This guide is built from our own winters in the Arctic and from the live Legendary Adventure tour pages in Tromsø — prices, pickup times and what is included come straight from the operator, never invented.

What Snowshoes Actually Do

A snowshoe is a wide frame that spreads your weight over a larger area of snow, so you float on top instead of sinking to your knees. That is the entire principle. They strap over your winter boots and let you walk across deep snow where ordinary walking would be exhausting or impossible.

On the Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5, the snowshoes and poles are included in the price, together with a local expert guide and transport in a Mercedes minivan. You do not need to buy or rent anything separately, and you only need to bring warm clothes and good boots.

The First Ten Minutes: Straps, Stance, Steps

Expect to spend the start of the hike getting equipped. The guide helps you fit the bindings over your boots, and you may need to tighten a strap once after the first few steps. This is normal, and the guide will walk along the group to check.

The walking style is simple. Use a slightly wider stance than usual so the frames do not clip each other, lift your feet a little higher than you think you need, and keep the steps short. Plant the poles to the side for balance. You will feel clumsy for a few minutes, then your body works it out.

The most common mistake is to try to walk quickly. Snowshoeing rewards a slow, steady rhythm, and a slow group is a happy group.

Uphill, Downhill and Flat

Your guide chooses the route and the pace, so you do not have to read the terrain yourself. Follow the footsteps in front of you, and the snow does the rest.

The general advice above is common to snowshoeing everywhere. The guide on the day gives the instructions that apply to the exact snow and slope you meet, and those take priority over anything in this post.

How Hard Is It, Honestly?

It is more tiring than a normal walk and gentler than a hike on bare ground uphill. The operator recommends ages 10+ and describes the tour as a snowshoe adventure through snow-capped mountains and fjords, not a race. The four hours include the transfer, so the time on snowshoes is shorter than the total.

If you walk regularly, you will be fine. If you are less fit, mention it at the start, so the guide can adjust the pace. For a longer, more demanding day, the operator also sells the Arctic Snowshoe Adventure (Advanced)5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5, which is 6 hours including transfer and for ages 16+. That one is not for beginners.

Staying Warm While You Work

Snowshoeing warms you up quickly, and the common error is to overdress and then sweat. Dress in layers you can open or remove. Start with a thin wool or synthetic base layer, add a warm mid layer, and finish with a windproof shell. The tour page says to wear good winter shoes that keep you warm and dry, and we agree: boots matter more than any other item.

Bring a hat, gloves and a buff, and keep a spare pair of gloves in your daypack. If your hands tend to get cold, thin liner gloves under warm mittens give you the best control.

What You Might See Along the Way

The operator describes the hike as a chance to see snow-capped mountains and fiords, and says you may also encounter Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, foxes and a variety of seabirds. We would treat wildlife as a bonus. The reliable part is the landscape: quiet snow, mountain views, and the kind of silence you rarely get in a town.

Because the group is small, 2–8 guests, you can hear the snow squeak and the guide’s explanations without shouting.

Snowshoe by Day or by Night?

The Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 leaves at 10:00 and is a daytime hike. The Aurora Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 leaves at 18:30, includes snowshoe rental, snacks and a hot drink, and gives you a chance of seeing the northern lights while you walk. Both are NOK 1,500 per person and 4 hours. For a first snowshoe experience, the daytime hike has the advantage of daylight to see the terrain, while the evening version offers atmosphere. We cover the choice in detail in our day-or-night guide.

Arctic Snowshoe Hike: The Facts at a Glance

Before you decide, here are the numbers straight from the operator, so you can compare without opening five tabs.

All figures come from Legendary Adventure’s own tour page. Prices and availability change by date, so the live calendar is always the final word.

Common Beginner Worries, Answered

“Will I fall over?” Occasionally, and into soft snow. A fall in deep snow is gentler than a fall on ice, and the group usually laughs and moves on. If you feel unsteady, use the poles and tell the guide.

“Will I be the slowest?” The pace is set for the group, and a small group of 2–8 guests means nobody is left behind. Guides are used to a mix of fitness levels.

“Are my feet going to be cold?” Your feet will be warm if your boots are good. Choose waterproof winter boots with room for a warm sock and do not squeeze a second pair into a tight boot, because that cuts circulation and makes your feet colder.

“Can I wear my own gloves and hat?” Yes. Bring a hat, gloves and a buff, and a spare pair of gloves in your daypack.

A Simple Fitness Check Before You Book

If you can walk for an hour at an easy pace and climb a few flights of stairs without distress, you will manage the hike. Snowshoeing uses your legs and your balance more than regular walking, so the first outing feels harder than the distance suggests. The guide sets the pace, and you will stop regularly.

If you have a medical condition, a knee or hip problem, or you are unsure, contact the operator before booking. We are travel writers, not doctors, and the operator knows the terrain.

The gentle alternatives in the Tromsø programme are the Sommarøy & Kvaløya Scenic Fjord Tour5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5, which is mostly in the vehicle, and the Northern Lights Tour5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5, which is mostly standing at scenic stops.

How to Book with the Hungrytravelfamily Discount

Booking takes about five minutes. Open the Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 page, pick your date in the live calendar, choose the number of guests, and enter HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 in the promo-code field at the FareHarbor checkout for 5% off. The code works when you book online on Legendary Adventure’s own booking page; check that the discount line appears before you enter your card details.

For an evening walk, use the Aurora Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 page and the same code. For a private group, the Private Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 is NOK 12,000 per group.

If you are still choosing between tours, our overview of what to do in Tromsø lays out every tour we would book, with prices. And one honest line: we are Legendary Adventure’s partner and may earn a commission when you book with our code; it never changes your price.

FAQ

Our Honest Final Word

Snowshoeing looks strange until you try it, and then it feels like an easy way to enter a landscape that would otherwise be out of reach. Expect ten awkward minutes, then a pleasant slow walk in quiet snow.

Ready to try? Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 for the daytime walk, Aurora Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 for the evening, and HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 for 5% off.

5% off · code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5

Our snowshoe picks

Tap a tour to see live dates and prices. Enter HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 in the promo-code field at checkout for 5% off.

Small group · 4 HoursArctic Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 1 500 per personBook with 5% off →Small group · 4 HoursAurora Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 1 500 per personBook with 5% off →Private · 4 HoursPrivate Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 12 000 per group (private)Book with 5% off →Small group · 6 Hours (including transfer)Arctic Snowshoe Adventure (Advanced)From NOK 2 100 per personBook with 5% off →

Code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 works on every Legendary Adventure tour booked online. We are Legendary Adventure’s partner and may earn a small commission — it never changes your price.