Snowshoeing means walking through snow-covered terrain with snowshoes strapped to your boots. They spread your weight so you don't sink into deep snow. You need no special experience, just warm winter boots, warm layers and ideally poles. In Sunnmøre, the fjord region around Ålesund in Western Norway, you can rent snowshoes and explore gentle, safe terrain yourself, or join a guided snowshoe hike where local guides pick the route based on snow and weather.
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoes are wide frames with a binding that you attach under your winter boots. They give you a larger surface area, so you can walk in deep snow where you would otherwise sink to your knees. The technique is much like normal walking: you lift your feet a little higher and take slightly wider steps. That makes snowshoeing one of the easiest ways to get out into the winter mountains, even if you don't ski.
Sunnmøre lies on the west coast of Norway, south of the city of Ålesund, where fjords and steep mountains (often called the Sunnmøre Alps) meet. Even short hikes can reward you with views of snowy peaks and the fjord below. Snow conditions along the coast vary a lot, from light powder to heavy, wet snow. This affects both your choice of route and how tiring the walk will be.
Snowshoeing gear: what to bring
You don't need much, but what you bring should work in cold and wind:
- Snowshoes suited to your weight, including your backpack. Many models have crampons underneath and a heel lift that makes uphill walking easier.
- Winter boots or hiking boots that are warm and waterproof. The binding must fit tightly around the boot.
- Poles with snow baskets for balance and support on steep sections.
- Wool base layers and a warm mid layer of wool or fleece, plus a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Hat, mittens and a neck gaiter, ideally with a spare pair of mittens in your pack.
- Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots.
- Thermos, food and water. Walking in snow burns a lot of energy.
- Headlamp, because winter days in Norway are short.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun reflects strongly off the snow.
- A fully charged phone, kept warm close to your body.
Renting snowshoes: what you should know
If you don't own snowshoes, you can rent them. It's a good idea if you want to try before you buy. When renting, check the following:
- Correct size: Snowshoes are made for different weight classes. Give your total weight including your backpack.
- Test the binding: Try fitting the snowshoes to the boots you will be wearing before you set off.
- Check crampons and heel lift: Snowshoes with grip underneath are safer on hard snow and uphill.
- Ask about poles: You can often rent poles together with the snowshoes.
Uteguiden rents out bikes, skis, avalanche equipment and camping gear, among other things, via rental.uteguiden.com. To find out which winter gear is available, contact us at rental@uteguiden.com. If you join one of our guided tours, the tour description states what is included.
Where to go snowshoeing in Sunnmøre
Which route suits you depends on snow conditions, avalanche danger and your experience. As a rule, first-time snowshoe hikes should stay in gentle terrain, in forest or on open plateaus, well away from steep mountainsides.
Ålesund and surroundings
From Ålesund it's a short trip to mountains with views over the archipelago and the Sunnmøre Alps. The hills around the city and nearby areas are well suited to shorter snowshoe hikes once the snow has settled. Snow cover on the coast can come and go, though, so check conditions before you go. See also our activities in Ålesund.
Stranda and Strandafjellet
Stranda, a village on the Storfjord, is known for snowy winters, skiing and a lively outdoor culture. Around Strandafjellet, the mountain above the village, there is terrain well suited to snowshoeing, with views towards the Storfjord. Read more about Stranda.
