Are Snow Skis or Snowshoes Faster in Deep Snow?. Part of the series: LS - Skiing & Snow Trekking. Skis are made to glide through the snow, so if your skis are gliding, it probably means you're moving faster than someone on snowshoes who has to pick up their snow shoes for every step. Find out if snow skis or snowshoes are faster in deep snow with help from an expert with more than 20 years of experience as a professional guide in New Hampshire in this free video clip.