Therapeutic Approach

Snowshoeing offers a calming and/or challenging way to experience hiking trails in winter.

Participants are able to engage with their natural surroundings in ways that might be entirely new, practice body awareness and regulation, and cultivate group support.

​TRS staff uses metaphorical transference to prompt participants about how their experience in the snow is applicable to their lives.

What to Expect 

Snowshoeing is very similar to hiking, but involves a wider stance and picking up your feet more. Mild soreness in the hips afterwards is common.

Trip lengths range from half a mile to five miles, depending on group preparedness, willingness, and ability. Because snowshoeing requires a fair amount of snow, conditions can be cold and windy. Snowshoes have teeth on the bottom to prevent slipping, but, even so, participants should be careful of ice and slick slopes.

​TRS has a wide range of course areas for snowshoeing ranging from relatively flat open areas to steeper climbs in alpine forest. If taking their own vehicles, participants should take into consideration the driving conditions and accessibility when planning a winter program.


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What to Bring

 Participants will want comfortable hiking boots, wool socks, hiking layers (wicking layer, warmth layer, outer shell,) preferably warm water-resistant pants (not denim or cotton), a hat, and gloves.

Some participants may want to consider hand or foot warmers, a change of socks and shoes, a scarf, etc.

​TRS will provide snowshoes, hiking poles, Nalgene bottles, and a First Aid kit.