep reading to find out.

What Makes Snowshoeing More Difficult Than Hiking?

Wearing Snowshoes Can Take Some Getting Used To

If you’re planning on hiking in the winter in Tahoe, wearing snowshoes is an absolute must. They help you navigate powdery and icy terrain with ease, allowing you to cover more ground and explore more comfortably. However, snowshoes can take some getting used to. They are wider and bulkier than traditional hiking boots, requiring the wearer to widen their stance and be a bit more mindful when walking. You’ll have to lift your feet and knees a bit higher than usual and carry more weight on your legs than you may be used to! If the snow is especially deep or uneven, you may need to move with more balance, coordination, and strength than during a leisurely summer hike. However, at Snowshoe Tahoe, we’re proud to offer expert guidance on our many half-day snowshoeing hikes and beginner-friendly snowshoe tours! Although hiking in snowshoes can be tricky at first, we promise you’ll get used to it in no time and get to enjoy some stellar views of Tahoe’s unforgettable winter landscape!

Increased Elevation Adds Stress to Your Body

Depending on where you’re used to hiking, snowshoeing in Tahoe does require some consideration about elevation. Many of the snowshoeing trails near Truckee and Reno start at higher elevations, which can put more pressure on your body while doing any sort of physical activity. The air is thinner, which means your cardiovascular system has to work a bit harder. Plus, hiking in the snow can intensify the level of physical exertion you experience. Because of this, your body burns more calories and loses a lot of water through sweat. Maintaining good hydration and nutrition is essential for your wellness on a high-elevation snowshoe hike. We recommend bringing along plenty of water plus some yummy, calorically-dense snacks to enjoy on your snowshoe tour in Tahoe!

Regulating Body Temperature Can Be Tricky

Anybody who exercises outside during the snowy winter can tell you that regulating your body temperature can be tough! Snowshoeing is physical exercise, so it can make you sweat even if it's cold outside. This sweat can actually make you colder later, so maintaining your body heat and staying dry is a must. We recommend layering and keeping a close eye on how your body feels to know when you might need to shed or add another layer. When planning your snowshoe tour in Tahoe, it's essential to know how long you’ll be out and check the weather thoroughly so you can plan ahead. Have questions about what to wear? Check out our premium Tahoe snowshoe rentals and detailed packing list.

What Are the Advantages of Snowshoeing in Tahoe?

Snowshoeing near Lake Tahoe Has Many Health Benefits

While snowshoeing can be more challenging than a leisurely hike, there are so many reasons that make it worth the effort! Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity, meaning it's easy on your joints while also providing great conditioning for your muscles and cardiovascular system. The added resistance of hiking through snow is great for building endurance and burning calories, plus being immersed in the beautiful natural setting of Tahoe is great for your mental health and well-being. Catch a moment of zen and get your workout on with a fun sunrise snowshoe tour in Tahoe!

Great Family-Friendly Snowshoeing in Tahoe, CA

Tahoe is a great destination for kid-friendly snowshoeing because it's home to countless beginner-friendly snowshoe trails! Kids and grown-ups alike enjoy the unique experience of hiking on top of the fresh white snow, plus each of our beginner snowshoe tours is accompanied by an expert snowshoe guide who knows each trail like the back of their hand. Snowshoeing near Tahoe requires zero prior experience and is great for beginners. Plus, the slow pace of snowshoeing is a great opportunity to bond with family and friends.

Gorgeous Vistas and Unforgettable Trails

Escape the ski resort crowds and experience the untouched winter landscape of Tahoe on a top-rated snowshoe tour! Hike to stunning vistas and take in the splendor of the snowy alpine forests and frozen lakes that make our mountains so special. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as rabbits, birds, and sometimes foxes. Snowshoeing in Tahoe, CA, truly offers an experience like no other.

Book Your Snowshoe Tour near Lake Tahoe Today

Are you ready for a fun challenge? Explore Tahoe’s breathtaking winter scenery on a fun, kid-friendly snowshoeing tour with Snowshoe Tahoe! Our guided snowshoe tours are one of the best things to do in Tahoe, especially in the winter. Book online today!