Best places in the world to snowshoe

Thanks to the invention of the snowshoe, a racket-shaped device that allows you to easily walk over snow instead of sinking into it, hiking is no longer just a warm-weather activity. This winter, why not blaze your own trail through untouched snow or follow a well-marked path at one of these destinations.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Just minutes outside of the New Zealand city of Queenstown sits the Remarkables mountain range. Towering 1,800 metres above sea level, this mountain range is the regions go-to for winter sports, including shoeshowing. Trails range from beginner to experienced, but for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience heli-snowshoeing is a must. After you’re whisked to the top of the mountain, your expert guide will lead you through untouched snow at your own pace.

Only 11 km from the Remarkables, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown offers self-service aparthotels with mountain and lake views.

Sierra Nevada, Spain

Not to be confused with its Californian counterpart, Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains are the highest in the country. As one of the most southern places in Europe where you’ll still get snow, the mountains have become a popular spot for snowshoers and much of the mountain range is part of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Which means that the trails are well marked and maintained by rangers.

At the foot of the mountain range sits the city of Granada is the perfect place explore after your time on the trails. Located in the heart of the city, the elegant Alhambra Palace restaurant serves Andalusian food which be enjoyed while taking in the views of the city and nearby mountain range.

Truckee, California, USA

One of Lake Tahoe’s premier resorts, the Northstar California Resort, offers 35 km of maintained trails, accessible via gondola lift. Which gives snowshoers the opportunity to enjoy the views without the long hike up. Throughout the season, the resort also offers special snowshoeing events, such as moonlight tours and stargazing with an astronomer-poet.

Situated directly on the restort’s property, Northstar Lodge by Welk Resorts offers a year-round, heated outdoor pool and a firepit.

Annan, Ontario, Canada

The Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery is a 25-acre winery where visitors are invited to take a snowshoe tour of the vineyards before heading back into the warmth for a meal of soup, cheese, and a choice of hard cider or wine.

Just a 25-minute drive from the winery, Best Western Inn On The Bay offers free on-site parking and spacious rooms.

Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina

Having built a name for itself as a world-class ski destination, Bariloche is becoming increasingly popular with snowshoers who want to take advantage of the ideal winter conditions. Bordering the city, the Cerro Catedral mountain range has kilometres upon kilometres of scenic trails. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even see some glaciers.

Just 350 metres from ski lifts of Cerro Catedral, Galileo Boutique Hotel offers luxurious self-catering rooms with individual hot tubs and fireplaces.