New Trails: Snow is your Ally

A light layer of snow can work wonders. It’s like a natural heatmap, revealing hidden trails I’d otherwise miss. It’s one of the most effective ways for me to explore new terrain.

After an unusually mild autumn, northeastern China saw its first snowfall in early December. Just a few centimeters, but enough to transform the landscape. I love running in the snow. It gives every road, path, and staircase a bit of a "trail vibe”. More importantly, it makes spotting new trails incredibly easy. Snow reveals where other hikers and runners have been, showing me tracks that might otherwise remain invisible.

Over the past few weeks, this simple trick has led me to discover entirely new hills and routes—places I would’ve never thought to explore. These newly uncovered trails have added a fresh dimension to my runs.

It reminds me of the Isar Trails in Munich. When I first started running there, I didn’t immediately grasp their full potential. Even after months—and sometimes years—I kept uncovering small sections and hidden paths that added just the right amount of variety to my training.

I get it—this kind of exploration isn’t for everyone. There are times when I stick to my tried-and-true routes as well. But for me, the thrill of discovering something new is one of the main reasons I still find trail running so captivating. The right route, paired with a bit of luck, can lead to surprising landscapes and moments that reignite the joy of running.

So, if you’ve got a little snow where you are, maybe it’s time to lace up and see where it takes you. You might just find your next favorite trail.