Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing: the best offers in Romania — certified providers, gear included and transparent prices.
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
One hour to a full day
Location
Forests, mountain paths and snow-covered country
Season
Winter, once there is enough snow
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is a winter activity that lets you walk over snow on special frames strapped over your boots.
The snowshoes spread your weight over a wider area, so you do not sink in.
It is much like mountain walking, only worked out for winter conditions.
People come to it for how easy it is to take up, for the quiet and for the country it opens up.
Types of snowshoeing
Recreational snowshoeing
Easy walks through natural country under snow.
Mountain snowshoeing
Longer routes on paths and mountain ground.
Guided snowshoe tour
An organised outing with a guide along.
Night snowshoeing
Evening or night walks through winter country.
Snowshoeing for photography
Outings built around wildlife watching and photography.
How does it work?
Getting the gear ready
You pick the right snowshoes and the kit for cold weather.
Fitting the snowshoes
They are adjusted to the boots you are wearing.
Getting used to the walk
You learn the technique of walking in snowshoes.
Covering the route
You cover the route at a pace that suits the group.
Exploring the countryside
You take in the landscape and the feel of winter.
Who is snowshoeing for?
Beginners
No previous winter sports experience is needed, and it is quick to pick up.
Families
Good for winter outings with children and adults together.
Nature lovers
It gets you to quiet landscapes and natural country under snow.
People who photograph
It lets you reach places with winter landscapes worth photographing.
Walkers
A winter alternative for anyone who loves mountain paths.
Groups and holidaymakers
It can be laid on as a leisure activity during a mountain holiday.
Level of the experience
A snowshoe walk
Short routes on easy ground, for taking it slowly.
A winter tour
Longer routes through forests and mountain country.
Mountain snowshoeing
Hard routes with a lot of height gain and conditions that shift.
At a glance
Snow cover
There has to be enough snow for the snowshoes to be of any use.
Weather
The temperature, the wind and any precipitation shape how comfortable the route is.
Choosing the route
The route has to match how fit the party is.
Guided ride
A guide can keep you on track and tell you about the area.
How fast you go
Walking in snowshoes is slower than walking normally.
Best time to go
Conditions are at their best in the months with a settled snow cover.
Gear
Snowshoes
The main kit, and what makes walking on snow possible.
Winter boots
They keep your feet protected, dry and comfortable.
Trekking poles
They help with balance and take some of the work out of walking.
Technical clothing
Thermal layers, plus protection from wind and wet.
Gloves
They keep your hands out of the cold.
A hat or other warm cover
It helps you hold your body heat.
Rucksack
Handy for water, snacks and spare kit.
Safety
Snowshoeing is easy to take up, but it happens in winter conditions and calls for proper preparation.
Snowshoeing — frequently asked questions
No. The activity is open to people with no winter sports background at all.
Snowshoeing means walking on snow, with no gliding, and it needs no skiing technique.
How much effort it takes depends on the length of the route and how deep the snow is.
Yes, on easy routes and with kit sized for them.
Yes — many mountain centres have kit for hire.
On long routes or in country you do not know, it is worth having one.
Getting out into nature in winter, in a way that is easy and unhurried.