Our snowshoe rental is the easiest way to discover winter off the slopes. Instead of lifts and the hustle and bustle of skiing, snowshoeing offers deep snow-covered nature, fresh air and exercise that challenges every muscle in your body. With the right model, you can traverse glistening slopes and snowy forests.
Why should you rent snowshoes instead of buying them?
Would you like to find out why so many people love this winter feeling? Great! Then why not give it a try? For your first hike, you can rent snowshoes instead of buying them straight away. At 800 INTERSPORT Rent locations, you will find well-maintained equipment, personal advice and shops right in the most beautiful winter sports regions.
Why is snowshoeing worthwhile?
That's easy to answer! After all, there's a whole list of reasons why you simply have to love snowshoeing:
Snowshoeing...
- ...slows you down and lets you experience nature intensely.
- ...is a great winter workout. It trains your legs, core and endurance.
- ...extends the hiking season into winter.
- ... works for all ages – alone, with friends or family.
- ...is very easy to learn.
- ... does not require expensive equipment. Especially if you rent your gear!
Who is snowshoeing suitable for?
Snowshoeing is a sport for everyone and can be done without any previous experience. It works as a balance to skiing, as a family activity or as a quiet alternative to winter hiking.
It can be practised at a challenging, performance-oriented level, or simply as exercise for people who enjoy being outdoors, want to keep fit and experience winter away from the slopes. Kids aged six and above can easily join in with lightweight models. All you need is a child-friendly route and regular breaks.
What is the best way to get started with snowshoeing?
Getting started is easy: The RENTertainers at the INTERSPORT Rent Shop will show you how to adjust the bindings and length correctly and what to look out for in different snow conditions.
From the first step, you will feel how comfortable and surprisingly effortless it is to walk in the snow. The wide contact surface keeps you from sinking into snow-covered trails and deep snow.
What should you bear in mind on your first snowshoe hike?
Choose a marked route or a flat trail near the valley at the beginning. The RENTertainers know their region inside out and can advise you on which tours are suitable for beginners.
Be aware of the weather forecast and avalanche conditions, especially for trails above the tree line. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time. Snowshoeing is not a race, but an invitation to enjoy winter at a slower pace.
Classic or modern: Which snowshoes are right for you?
If you want to rent snowshoes, choosing the right model depends mainly on your level of experience and the route you want to take.
Classic snowshoes
- For flat or slightly hilly terrain
- Lightweight, stable and ideal for beginners
- Aluminum frame with stretched plastic skin ("decking")
- Comfortable binding
Modern snowshoes
- For athletic trails with inclines and changing terrain
- Narrow, grippy and durable
- Plastic frame with teeth or climbing aid
Then there are the traditional "originals": These classic wooden snowshoes with rawhide covers are rarely seen today. Modern materials are lighter, more durable and require less maintenance. You will therefore rarely find originals at snowshoe rental shops. However, some traditionalists swear by the vintage feel of snowshoeing.
Did you know?
Snowshoeing is a relatively new sport, but snowshoes have been around for a long time. As early as 4000 B.C., people in Central Asia used flat climbing aids on their feet to reach places in the snow that would otherwise have been inaccessible in winter.
What is the right snowshoe equipment?
What kind of shoes do you need for snowshoeing? What is the right clothing? When do you need poles, a navigation device or special avalanche equipment, and when not? Our packing list for snowshoers answers these questions and many more.
If you decide to rent snowshoes from INTERSPORT Rent, you will receive all the equipment you need and expert advice on top.
Frequently asked questions about renting snowshoes
Can I rent snowshoes even if I have no previous experience?
Yes, snowshoeing is considered a beginner's sport. The RENTer at INTERSPORT Rentwill show you which models are available, how to adjust bindings and length, and which trail is best to start.
What is the difference between snowshoes for beginners and sporty models?
When beginners rent snowshoes, they usually opt for lightweight aluminium models with a wide contact surface and simple bindings. Wide snowshoes provide buoyancy in deep snow and are comfortable to walk in, even without much experience. Sporty snowshoes are narrower, more robust and equipped with a more aggressive profile or climbing aids. They offer more grip on hard ground and in steeper terrain but also require a little more technique.
At our INTERSPORT Rent shops, you can try out both types and find out which one is better suited to your terrain and pace.
Do I need special shoes for snowshoeing?
No, special shoes are not required. All you need are sturdy, waterproof hiking or winter boots that can be securely fastened to the bindings.
Is snowshoeing also suitable for children?
Snowshoeing is a great activity for children. Of course, the trip should not be too long or too steep. There are lightweight models with a smaller contact surface for kids, which are easier to use. It is recommended to start at around 6 years of age, when the child is sure-footed and enjoys exercising in the snow. Short circuits on marked trails are ideal.
At INTERSPORT Rent, you can of course also rent snowshoes for your children.
How can I identify a safe route for my first snowshoe hike?
Choose marked winter hiking trails or marked snowshoe trails. In alpine terrain, you should always check the current avalanche report.
Do I need poles for snowshoeing?
You don't necessarily need poles, but they increase stability and relieve strain on your knees and back. You should definitely use poles on steeper terrain.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
The RENTertainer recommends
Are you already perfectly equipped for your first snowshoe hike? No? Then you'll be pleased to know that INTERSPORT Rent has everything you need for your winter adventure! Snowshoes, poles, functional clothing, avalanche equipment... You can get all this and more at our 800 shops in Europe and Canada!
Related articles
You may also be interested in:
