Step into Winter on Snowshoes

Hiking is one of the most popular recreation activities in the state of Utah, with thousands of trails throughout the state’s 80 mountain ranges, five national parks, and millions of acres of public lands. Not only is hiking a rewarding way to get out of the house and into nature, it’s also virtually free.

But when the trails are covered in snow for half of the year, and with lift tickets and ski gear prices rising each season, snowshoeing is one of the best ways to access those same beloved hiking trails in the winter.

Planning a Snowshoeing Trip
Are you ready to strap on some snowshoes and walk on top of thick snowbanks? For beginners, it’s best to stick to groomed or heavily trafficked trails, where safety concerns like avalanches are low. Near Park City, there are plenty of free and family-friendly places to snowshoe.

The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is an easy snowshoe trail that extends 28 miles from Park City to Echo Reservoir. Near the city, parts of the trail are groomed.

Rockport Lake Trail is two miles of flat terrain with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Willow Creek Park has a groomed, two-mile loop for snowshoers and cross-country skiers, which also connects to Kimball Junction and the north part of Park City through designated winter trails.

Round Valley has over 700 acres of rolling hills and a network of trails perfect for beginning-to-intermediate snowshoers looking for incredible views of Park City and the surrounding mountains.

What to Wear
Don’t let the cold and snowy environment fool you, snowshoeing is an activity where you’ll quickly work up a sweat. Dressing in layers is the best way to regulate your temperature while out on a trail, shedding a jacket while you’re moving or in the sun, then making sure to put it back on when stopped so you don’t lose the hard-earned warmth.

A three-layer system is usually the best way to go on colder days. Starting with a base layer, which is the article of clothing closest to your body, that should be form-fitting, breathable, and made with moisture-wicking materials. Long sleeves and leggings are the usual option, often made with a blend of polyester, wool, or merino wool. Mid layers are best adjusted to the weather, whether hoodies for warmer days, fleece jackets on chillier days, or down puffy jackets on freezing days. The last layer, an outer layer, is meant to keep you warm and dry by keeping out wind, rain, and snow. These “hard shell” layers are usually coated with a water-resistant finish like DWR or Gore-Tex.

Also important for staying dry are the right shoes. Waterproof snow boots or hiking boots are preferable to sneakers. Wearing gaiters—waterproof ankle coverings—can prevent snow from soaking into socks and shoes. Then the usual hat, gloves, and neck gaiter are good winter accessories to bring along for warmth, especially when stopping.

Buy or Rent Gear?
For anyone looking to snowshoe throughout the winter, buying a set of snowshoes may be a worthwhile investment as it’s really the only gear you need. Pricing for brand new sets range from roughly $150 to $400, depending on brand, style, and materials.

Gaiters and poles are optional but are much needed if you plan to traverse steeper or deeper terrain.

If you decide to buy, the best way to choose the right snowshoe for you is to visit your local outdoor retailer to ask questions and try them on. A good snowshoe has enough surface area to keep body weight from sinking into snow and is also designed with traction to prevent slips. They’re often made with an aluminum frame attached to a plastic somewhat-flat deck, with a series of buckles to strap in shoes. While shoes are sized per person, snowshoe sizing primarily depends on weight. You will want to make sure the buckles are correctly fitted for foot size, too.

See more in the 2024/25 Winter Adventure Guide magazine.