Last updated on October 19th, 2022 at 04:40 pm
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to hit the trails in winter. However, there needs to be a decent accumulation of snow. So, how much snow needs to be on the ground to snowshoe?
While some types of snowfall can better support the weight of snowshoes, the general rule is 6 inches of snow. Anything under 6 inches, and you risk damaging your snowshoes.
How Much Snow is ACTUALLY NEEDED?
As you likely know, there are different types of snow. And these types of snow may impact just how much accumulation is required to use support your weight on snowshoes.
In fact, here are types of snow you may come across:
- Crud – this is snow that has been laying on the ground for a while, and as such, becomes a little compacted and uneven… A little less pristine than freshly fallen snow, but much better for making a huge snowman. Since crud is more compact, it holds weight better.
- Crust – after a snowfall has settled, the sun can start to melt the top layer at the surface, then as temperatures drop at night and the water turns to ice. So you have a hard crust on top of the powder. Crust is easy to walk on with a bit of crud beneath if your snowshoes have crampons, however watch out for ice patches.
- Powder – this is idealistic snow we all love to look at. Beautiful freshly fallen and untouched snow is best for many winter sports, but it’s not ideal for snowshoeing. Powder is typically light, loose and ‘dry’, and does not support weight as well as denser snow.
- Slush – Next we have slush, the worst type of snow. This is the type where snow is melting and is just a wet mess. This snow is usually closer to spring and happens when the excitement for snow has passed. Slush too is not good snow to snowshoe in.
The type of snow you encounter on your adventure will have a big impact on the depth of snow needed. After all, this is what will determine whether the snow can hold the bodyweight above your snowshoes.
Wet Cold Snow is More Dense
Remember making snowballs as a kid? The snow that made the best snowballs was when it was slightly wet packing snow.
For snowshoeing, wet cold snow is able to hold form better and can hold more weight.
So the snow could be deeper than the average before you needed to put on your snowshoes. But if you want to snowshoe for fun, our favorite snow depth is 4-6 inches of crud or packing snow with thin crust on top.
Type of Snowshoe Impacts Weight Dispersion
You might think snowshoes look a bit silly, but if you want to hike through the coldest months of the year on untraveled trail, then snowshoes are a valuable piece of equipment. Snowshoes allow you to “float” on top of the snow, rather than sinking through it.
So, to make sure you float without sinking, you will need the right snowshoe for your body weight and for the condition.
In fact, this is very important to ensure you can traverse the snow properly and easily.
Furthermore, if you are looking for snowshoes, our post on the best snowshoes for beginners can help you decide.
Longer and Wider Snowshoes Don’t Need as Much Snowfall
Additionally, the key to floating on snow is to distribute your body weight over a greater surface area.
You should expect to sink maybe an inch or two at most, but your snowshoes should never touch the ground underneath the snow.
Furthermore, if you have a larger snowshoe relative to your weight, you can wear them in less snow.
Generally, larger snowshoes are best for deep, dry, and powdery snow. Whereas shorter snowshoes will do best in dense packing snow.
Small and Narrow Snowshoes Will Require More Snow
Moreover, smaller/shorter snowshoes have their benefits; they are a better beginner shoe, as it is easier to learn the technique in them.
However, they may require deeper snow depending on your weight and the type of snow you take on.
Smaller snowshoes are often better worn on denser, more well-packed, snow.
Where Can I Test If Enough Snow Has Fallen
The simple answer is to step outside with a ruler stuck into the snow.
However, we also suggest heading out to your trailhead equipped with your snowshoes.
Now, since you’ll want waterproof and warm hiking boots to use with your snowshoes anyway, you can set out on your hike if there isn’t enough snow on your trail.
Any Park With Flat Grassy Areas
However, if your trail has a lot of tree cover it will likely not have the accumulation needed unless there’s been a real snow storm.
So, you could call a local golf course, ski resort or head to an more open field to find more snow for snowshoeing.
Most snowshoes are designed for you to be able to walk long distances on flat or gently undulating hills.
So try and find somewhere close to home, which is similar to what you may experience on the types of walks you are likely to do.
A park that has open areas of grass, with uninterrupted snowfall is ideal.
We whole heartedly recommend you also test your snowshoes in easy areas if you’re a beginner. There is nothing worse than getting on a snow covered trail unprepared and underqualified.
Test Your Shoes and Get Trekking
Finally, there’s a bit of nuance for beginners when deciding on what snowshoe to get, and when to wear them. So it may be beneficial to get a professional fitting at a sporting good store or rent a pair before committing to a purchase.
However, a huge benefit of snow and waiting for the proper snowfall is that you can buy a pair and test them without any wear or tear. And if they aren’t what you hoped, dry them off and return them without a regret. It’s like wearing running shoes around the house first.
Additionally, snowshoeing is an excellent and safe way to continue hiking all year round; it’s great exercise and amazing fun. Plus, snowshoeing can take you to advanced expeditions.
Whatever you decide on, stay safe and enjoy it.
Image Credit: Karen Neoh | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size
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