Snow Shoeing vs Cross Country Skiing?

Question

I would like to try either snow shoeing or cross country skiing this winter mainly to add something new to my workout routine. Any suggestions as to why I should try one over the other?

Answer 1

Shoeing is much nicer as you get to see more.

Coach

Answer 2

Why not try both?

I don't know where you live - you need a certain amount of ground coverage to do cross-country, and preferably a trail, unless you have a frozen lake you can go on. It requires a bit more skill, but it's an excellent workout.

Snowshoes require very little in the way of technique, the whole family can do it easily (if you have little ones) and it's not as sensitive to good conditions (so if the conditions are a bit crappy you can still go out). You can also go up mountain trails or other things you might not take x-country skis on.

Both are good. Why not try both?

Answer 3

I would suggest both, they are both good activities in the winter..

Downside of cross country skiing is you need trails because breaking trail is not that easy as being on the trail. With snowshoeing you don't need trails.

Showshoeing is slower so you can see what your walking around and what not. I enjoy that you never know when you'll see a deer or moose eh. Cross country skiing is a good workout its fast paced and you can reallly move. So if your more interested in burning calories i'd go with cross country skiing.

Hope that helps

Answer 4

Snow shoeing is just plodding along. Cross country skiing, one you have your rhythm down, is just like flying. Very relaxing. I love it. We are just now getting our first real snowfall of the season. Can't wait to strap on my skis and just whirl around the block a few times. That's what makes it better than downhill, too. You don't have to go someplace special, you can just do it on the sidewalks if they're not plowed.