Join CSC's popular Snowshoeing Program!

• Stay active in the outdoors all year round.
• Join fellow club members on trips for all ability levels.
• Meet new friends through this active snowshoeing group.
• Snowshoe with experienced volunteers who know the area.
• Socialize with fellow snowshoers before, during or after the event.

Snowshoeing Information

If you can walk you can snowshoe!  Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy winter and explore the great outdoors that surround us.

The snowshoeing season runs from mid-December to the end of April with one "never-ever" snowshoeing event scheduled per month. The "never-ever" events are always rated easy and members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to give snowshoeing a try.

Popular Destinations

There's a seemingly infinite variety of fantastic snowshoeing destinations within a two hour drive from Calgary.  The club coordinates snowshoeing day trips to many popular locations such as Kananaskis, Banff and Yoho National Parks.

Snowshoeing is a vital component of CSC's annual Winterstart weekend and we also have a tradition of running an annual mountain lodge weekend to add variety to our winter season. The CSC runs a great Extended Trips program for all members. Snowshoers are encouraged to participate and take advantage of these amazing opportunities to explore more remote trail locations including Jasper National Park, British Columbia and Montana.

Equipment

Snowshoe gear can be purchased at various sports and outdoor equipment retailers in Calgary and also online.  Before buying, it's recommended that you rent gear (from Sports Rent, University of Calgary Outdoor Recreation Centre, MEC) in order to try out gear and determine personal preferences. Snowshoes need to support the snowshoer, his/her gear and supplies both on packed trails & off-trail without 'post-holing' (breaking through snow support) and wasting energy.

See our Resources section for a snowshoeing checklist.

Snowshoeing Ratings and Difficulty

Hikes are rated by both difficulty and length.

• Easy - are trips up to 6 km in length with 0 - 300 meters of elevation gain
• Intermediate - are trips 6-10 km in length with 300 - 600 meters of elevation gain
• Challenging - are trips 10 km and over with over 600 meters of elevation gain

Please note that Intermediate and Challenging trips will not be offered by CSC. We recommend that you consult with a relevant guide books and if in doubt talk to the snowshoe trip coordinator.

Important Safety Information

Coordinators are not trained professionals. They are fellow club members who are familiar with the route/trail and are able to direct the way. Coordinators may cancel or redirect any outing if conditions appear unsuitable.  Coordinators may refuse to allow someone to participate if they feel that person does not have the proper equipment or skills, and to ask a person to go back if it is unsafe for them to continue. If a person ignores the coordinator's advice, that person is no longer considered a participant in that event.

Rescue Costs

The parks now often charge to evacuate people from the backcountry in an emergency. CSC policy is that any such expense is the hike-participant's responsibility and not the Club's. The Club merely organizes events. Each participant, as a Common Adventurer, is responsible for ensuring his/her own safety and for covering any expenses incurred.

For more information:

Please contact our Hiking Director at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it