Snowshoeing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a really fun experience. It is something that almost anyone can do. Read on to learn more about this fun and relatively inexpensive activity. The photo above was taken at Hahn's Peak Lake.

Snowshoeing Equipment

The good thing about snowshoeing in Steamboat Springs, CO or anywhere is that it doesn't take much expensive equipment. First, you need some snowshoes. I suggest renting them the first time that you go. That way, if you don't enjoy snowshoeing, then you are not out much money. There are multiple places in Steamboat Springs to rent equipment. Second, you need to wear layers of clothing. Yesterday, when we went out, it was in the low 20's. After just a few minutes traversing uphill, we all removed some layers. Third, decent boots are a must. Cold feet are never fun. Plus, the boots should be fairly sturdy to use with the snowshoes. Baffin and Sorel make great winter boots, however, there are lots of other good winter boots. Fourth, waterproof pants or gators are helpful. If you fall, you don't want wet pants. Also, gators keep snow out of your boots. Finally, good gloves are a must. I prefer mittens, however either work fine.

Skills and Fitness

Snowshoeing doesn't require a lot of technical skills. The snowshoes are not complicated to put on. The hardest part is getting the straps pulled tight. When wearing them, you just walk like normal. The main thing to be aware of, is not stepping on the snowshoe, which will cause you to fall.

Snowshoeing can require a certain level of fitness. The terrain and its condition determine how difficult the activity is. As a result, if you are not in good shape, find a groomed flat trail. There are plenty to choose from. Trails that are less or not groomed, are harder to traverse. Obviously, rolling or hilly terrain is also difficult. However, there are almost an infinite amount of groomed and ungroomed trails for snowshoeing in Steamboat Springs.

Pearl Lake

Pearl Lake is mostly a beginner level experience. The terrain is relatively flat. Although it is not groomed, it gets enough traffic that the trails are well packed down. This makes them relatively easy to traverse.

Hahn's Peak Lake

The trail to Hahn's Peak Lake is not for beginners. It follows the road into the lake, but you would never know that you are on a road. It is not plowed in the winter. The beginning of the trail is uphill. The middle is rolling and slightly downhill. We hiked in 2.5 miles. It required a decent level of fitness. However, the scenery is spectacular. We never saw anyone except in the small parking area.

One more note, parking can be tricky. Be careful and try not to get stuck in some deep snow.