Calories Burned Snowshoeing
Calorie Calculator
About snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is walking with the difficulty dial turned up. The snowshoe spreads your weight so you stay on the surface, but you still lift a wider frame with every stride and fight whatever the snow decides to give back. The 2024 Compendium splits it in two rather than using one blanket number: 5.3 METs for moderate effort, about 373 calories an hour for a 155 lb hiker, and 10.0 METs for vigorous effort, which nearly doubles that. Snow conditions decide which one you get.
Calories Burned by Body Weight
Calories burned per 30 minutes of snowshoeing at moderate intensity (MET 5.3)
| Body Weight | Calories Burned |
|---|---|
| 120 lbs (54 kg) | 144 cal |
| 140 lbs (64 kg) | 168 cal |
| 155 lbs (70 kg)Reference | 186 cal |
| 170 lbs (77 kg) | 204 cal |
| 185 lbs (84 kg) | 222 cal |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 240 cal |
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 264 cal |
Calories Burned by Duration
Calories burned at 155 lbs body weight, moderate intensity
| Duration | Calories Burned |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 93 cal |
| 30 minutesReference | 186 cal |
| 45 minutes | 279 cal |
| 60 minutes | 373 cal |
| 90 minutes | 559 cal |
Calories by Intensity
Different intensities burn different calories. MET (Metabolic Equivalent) measures exercise intensity.
Food Equivalent
30 minutes of snowshoeing burns enough calories to offset:
Based on 186 calories burned (30 min at 155 lbs)
Tips for Snowshoeing
- Use poles on climbs, your arms take real load off your legs
- Lift your knees higher than you would when walking, a snowshoe is longer than your boot
- Swap the lead when breaking trail, the front position costs by far the most energy
- Start slightly cold in layers you can shed, you will be warm within ten minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
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