8 Amazing Snowshoeing Adventures

Snowshoeing takes all the skill out of winter sports and allows anyone to enjoy the beautiful snow. An easy way to describe snowshoeing is hiking above the snow, thanks to the ancient technology of snowshoes. The age-old tech has been improved upon recently and it’s making the sport’s popularity grows.

Many people are taking on snowshoeing as a way to enjoy nature without the dangers of skiing and snowboarding. If you are healthy enough to go on a normal hike, then you are more than qualified to give snowshoeing a try.

Here are some amazing locations with beautiful backdrops to give this burgeoning sport a try.

Sugarloaf Mountain Resort

Carrabassett Valley, Maine

One of the nation’s premier ski resorts, Sugarloaf also has one of the best Nordic centers. The resort has a dedicated lodge just for cross-country skiers and snowshoers with rentals and a restaurant.   The resort has over 50 miles of trails specifically for snowshoers and cross-country skiers to enjoy.

Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery

Annan, Canada

North of Toronto sits a beautiful winery where visitors can enjoy a nice pinot and then a wintery snowshoe walk through the vineyard. A daily tour takes adventurers on a guided tour that ends with soup, cheeses and hot apple cider. Take in the sites, some delicious wine and a very unique experience.

Woodstock Inn and Resort

Woodstock, VT

An aristocratic approach to snowshoeing, this upscale resort offers excursions for all levels of exertion. If you want to snowshoes for an hour and spend the rest of the day sipping cherry by a fire, this is your resort. Long known by the elite of New England, the Woodstock Inn has been catering to the rich and fabulous for decades. Hob knob with the coastal elites and don’t expect to break a sweat at this premier establishment.

Park City Mountain

Park City, UT

Possibly the best ski resort in North America, Park City caters to all your winter sports needs.   Just a short 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City, Park City offers more terrain than any other resort. The mountain is huge and the amenities are second to none. Check out the guided tours offered that take visitors by a pristine alpine lake and gorgeous pine forests.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Tabernash, CO

The ranch’s proximity to Denver (80 miles) and the affordable prices make this choice an easy one for beginners. No need to break the bank like trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time, Devil’s Thumb offers packages at all price points.   They also offer tubing and biathlon, which is cross-country skiing and shooting.   Very flat terrain makes this a beginner’s paradise.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley, ID

Snowshoe with your favorite Hollywood celebrities at this world-class resort. Sun Valley has a fantastic Nordic and Snowshoe Center that will help you navigate the miles of terrain. Check out a very special memorial to Ernest Hemmingway, who once resided in the area and was an avid snowshoer.

Northstar California Resort

Truckee, CA

Lake Tahoe has long been a winter sport Mecca and snowshoeing is wonderful here. Northstar has over 20 miles of snowshoe trails and have a gondola that takes hikers up to mid mountain. The mid-mountain excursions offer excellent views and an increased workload for more advanced snowshoers.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

Bend, OR

The Cascade Mountains in Oregon offer some of the best snowshoeing in the country, as the vertical isn’t too massive. Check out their free weekends offered by the U.S. Forest Service for the most affordable snowshoeing trip on the list.

Best of luck to all the new snowshoers and remember to bring a camera, because the views are outstanding.

Photos Courtesy of holehike, Savoie Mont Blanc, gearsource

Check out the full article over at USAToday