Will snowshoe training make me a better skier/boarder?

Guaranteed!.   In fact, snowshoeing is recognized as one of the best cross training techniques you can do for a number of other sports and activities including cycling, running, and for me, tennis.

How does snowshoe training make me a better athlete?

Skiing, and for that matter, running and other sports demand a certain level of fitness and flexibility to minimize the potential for injury.  A strong pair of legs and core will rescue you from an inadvertent “edge catch” and just might save your bacon when you launch yourself into a blind landing where your ability to turn (quickly) will be paramount to survival.   If you use snowshoeing to train before the lift assisted skiing is available you’ll find both your lung capacity and your lower body will be tuned and ready for bigger, better skiing.   And running or tennis.  Snowshoeing can burn up to 900 calories per hour.  That’s what they say and from a personal point of view, I can tell you I’ve never had my lung’s butt kicked harder than what snowshoeing has done.   And if you’re trying to get in shape for skiing bumps, or just skiing hard all day, use your snowshoes for climbing uphill to build your legs into hammering cylinders of steely muscle.
Snowshoes add a few pounds to your feet and that can give your legs and torso the perfect amount of extra weight and repetition to improve your endurance and overall strength – both of which you’ll need to ski hard this season.   Cross training has benefits for all your endeavors, but snowshoe training for skiing is uniquely valuable because its done on snow, outdoors, and offers you the perfect balance of effort and enjoyment.   Just like skiing.   And if you’re trying to get your competitive fix on, snowshoe racing has become popular in most places where snow is found.   In fact, there are many more places to snowshoe than there are to ski since all you need are snowshoes……and snow.

Snowshoe training can be done before the lifts are open

I’m not referring to just the time of day but the weeks and sometimes, months before you can ride the lifts.   October and November, snowshoeing a few times per week can make you stronger and fitter so you can ski longer and better.  Add snowshoe training to the regimen before your season starts, but to really hone your skills, take a quick snowshoe uphill before your ski day begins to warm up your muscles and of course, get your heart pumping.  I guarantee you’re going to feel better before, during and after you ski when you’ve cross trained with snowshoes.  If you don’t have a pair of great pair of snowshoes we can certainly make some recommendations.
Whether you’re snowshoe training for skiing or discovering alternatives to it, you won’t find a better place to become baptized in winter’s easiest-to-learn activity.   And whether you’re a great athlete or a weekend warrior, snowshoeing can make you better at whatever you do.
It can be intensely aerobic and physically demanding, or a simple and easy walk in the sun.   And that’s the kind of training that can make you a better skier, and maybe a better person.   At least that day, it can.