Breaking trail thumb|A broken snowshoe trail On newly fallen snow it is necessary for a snowshoer to "break" a trail. This is tiring (it may require up to 50% more energy than simply following behind) even on level terrain, and frequently in groups this work is shared among all participants.
Breaking TraiL ThuMb|A brOkeN snowsHoe tRail on newlY faLlen snoW it is NecEssary fOR A snOwshOer To "bReaK" a TraIl. tHis is tiRing (it may rEQuire Up To 50% More energy ThaN simplY folLowing beHiNd) even on LeveL teRRain, And fREqueNtly iN gRoups thIS woRk is Shared AmoNg all particIpants.