What to wear snowshoeing: advice from a professional mountain guide

Wondering what to wear snowshoeing? Many people dress for it as they would for downhill skiing — wearing heavy ski jackets and pants. That’s a big mistake! Snowshoeing is a lot more physically demanding than skiing, so wearing heavy layers is a sure way to end up overheating.

As with trekking, you’re better off with lots of light layers so that you can adjust your temperature more easily. Here’s what other guides and I would wear and carry for a day of snowshoeing:

What to wear snowshoeing

• Thermal top and bottoms (on cold days)
• Avalanche transceiver to be worn over the layer closest to your skin (read about avalanche safety when snowshoeing)
• Fleece
• Soft shell jacket
• Soft shell trousers
• Hat and gloves
• Waterproof walking boots
• Gaiters (to stop snow from falling into your boots)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen!
• Snowshoes and poles (read our snowshoe buying guide)

In your bag

A top tip is to get a bag that’s big enough to carry any removable layers that you’re wearing.  What’s more, you can even strap your snowshoes to your bag if the first part of your hike isn’t covered in snow.

• Shovel and probe (for avalanches)
• Goretex jacket (works as windproof and waterproof layer)
• Goretex trousers
• Spare warm layer such as a down jacket to stop for lunch
• Warm hat
• Spare gloves
• Goggles (if the weather comes in, you will be glad to have these!)
• Food and water
• Map and compass
• GPS (always nice to have in case of poor visibility)
• Emergency shelter
• First aid kit
• Mobile phone

And that’s our ultimate guide on what to wear snowshoeing! Did we leave anything out? If so, comment below to tell us what else you like to take with you.

Now that you know what to wear snowshoeing, you’re ready to get into the mountains. If you’d like to join us for excursions in the Alps, check out our Swiss Alps Winter Adventure. We’d love to see you there!

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jennifer Stretton

Jen grew up about as far from the mountains and nature as you can get—in Birmingham, UK. When she first visited the Alps on a university climbing trip, she immediately fell in love with the place. After graduating with a degree in Geography, Jennifer spent the next few years travelling the world, volunteering with conservation charities and freelance marketing to fund her adventures. In 2015 she settled full time in the Chamonix Valley and began training to become an international mountain leader.

An avid climber and environmentalist, Jen’s passion for the mountains and the natural world is contagious. When she’s not guiding, Jennifer spends her free time climbing, skiing, travelling and trying to keep up with her dog on trail runs. Sociable, caring and always smiling, Jen is the perfect guide to keep you laughing and motivated on your journey. She looks forward to meeting you next summer!

Latest posts by Jennifer Stretton (see all)

• Haute Route Q&A - May 31, 2019
• Saint Luc: Highlights of the Haute Route - May 23, 2019
• Are hiking poles worth the purchase? - May 18, 2019