Check it out…Nordic Walking with Snowshoes. Did this twice this week and boy oh boy I can tell I got a great workout. The first day was a bit frigid out but I endured for nearly an 
hour. I’m a beginner snowshoer and I tend to lift my legs up more than I probably need to, so I tend to feel it more in my quads. I’m taking a lesson this Sunday in Eagan. Limited space available: Register here
The 2nd time out my Nordic Walking buddy, Jessica, joined in for an hour hike thru Ritter Farm park. The Nordic Walking European technique can still be managed quite well even with snowshoes on. A few times my pole would hit the side of the shoe, but it did not cause me to trip. We both felt exhilarated upon finishing and knew we’d be ‘feeling’ it later.
Notice on the photo how you swing your arm back and open your hand after the push off. Keep your poles at a 45 degree angle and swing out from your shoulder. Give this a try!! This is a modification of typical snowshoeing with poles in which the poles are more straight and used for balance purposes thus mimicking trekking. If you try the NWing method you are engaging more upper body muscles.
Snowshoeing is a natural winter activity for NWers. Technique doesn’t translate directly, tho’ it is easier to “Nordic snow walk” with small running snowshoes (about 7 or 8 by 21 inches) than with longer, wider, all -purpose snowshoes that are more suited to deeper, softer snow than for packed trails. With bigger snowshoes, Nordic Walking technique tends to give way more to winter hiking motions.
Keep in mind that snowshoes are designed so that the tail drags on the snow. It isn’t necessary to pick them completely off the snow.
I’ve written two snowshoeing books, one a Colorado trails guide and the other a primer to snowshoeing called “The Snowshoe Experience.” I snowshoe quite a bit in winter, but don’t try to maintain any kind of Nordic Walking technique.
Rhea -
Yes we would love to have Snow in Atlanta. Still great for Nordic Walking. The last time I did the Snow Shoes it was in Vail and prior to that I was in college NMU. In College the Snow Shoe was a race that was part of a weekend event including my event with the Skinny Skis.
Look forward to exploring the Next Walking Wave tm. as we discussed launched using to tools I am privy to @ Foot Solutions..
Be Safe