Most of the snowshoe hikes take place in and around the Waterville Valley area; however, some excursions take place in other parts of the Sandwich Range, Moosilauke area, Franconia Notch, and routes off the Kancamagus Highway. Snowshoe hikes are normally half-day outings, most of which take place off-trail, on little known routes that lead to special sylvan nooks; but, full-day on-trail excursions and exciting backcountry adventures, are part of the offering as well. There is no charge for WVAIA members. Guests are asked to make a small donation.
Each hike is led by either one or two experienced hikers. They are most often half-day hikes, beginning at 9AM. Hikes rated EASY are for trails without much ascending Water crossings are rare, and are small and easy to negotiate, and we’re normally out for a half a day. The MODERATE hikes have sustained ascending, but with nothing very steep. Water crossings are more frequent, but never wide or difficult. If the hike is MORE DIFICULT, it is a steady ascent, with steep sections, and more challenging water-crossings. The DIFFICULT hikes usually take most or all of the day, characterized by prolonged sections of steep and very steep terrain, in many cases with several stream-crossings, and a challenging overall distance, often finishing in the early evening.