Snowshoeing the West Kootenay

If you like hiking in the summer, then you might just love snowshoeing during winter! Snowshoeing is a great way to stay fit and adventurous all season long. The gear is relatively inexpensive and our Kootenay winter wonderland is impressive. However, there are some important safety considerations when venturing out in the snow.

Snowshoe Safety

Snowshoeing is a little different than hiking. Rather than following established trails, you may have to find your own route and trail-break through fresh snow.

Myth: you can snowshoe anywhere that you can hike!

Fact: many hiking trails cross avalanche slopes or terrain traps. Just because you hiked there in the summer, does NOT mean you should snowshoe there in the winter. Furthermore, many hiking trails are up backcountry roads which are impassable in the wintertime.

Here are some of the special safety considerations for snowshoers:

• Avalanche terrain – you need to be able to assess conditions and navigate avalanche terrain in the backcountry during winter. If you’re in avalanche terrain, you should be equipped with a beacon, shovel, probe, Avalanche Safety Training (AST), and an experienced buddy. Most AST courses are catered to skiing and snowboarding, but ask providers if you can join on snowshoes.
• Navigation – snowshoe “trails” are really just tracks that can shift around after every snowfall. If you’re breaking trail, you need to be able to navigate to your destination. If you’re following someone else’s trail, you need to be able to assess if it’s going the right way.
• Extra exertion – snowshoeing uphill in deep snow takes a lot of energy! Way more than hiking! Take turns trail-breaking with a friend and make sure you’re shedding extra layers as you warm up to manage your temperature. Rest often and set a slow pace when the going gets tough. With all high-intensity physical activity, talk to your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions that need to be managed.
• Tree wells and bombs – tree wells are pockets of air or loose snow sheltered under the branches of trees. If you fall into one, it can be challenging to get out. Give trees lots of space, especially after a recent snowfall. Learn more here. Tree bombs happen when packed snow accumulates high up in trees and falls during windy conditions – with ice packed in the mix, these can be lethal!
• Winter conditions – the cold and dark creates extra safety considerations. Getting lost or injured quickly becomes more serious in the winter with risks of hypothermia and early dusk. Be prepared with extra warm layers and take the essentials.

Snowshoe Gear

Just like with hiking, you should have a daypack stocked with essential gear in the event of an emergency.

• Snowshoes
• Poles with snow baskets
• Gaiters
• Proper Footwear – insulated hiking boots are ideal! Or you might be able to get away with your regular waterproof hiking boots with thick wool socks.
• Microspikes – these are handy if there isn’t enough snow for snowshoes, but the trail is still icy.
• Avalanche safety gear – if you’re venturing into avalanche terrain.
• Extra warm layers, including extra mitts, socks, and hat.
• Waterproof shell – even if rain isn’t forecasted, winter trees can drip melting snow and it can get unexpectedly wet under the forest when the sun shines!
• The essentials for backcountry adventure – check out AdventureSmart for a detailed gear list.

Don’t forget to be prepared for winter driving! Leave extra time to negotiate winter road conditions and check Drive BC as well as weather forecasts before you leave. Your car should be equipped with a shovel, snow brush, jumper cables, emergency blanket, and proper winter tires.

Beginner Snowshoe Routes

These routes are well-signed and minimize travel in avalanche terrain. All have reliable winter access with plowed roads and parking lots. If you’re in a multi-use area with cross-country ski tracks, please be respectful by not walking on the tracks.

• Mount Crowe Cabin Loop – accessed on Strawberry Pass, this network of trails visits several backcountry warming cabins with beautiful views across the valley.
• Lepsoe Basin Cabin Loop – accessed on the other side of Strawberry Pass, this network also visits a series of day-use warming huts with beautiful views and even old growth forest.
• Nelson Nordic Snowshoe Trails – just outside of Nelson, these trails provide 3 loops through the forest with the furthest visiting the Euphrates warming hut. Wander around winter ponds and through old growth forests.
• Castlegar Nordic Snowshoe Trails – New in winter 2026! A beginner trail loops around Mud Lake while an intermediate trail offers a climb to scenic Snowberry Hut.
• Whitewater Multi-use Trails – a winter loop at Whitewater Mountain Resort! This network is shared with cross-country skiers, dog walkers, and more! It’s often groomed so you can walk on the snow without any snowshoes or special gear. Stop at Hummingbird Lodge after for a treat.
• Bonanza Pass Rec Area – accessed near the Paulson Summit, this network of trails offers two warming huts with more of a backcountry experience. Trail breaking is often required after a deep snowfall.
• Kaslo Nordic Ski Area – snowshoers are welcome if you don’t walk on ski tracks!
• Jackrabbit Interpretive Trail (Nakusp) – located with the Wensley Creek Cross Country Ski Trails, this 4km trail offers a nice walk in the woods!
• Local rail trails – if there is enough snow down in the valleys, you can snowshoe on the rail trails. These trails have a gentle grade and often pass through communities. Check out the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Nakusp & Slocan Rail Trail, and Great Northern Rail Trail for some options.

Although these beginner routes mainly stay in simple avalanche terrain, there is still a risk if you wander off track or conditions are very poor. Check the Avalanche Canada forecast before you go.

Advanced Snowshoe Routes

These routes get deeper into the backcountry. Navigation, avalanche training, and avalanche gear are a must! Take a look at Summit Mountain Guides and Kootenay Backcountry Guides if you’re looking for local Avalanche Safety Training (AST) courses. The Kootenay Mountaineering Club often offers an AST1 course on snowshoes each winter.

• Whitewater backcountry routes to Mount Beattie, White Queen, or Evening Ridge
• Kootenay Pass backcountry routes to Cornice Ridge or Lightning Strike
• Strawberry Pass backcountry routes to Mount Crowe or Mount Lepsoe summits

You can also join local organizations like the Kootenay Mountaineering Club if you’d like to get outside with a group and start to learn new trails and terrain.