| Season | ~December–March |
|---|---|
| Where | Nordic centers, summer trails, forest roads |
| Best for | All ages and abilities; non-ski days |
| Gear | Snowshoes, poles, warm layers, gaiters |
| Note | Avalanche awareness in steeper terrain |
When the lifts are crowded or you just want a quiet day in the snow, snowshoeing is the answer. It’s genuinely just walking, it costs almost nothing to start, and it takes you into silent, snow-blanketed forest that most visitors never see. Here’s how to get going in Summit County.
Where to snowshoe in Summit County
The easiest start is a groomed Nordic center — Breckenridge, Frisco, and the Gold Run area all have dedicated trails and rentals. Beyond that, many of the county’s summer hiking trails and quiet forest roads become snowshoe routes in winter, from lakeside loops near Dillon to forest trails above Breckenridge. Beginners should stick to flat and rolling terrain.
Gear you need
The essentials are simple: snowshoes sized to your weight, warm waterproof boots, and layers you can add and shed. Poles add balance, and gaiters keep snow out of your boots. Start with our snowshoes guide, hiking poles, and base layers.
Book a trip
Nordic centers and guides offer lessons, rentals, and even moonlight and naturalist snowshoe tours — a fun, low-commitment way to try it. Direct booking links are coming as we finalize our activity partners.
Staying safe
On gentle terrain snowshoeing is very safe, but winter travel onto or beneath steep slopes carries avalanche risk. As a beginner, keep to Nordic centers and mellow trails, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecast, and don’t venture into avalanche terrain without proper training and gear. And as always up high, respect the altitude.
Snowshoeing FAQ
Is snowshoeing hard to learn?
No — if you can walk, you can snowshoe. There’s no technique and no lift ticket or lesson required. Start on a flat or rolling trail, go easy for the altitude, and you’ll have it in minutes.
Where can I go snowshoeing in Summit County?
Nordic centers (Breckenridge, Frisco, Gold Run), quiet forest roads, and many summer hiking trails around Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone all work in winter. Groomed Nordic areas are the easiest, most beginner-friendly start.
What gear do I need to go snowshoeing?
Snowshoes, warm waterproof boots, and layers — poles help a lot too. See our snowshoes guide, poles guide, and base layers. Gaiters keep snow out of your boots.
Can I rent snowshoes?
Yes — gear shops and Nordic centers throughout Summit County rent snowshoes by the day, which is perfect for a one-time try. If you’ll go more than once or twice, buying a complete kit quickly pays off.
When is snowshoeing season in Colorado?
Roughly December through March, whenever there’s enough snow on the ground — often longer at higher elevations. It’s a great way to enjoy the mountains on a non-ski day or when the slopes are crowded.
Is snowshoeing safe?
On flat and rolling terrain, very — but any time you head into steeper mountain terrain in winter, avalanche danger is real. Stick to Nordic centers and mellow trails as a beginner, check the CAIC avalanche forecast, and never travel onto or below steep slopes without training.
More Colorado activities: Hiking · Skiing · Mountain biking · Rafting · all activities