snowshoer

Snowshoeing

Explore the Rockies in winter

Explore the Rockies in the safety of a group with an experienced guide. Choose from our many snowshoe trips and be introduced to beautiful destinations with someone who knows the area. We offer a wide range of locations that vary in difficulty, for all fitness and experience levels.

Snowshoeing locations and ratings

All of our snowshoe trips include an experienced guide and snowshoe rentals. Choose from trips based on skill level and location.


Level 1 – Easy

Up to 7km on flat or rolling terrain with a maximum of 150m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 2–3 hours (plus lunch) at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks. Intended for those with little or no snowshoeing experience in fair physical condition. 

Destinations include Hogarth Lake, Penstock Loop, Lower Kananaskis Lake, and Warspite Cirque.

Level 2 – Moderate

A 7–9km hike on rolling terrain with up to 250m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. An excellent trip for those with little snowshoeing experience in moderate physical condition. 

Destinations include Burstall Meadows, Sawmill Loop, Murray Lookout, and Marushka Lake.

Level 3 – Challenging

A 8–12km trip on hilly terrain gaining up to 350m of elevation. We snowshoe for 4–6 hours at a moderate pace. For those who have some snowshoe experience and are in good physical condition. 

Destinations include Rawson Lake, Chester Lake, and Rummel Lake.

three people ascending snowy slope on snowshoes

Snowshoeing

Try snowshoeing this winter to enjoy the mountains in all seasons! We offer guided day trips at a range of difficulty levels to beautiful mountain destinations. Not sure? Our 2-hour Sampler program is a great way to give it a try in a city park - open to all ages and abilities!


Snowshoe Sampler

Dip your toe into snowshoeing this winter, and discover a great new winter hobby.
This 2-hour afternoon course will introduce you to snowshoeing as a winter activity and cover the basic skills and knowledge to get out on your own, or build up to our full-day programs - all within the city for ease of access.

View offerings and register for Snowshoe Sampler

Guided Snowshoe Day Hikes

Our snowshoe day trips visit a variety of easy to challenging trails in Kananaskis, all with experienced guides and great scenery. Destinations are selected to seek out the best snow conditions, and include travel tips and interpretation. Some trips carpool from Calgary, while others include transportation if you prefer to let us do the driving.

View offerings and register for Snowshoe Trips

Introduction to Snowshoeing Lecture

This evening lecture covers snowshoeing basics including selection and fitting of snowshoes, appropriate clothing and footwear for winter sport, packing, safety, and where to go - plus answers to all your snowshoeing questions.

View offerings and register for Snowshoe Lecture

Looking to expand your winter skillset? Fill out your season with some cross-country skiing

Questions? Contact:

Rachel Oggy
Snowshoeing Program Coordinator
ocprograms@ucalgary.ca