Snowshoeing

❄️ What Is Snowshoeing on a Polar Cruise?

Snowshoeing is a guided walking excursion using lightweight snowshoes that help you move comfortably across soft snow and uneven terrain. The snowshoes distribute your weight so you don’t sink, allowing you to walk where traditional boots would make travel difficult.

On a polar expedition cruise, snowshoeing typically:

• Takes place on a shore landing

• Lasts from one to a few hours

• Involves beginner-friendly terrain

• Is led by experienced expedition guides

• Offers incredible views from snowy ridges, hillsides, or glaciers

It’s a fun, active, and immersive way to explore pristine polar landscapes on foot.

???? Where & When Snowshoeing Is Offered

Snowshoeing is available on select voyages in both the Arctic and Antarctica, depending on snow conditions and landing sites.

You may snowshoe:

• Along snowy beaches and coastal slopes

• Across wide open icefields

• Up gentle hillsides offering panoramic views

• On remote, snow-covered plateaus

This activity is typically offered early or mid-season, when snow coverage is ideal. Conditions can vary daily, so guides choose the safest and most scenic routes available.

???? What to Expect on a Snowshoeing Excursion

✔️ Equipment Provided

Expedition teams typically supply:

• Lightweight, adjustable snowshoes

• Trekking poles for balance

• Safety equipment as required

Snowshoes are selected for stability and ease of use, helping guests walk comfortably even in deep snow.

✔️ What You Should Bring

Travellers should wear:

• Warm layers (thermal underwear, fleece, insulated mid-layers)

• Waterproof/windproof outer jacket and trousers

• Hat, gloves, neck warmer

• Waterproof boots suitable for attaching snowshoes

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare can be intense)

✔️ Guidance & Group Size

• Small groups accompanied by trained expedition guides

• Clear instruction before setting out

• Routes chosen according to weather, wildlife regulations, and terrain

• Frequent stops for photos and interpretation of the landscape

✔️ Duration

Most snowshoe outings last 1–3 hours, depending on conditions and group pace.

✔️ What You’ll See

Expect breathtaking views of:

• Snow-covered ridges and headlands

• Icebergs and glaciers from elevated viewpoints

• Remote coastlines and untouched snowfields

• Seals, penguins, or seabirds in the distance

The experience of walking through crisp snow, surrounded by silence and vast white horizons, is one of the most atmospheric activities on any expedition cruise.

???? Who Snowshoeing Is Perfect For

Ideal for:

• Travellers with no snowshoeing experience

• Anyone with basic fitness who enjoys gentle walking activities

• Guests eager to explore deeper or higher terrain than standard landings allow

• Photographers seeking panoramic snow-covered landscapes

• Active travellers wanting a bit more adventure

Not ideal for:

• Guests with limited mobility

• Travellers uncomfortable walking uphill or on uneven surfaces

• Those seeking long or strenuous mountaineering hikes

Snowshoeing is designed to be easy, stable, and accessible, making it perfect for first-timers.