XC ski or snow shoe?

[mcc]

This weekend I'm going to a XC and snow shoe place with friends. No one has done either. I think that XC would be better workout wise but the lessons are sold out. Can we do this without lessons? What about snow shoes? Is it a good workout?

Any advice is appreciated!

[valetgirl]

Both will feel awkward at first, but you can get the hang of it.

You don't really need lessons for XC - just takes a bit of coordination and momentum. It's a killer workout. Wear layers - you will sweat.

Snowshoeing is a lot of fun. It's not as intense as XC, but it's no walk in the park (pun intended). You don't need lessons at all. Shoe rentals are inexpensive (maybe $10?). Make sure you wear warm/waterproof boots.

[kams]

I love to snowshoe. It is absolutely a work out.

I haven't xc skied in many years, but it's fun, too.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I'd prefer snowshoeing with no training. I took a XC lesson last time we went and was glad I did.

[mcc]

Hmm ok, I think we will just snow shoe then. Thanks for the help. I'm sure it'll still be fun

[InBetweenDays]

I think as a newbie you'll get a better workout from snowshoeing. It will only take you a few minutes to get the feel for the snowshoes, whereas it could take you hours to get the hang of xc skiing. Longer if there are any hills to go up/down.

[hannahb]

I'd love to do either. I think snow shoeing would be easier and more fun without a lesson though. I think without a lesson to know the basics xc could be really frustrating