Your Fun, Approachable, Mountain-Loving Intro to Winter Wandering
If you’re ready to explore snowy trails without needing ski skills (or ski-town prices), you’ve found the perfect beginner’s guide to snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter sports in Colorado — simple gear, low cost, and high reward. Let’s get you layered up, geared up, and confidently crunching through fresh powder.
Photo by Amy Nicole Photography
Layer Up Before You Head Out
Before strapping into a pair of snowshoes, dial in your winter layers. Staying warm without overheating is key, and we’ve already broken it down for you:
Check out this downloadable PDF Winter Guide to Layering created by one of our staff members Amy.
How to Choose the Right Jacket for Mountain Sports:
https://www.merecyclers.com/jacket-for-mountain-sports/
Winter Hiking Essentials:
https://www.merecyclers.com/winter-hiking-gear/
These guides cover shells, insulation, base layers, boots, gloves — basically everything you need to prep for your first snowshoe outing.
Choosing the Right Snowshoes
Snowshoeing gear is refreshingly simple. At MER, we carry used snowshoes for sale, and our staff can help you size and select the right pair so you’re comfortable on the trail. We also have winter boots, poles, and accessories too — all pre-loved, all affordable.
Prefer renting? Local outfitters around the Springs offer seasonal snowshoe rentals, but buying used is often cost-friendly if you plan to go more than once.
4 Snowshoe Trails Within ~2 Hours of Colorado Springs
A guide to snowshoeing isn’t complete without actual places to go. Here are four beginner-friendly locations to explore:
-
Lovell Gulch (Woodland Park) – Close, mellow, and great for first-timers.
-
Mueller State Park – Scenic, quiet, and filled with winter wildlife.
-
Horsethief Falls Area – Perfect for a little extra workout with rewarding views.
-
Garden of the Gods / Red Rock Canyon (when conditions allow) – Iconic rock formations with a snowy twist.
Winter Safety Reminders
Safety first, always:
CHECK AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:
https://avalanche.state.co.us/
Even if you’re not heading into high-alpine terrain, staying aware of CAIC reports is essential for smart winter travel.
Local Nonprofits With Winter Programs
Want community while you explore? Several Colorado Springs nonprofits offer outdoor events, group hikes, and nature programming throughout winter. Their schedules refresh seasonally, so keep an eye out — these are great ways to try snowshoeing in a supportive group setting.
Final Tracks
Snowshoeing is approachable, peaceful, beginner-friendly, and the perfect way to explore Colorado’s winter landscapes without the cost of skiing. Come by MER for used snowshoes, layering help, and gear advice — we’ll help you get trail-ready with confidence and stoke.
See you out there crunching through the snow. 🏔️✨
Photo by Amy Nicole Photography