Grant said,

You mean the training on snowshoes -- and you're in Maryland, right? Any sort of hill training (hiking) will prepare you pretty well for snowshoeing; the Blue Ridge or Western Maryland gets some good snow and you could plan outtings to make the most of those regional snows. I think getting comfortable with cold weather gear is something you can do a lot of in Maryland!

As for big climbs, navigation, and snowshoe conditions you're right that the mid-Atlantic isn't a great fit. That's part of the appeal of this event, where else can you do a 1000 meter snowshoe climb up a glacier and find a chalet serving hot food and drinks at the top?

This location, Pontresina, is a mecca for nordic skiing and while we've considered opening the event up to skis I don't know that you would have an easier time training skis instead of snowshoes. And in the lower valleys, with our event in April, you might end up carrying your skis for several hours. The potential for serious injury is much higher on skis, too.

I'm not saying "no," but I need to give it more consideration.

Grant said,

Switzerland is blissfully devoid of snowmobiles, for the most part. I doubt you could find one even if you could use on, Chris!

Back to your parachute and solar-powered rocket sled, right?