About This Route
The Chasm Snowshoe Walk is a short 1.5 km loop along the Cleddau River on Milford Road (SH94), 45 minutes from Milford Sound village. Featuring swingbridges and powerful waterfalls carving potholes in granite, it's ideal for beginner snowshoers in winter when snow dusts the beech forest. DOC-maintained with boardwalks, the route takes 20-40 minutes. Snow enhances the drama of this popular stop, but stick to paths to avoid undercut banks. Part of Fiordland National Park, it showcases the park's glacial history; visit early to beat crowds.
Safety Considerations
Rapid Fiordland weather can dump snow or rain, closing roads; monitor NZTA updates. Slippery boardwalks and bridges ice over; use microspikes under snowshoes. River levels rise fast with melt; respect barriers. Earthquake-prone area mandates Drop, Cover, Hold protocol from GNS Science. Hypothermia risk low but present; dress in layers. Kea parrots steal shiny items; store poles zipped. Follow NPS winter trail etiquette: yield to uphill traffic.
Essential Gear
Lightweight snowshoes like Tubbs Flex VRT, collapsible poles (Leki), and insulated boots (Salomon Toundra). Base layers (Smartwool), fleece midlayer, Gore-Tex jacket (Marmot). Headlamp, snacks, and DOC map. Personal locator beacon (Spot Gen4) for remote feel. Gloves (Black Diamond), balaclava, and sunnies for glare.