If youve ever tried slogging through snow, you know it’s much more arduous than walking on pavement.
Now imaginerunningthrough snow with extra weight strapped atop both feet.
People are running up and down ski mountains through multiple feet of snow.
Jan-Stefan Knick/EyeEm/Getty Images
Snowshoeing as an activity is nothing new.
Humans have been using snowshoes for thousands of years.
Yet the official sport of snowshoe racing is more modernand niche.
The USSSA was founded in New York in 1977 with the goal of formalizing and promoting thewinter sport.
But in recent years, word is getting out that this is a credible sport.
Elmores ultimate goal: see the sport become part of the Winter Olympic Games.
The culminating event of the season is the national championships, hosted by USSSA every March.
Here, what it takes to compete and excel in this obscure sport.
Major snowshoe races are never anywhere near flat, says Bucek.
Thats why a background in trail running is immensely helpful.
Many top snowshoe racers are also accomplished road runners, triathletes, and/or bikers.
But switching from regular road or trail running to snowshoe racing is like starting all over again.
You may think that on said uneven surfaces, athletes would want the help of trekking poles.
That’s not the case though, says Bucek.
They can throw off your stride, he explains, and over time, they fatigue your upper body.
Youre not very bundled, says Bucek.
Snowshoe racing both requires and develops power.
Its almost like running uphill all the time even when youre on a flat surface.
Youre using more muscles than you would on a hard surface.
Lastly, a lot of it is a head game, says Bucek.
Participating in a snowshoe race is excruciating.
Because the sport is so physically challenging, participants must have serious grit and determination, he says.
It also requires a high level of mental engagement.
Thats because on snowshoe trails, every step is really different, says Elmore.
Its not like asphalt where you could close your eyes and run blind because every step is the same.
Athletes must remain mindful and focused throughout competitions.
There may be times when you have to cross a wet streamlogs and everything, says Bucek.
Its basically adaptive trail running.
This can also include the occasional wildlife encounter.
The race was paused until a snowmobile could scare the animal off.
On top of that, racing conditions can vary widely.
Theres no learning curve involved, says Elmore.
you’re able to just put on snowshoes and go.
Just know that you probably won’t be logging 8-minute miles right off the bat.
