With the start of March comes mixed emotions. Some are anxiously awaiting dry trails, while others are sacrificing all-natural energy bars to the snow gods. Even though we’ve had some unseasonably warm days, we know the all-knowing groundhog told us not to give up on winter yet. Why would you, anyway?

March has consistently been one of the best months for snow on the East Coast. Now is the time to take advantage of Mother Nature’s white playground while she’s still here. The days are longer, and the temperatures are milder. This concoction creates the perfect recipe for snowshoeing, which is not only the best way to take in the scenery, but also builds muscle for spring hiking.

For the novice to the seasoned explorer, EMS has a vast selection of snowshoes to cure your spring fever. If you’re unsure about how or what shoe to choose, here are some recommendations for picking the right pair:

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Trail Walking

Recommended snowshoe: The Tubbs XPlore, available in men’s and women’s sizes, is incredibly user friendly and features a simple-to-use binding system. The light aluminum frame and SoftTec™ decking will keep you floating along the terrain. The price point won’t break the bank, either, which makes this shoe a great option for beginners.

Where to use: Trail walking shoes are meant for gentle terrain with mild up and downhill portions. Some well-maintained state parks, as well as city parks with walking trails, can be good starter spots. Or, Mount Independence in Orwell, Vermont, is a great location to take in the sights of Lake Champlain from one of their many well-marked trails. 

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Day Hiking

Recommended snowshoe: The Tubbs Flex RDG, also available in men’s and women’s sizes, uses a one-step binding system. With its Boa closure, all you have to do is push down and twist. This allows you to quickly adjust your binding on the trails without the hassle. Even better, in the unlikely chance that you experience problems, the binding comes with a lifetime guarantee. Can you beat that? Trick question: You can’t. The composite deck is also a great shock absorber, which is crucial for those full days outdoors.

Where to use: Your options are endless! The East Coast is teeming with plenty of maintained day-hiking terrain. I prefer the Long Trail or parts of the Appalachian Trail, as they receive traffic year-round and are marked. The Adirondacks also offer a wide array of day-hiking options: Buck Mountain and Sleeping Beauty are beautiful winter hiking spots in the Lake George region.

Backcountry

Recommended snowshoe: The Atlas Treeline is available in men’s and women’s sizes. Atlas’ lightweight snowshoes have been setting the bar for backcountry expectations, and the range of motion offered will even make you forget that you’ve got them on. The binding system is similar to traditional crampons, offering a precise fit and hold for long periods of time. The binding is also perfect for snowboarders, as it can fit larger boots. That’s right: There is no need to drain your savings on a splitboard when you can buy a pair of Treeline’s.
Where to use: Snowshoes like the Treeline are going to shine where the snow is deep and the lines are steep, as the traction catches the best on uneven terrains and hillsides. Mount Mansfield in Vermont and areas of The Whites, like the Presidential Range, are great locations for some blank snow canvas. Keep in mind that backcountry models are meant for more experienced snowshoers and mountaineers.

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Trail Running

Recommended snowshoe: The Atlas Run is a unisex snowshoe meant for moving fast. So, runners, rejoice: You are no longer constrained to only practicing on treadmills in the winter. The lightweight Run features a Speed-V frame and impact-absorbing suspension that allows you to keep going with minimal resistance. Also included here, the Boa system helps out with lightning-fast adjustments, so you can fuss less and spend more time running.

Where to use: For trail runners, the Atlas Run will let you return to the terrain you are used to and love. If you strictly run on roads, opt for snow instead of pavement with these shoes, and you will have a good time. To begin, start with a walking trail, until you are comfortable enough to attempt varied terrain.

Snowshoe

Snowshoe