Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years but the idea of racing in snowshoes is relatively new. Advances in equipment since the 1990s have resulted in a surge of popularity for this winter sport and many organizations host snowshoe races that attract competitors of all ages and abilities. You can take part in 100-meter sprints held at various winter festivals, join a multi-leg series, or go for 100 kilometers in the Iditashoe held each February in Alaska.
Get Organized
A good way to learn about snowshoeing in general and snowshoe racing in particular is to get involved with an organization or association. Snowshoeing is a great way for runners to train during the winter and it is good exercise, so some running and fitness clubs organize snowshoeing events you can get involved in.
The U.S., Canada, Finland, France, Japan and Switzerland all have snowshoe organizations. There are larger groups like the European Snowshoe Committee and the International Amateur Snowshoe Racing Federation but also outdoor and Nordic groups run on a smaller scale.
The United States Snowshoe Association, located in Corinth, New York (known as the snowshoe capital of the world), was formed in 1977. It will host the ninth annual U.S. National Snowshoe Championships March 8, 2009 on Mt. Hood just outside Portland, Oregon.
Get Racing
All snowshoe racing courses vary but most are a mix of terrain that include hard-packed trails and backcountry sections. There are categories for different ages and distances and some events include relays or even hurdles. If there is not enough snow, competitors may be required to run at lower elevations before putting on snowshoes for the higher parts of the course.
Many snowshoe events involve a series of races held at different locations over a period of weeks. The European Snowshoe Cup, for example, involves six races in five countries held between Jan. 6 and March 16, 2009. One of the races - La Ciaspolada in Fondo, Italy - has grown from a handful of racers when it started in 1972 to over 6,000 today.
Other snowshoe racing events include the Yeti Snowshoe Series held in British Columbia, Canada; the Finger Lakes Snowshoe Series in Hector, New York; Les Courses en Foret in Quebec, Canada; and the Western Massachusetts Athletic Snowshoe Series held in Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.
Snowshoe racing is also part of winter events such as the Arctic Winter Games held every two years in different northern Canadian locations, the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York, and the Special Olympics.
Be Prepared
Snowshoe racing, like any aerobic sport, consumes calories and produces perspiration so make sure you eat high-energy snacks before competing and drink plenty of fluids while racing.
Many racers wear tights but any comfortable, breathable and waterproof pants will work well. Dress in layers so you can adjust for body temperature and the elements. Running shoes or light hiking boots are best and sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Gaiters can also be helpful if it is wet out.
Stretch and warm up before starting any race. Start slow and maintain an easy, bow-legged stride while breathing evenly.
Great Sport
Snowshoe racing is a great winter sport to become involved in if you want to get outdoors, stay fit with aerobic exercise and be competitive. It takes very little equipment to get started and it is very easy to learn. Outdoor and ski clubs are great ways to become involved in snowshoe racing and snowshoe racing events are held worldwide.
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