Available in: Life, Forward, Endure, and Advanced

You asked, we delivered. The Snow Ruck Challenge was created specifically for rosters training through the winter in snowy climates and brave enough to face the elements. Snow shifts your ruck considerably: terrain, pacing, load, gear, and energy output all change. It’s your opportunity to build resilience and gain first-hand experience in harsh conditions.

Snow shoe guidance has been added to this guide.

Challenge Purpose

The PATHFINDER Snow Ruck Challenge is designed to test your:

• Pacing on less predictable, snow-covered terrain

• Gear under cold-weather strain

• Body awareness and durability in adverse conditions

This is practical, boots-on-the-ground winter training, which also means prioritizing safety above all else.

SNOW RUCK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

This section isn’t fine print. Read it. Follow it.

• Check your local forecast.
  If any ice is present or expected - do not ruck.
• Never ruck on roads, road shoulders, or highways in snow or ice conditions.
• Pack essentials:
  Extra layers, socks, high-calorie snacks, and plenty of water.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you plan to return.
• Carry a fully charged phone in your ruck.
• You must have at least 1” of snow on your ruck route.
  (If you can’t see your full boot or snowshoe print, it doesn’t count.)
• Trace snow or icy patches disqualify this Challenge due to fall and injury risk.

ALLOWABLE FOOTWEAR

• Trail shoes with tread, spikes, boots and snow shoes are all approved footwear for this Challenge. TENNIS SHOES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

SNOW RUCK FORMATS

We’ve created three tiers for the Challenge based on your local winter conditions. Choose the one that fits your terrain and training level.

This Challenge is available to LIFE, FORWARD, ENDURE, and ADVANCED programs only.

This Challenge is not approved for ADVANCED: OCALA, HORIZON, STIRLING, or COMPETE.

Snow Depth Guidelines

Your Challenge requirements vary based on how much snow is on the ground at the time of your ruck. Always prioritize safety, terrain familiarity, and use common sense. All distances listed are minimums. You are welcome to go longer if conditions allow.

• 1–2” of Snow Present

  • Route Type: Marked trails or sidewalks only
    (Avoid all street and roadside rucking)

  • Surface Hazards: Be highly cautious of hidden ice

  • Time Requirement: 45-minute timed ruck (no distance requirement for safety)
  • Gear Note: Weather-appropriate footwear and layers required

• 2–4” of Snow Present

  • Route Type: Marked trails or sidewalks only
    (Avoid all street and roadside rucking)

  • Time Requirement: No time requirement

  • Distance Options by Program:

• • • Life: 1-3 mile ruck;
    • Forward: 2-4 mile ruck; 
    • Endure: 3-5 mile ruck;
    • Advanced: 4-6 mile ruck
    • Gear Note: Weather-appropriate footwear and layers required

• 4–6” of Snow Present

  • This is a strength workout. Expect your lower body to work hard.

  • Route Type: Marked trails or sidewalks only
    (Avoid all street and roadside rucking)

  • Time Requirement: No time requirement

  • Distance Options by Program:

    • Life: 1–2 miles

    • Forward: 2–3 miles

    • Endure: 2–4 miles

    • Advanced: 2–5 miles

    • Gear Note: Weather-appropriate footwear and layers required

• 6”+ of Snow Present

  • This is the most physically demanding tier.

  • Route Type: Familiar, marked sidewalks or trails only
    (Avoid all street and roadside rucking)

  • Time Requirement: No time requirement

  • Distance Options by Program:

    • Life: 1–2 miles

    • Forward: 2–3 miles

    • Endure: 2–4 miles

    • Advanced: 2–5 miles

    • Gear Note: Snowshoes strongly recommended; dress and pack for cold survival conditions

Using Snowshoes in the SNOW RUCK Challenge

Once snow depth reaches 4"+, even experienced rosters can struggle with traction, energy expenditure, and maintaining safe form. Snowshoes are a great tool to preserve the intent of the Challenge while reducing injury risk.

When to Use Snowshoes

• Recommended at 4–6” of snow on unbroken trails

• Strongly encouraged at 6”+ when snow is soft, deep, or drifting

• Essential if you're rucking off-trail or in powder conditions

Snowshoes are not mandatory, but if your terrain requires post-holing (sinking deeply into soft snow), they can make the difference between a sustainable training effort and a slog.

Trail + Terrain Guidelines

• Snowshoes are not required on plowed or heavily trafficked sidewalks.

• On flat or compacted trails, you may choose to ruck without snowshoes if your footing is secure.

• On hilly, drifted, or deep-powder terrain, snowshoes offer improved balance and reduce hip and knee stress by distributing your bodyweight more evenly.

Adjusting for Load

• Yes, your ruck must stay on.
  Snowshoeing with a load is realistic and effective training for winter hiking and search-and-rescue-style efforts. This mirrors real-world demands on your stabilizers and gait.

• Choose snowshoes rated for your total weight (body + ruck).
  Most snowshoe packaging will include a weight range. Overloading below-rated snowshoes can lead to failure or poor floatation (i.e., sinking).

Training-Specific Tips

• Shorten your stride. Snowshoes naturally widen your stance. Over-striding leads to fatigue and joint strain.

• Stay upright. Core engagement and a slight forward lean help with balance. Avoid hunching or overcompensating with your arms.

• Use trekking poles. They improve efficiency, especially on inclines or descents, and reduce joint strain when paired with snowshoes.

• Start small. If you're new to snowshoes, do a 10-15 minute practice ruck before your actual Challenge day. Learn how they feel under load and troubleshoot any gear issues.

Challenge Credit

• Snowshoes are permitted for all eligible program levels in the Snow Ruck Challenge.

• Wearing snowshoes does not reduce mileage requirements. The Challenge remains the same.

SNOW RUCK Weight Requirements

• Life, Forward, and Endure:
  There is no stated minimum weight requirement.
  Rosters must carry an appropriately challenging ruck weight based on their individual fitness level for the entire duration of the Challenge.

• Advanced:

  • 45# dry ruck weight for bodyweight 150lbs or more

  • 30# dry ruck weight for bodyweight under 150lbs

SNOW RUCK Time Requirements

This Challenge is tiered by snow depth, not by program.
Time requirements are built into the conditions:

• 1–2” snow depth:
  Timed ruck – 45 minutes
  (No distance requirement for safety reasons)

• 2” or more:
  No time requirement. Ruck distances are outlined per program in the Challenge distance guide.

SNOW RUCK Challenge Restrictions

• THE CHALLENGE SHOULD NEVER BE ATTEMPTED WHEN ICY CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT. NEVER ATTEMPT THIS CHALLENGE DURING OR AFTER AN ICE STORM OR WHEN ICE IS VISIBLY PRESENT. ALWAYS CONSULT LOCAL FORECASTS PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING THIS CHALLENGE.

• NEVER RUCK ON ROAD SIDES OR HIGHWAYS.

Challenge Safety & Restrictions