© Todd Diemer
Winter Activities > Snowshoeing
In the winter, there are countless trails and endless wilderness for snowshoe enthusiasts. Whether you’re out for a casual hike in the woods, an overnight backpack trip, or an alpine climb, Canada’s snowy terrain is the place to be!
Just starting out? If you love hiking, you’ll adore snowshoeing! In order to maximize your fun, take a clinic with a local group, try your first few outings on marked snowshoe trails, always carry the right gear with you, and become avalanche aware. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland Canada has to offer!
More advanced? Snowshoeing is an awesome option for winter backcountry travel. Remember though, our spectacular backcountry is far from the city and brings with it inherent risks. Ensure you are thoroughly prepared before you head out – severe weather and avalanches are two serious winter backcountry hazards you might face.
What are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland Canada has to offer!
Taking The Essentials
- Flashlight
- Fire making kit
- Whistle or mirror
- Extra food and water
- Extra clothing
- Navigational / communication aids
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Pocket knife
- Sun protection
Specific to SnowShoeing
- Layered clothing
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Hydration system
- Appropriate footwear
- Warm gloves and socks
- Hand/feet warmers
- Gators
- Ice picks
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
- Moleskin
AdventureSmart STOKE Video (created by BC AdventureSmart)
No matter how you get out there during the winter; snowshoeing, skiing, touring, split boarding or snowmobiling, get informed beforehand and share the stoke by sharing our video!
Heading outdoors?
Start off, by being AdventureSmart.
Cool Links
Planning to be out on the ice?
Make sure you have at least 10 centimetres of ice under you. If your work or recreation activities take you out onto the ice, wear a personal flotation device and take safety equipment with you. Do NOT go out onto the ice alone. Know the...
This holiday season understand cold water shock..
It's that time of year again for Swift Water Rescue and Ice Rescue teams across Canada to test their gear and get trained as in-land water (such as lakes and rivers) begin to ice up for the winter. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK THROUGH: Do not panic....
AdventureSmart Events | Winter 2022 – 2023
Event: BC Search and Rescue Says “…. “ Guests: Lions Bay Search and Rescue, North Shore Rescue, Grand Forks Search and Rescue Date: Thursday, December 01, 2022 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST Location: Online Register: SEE HERE Details: BC...
COLD WEATHER EXPOSURE
Can you spot the signs FROSTBITE-When your skin begins to freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold conditions. It usually happens to your feet ears nose or fingers . But any skin that’s exposed can be affected. Dress properly – in warm layers and...
WINTER SHELTER
What if you don’t have a tent Which one would you pick Heat loss is your greatest threat-finding or constructing a shelter to keep you dry and out of the elements is critical. Man-made shelters such as a lean-to, a tripod, a snow trench or quinzhee...
SNOW ICE VS CLEAR ICE. Do you know how to spot the difference?
SNOW ICE VS CLEAR ICE. Do you know how to spot the difference? Snow ice (similar to the white upper layer in the 3rd image) offers minimal strength and won’t support a lot of weight. Clear ice (the lower layer underneath) is the ideal hard ice for...
ICE SAFETY
“It’s that time of the year, when it's tempting. Know what you do and get training if you don't!” - Yukon Search and Rescue “Fast-moving rivers freeze at different rates, and are more unpredictable than lakes and ponds.” “If you plan to be out on...
Be AdventureSmart in BC Parks this winter!
Did you know that BC Search and Rescue volunteers respond to 1,900 incidents each year?
Did you know that over 30% of those incidents, in winter, are for user groups such as snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, winter hikers and snowshoers?
Did you know that the majority of those winter incidents are in the East Kootenays and Sea to Sky region?
Did you know the top three causes for search and rescue in BC are people getting injured, lost/disoriented or exceeding their abilities?
BC AdventureSmart Winter Safety Series: Special Guest
Our special guest list for our Winter Safety Series keeps on getting better! Between now & Nov. 30 we'll be highlighting each guest, we’re eager to continue sharing our line up! _______________________ Rob Munday is employed by Blackcomb...
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