Autumn is here and winter is fast approaching. This means the amount of sunlight each day is decreasing, as are the temperatures. You may be thinking it is getting too chilly to hike, but honestly, winter hiking is a great activity. Although winter hiking can take longer to cover the same terrain than in the summer, and it may require greater physical demand, winter hiking can be more forgiving by allowing you to walk on snowy trails that cover annoying summer obstacles (rocks and roots), and trails are often less crowded in winter than in summer. This allows for peace, quiet, and a level of serenity you may not get while hiking other times of the year. Plus the landscape looks completely different in winter, at least in many parts of the country. Finally, as we have mentioned in many articles, being outside in nature reduces stress and improves our mental health!  If you haven’t tried winter hiking I hope this introduction has sparked your interest! 

There are many good resources you can find on preparing for winter hiking. I used the following websites, and sorted the information into categories below. This blog post is a simple summary of these categories. You should review these resources for additional information and a comprehensive understanding of hiking in winter and cold weather. 

American Hiking Society

REI

The Hungry Hiker

Appalachian Mountain Club

Red Cross

Conditions: Trails, Roads, Weather

A first step for any hike, no matter the time of year, is to check the trail conditions. This is especially true in winter. Trails are not as busy in the winter so it is important to check trip reports by others to get a sense of the conditions of the trail, and even gaining access to the trailheads. Some trailheads may not be accessible in winter, which may mean extra mileage if parking on the road or in other parking lots. There are several forums to check trip reports. You can find these through various trail associations or reputable, organized hiking clubs. 

A second step before any winter hike is to check the weather forecast for the location you are planning to hike, and if hiking in avalanche areas, the avalanche forecast. While it is a good idea to start checking all of these conditions several days before your hike, it is highly recommended that you also check the conditions the morning of your hike as conditions change quickly, especially in the mountains. Do not rely on information that is several days old. 

Lastly, check road conditions, especially if traveling a distance from your local area and if driving over mountain passes or on windy roads. While the roads may be dry as you head out the door, there could be snow and ice at higher elevations. The state’s department of transportation is a good resource, as are local news outlets. 

Clothing

What you wear is critical for a safe and enjoyable hike. The resources listed above have a lot of information on this topic. You should start with a layering system. This includes a base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin, a mid layer that keeps you warm from the cold, and an outer layer that keeps wind and moisture out. The advantage of a layered system is that you can remove and add layers throughout your hike so that you stay warm, and do not overheat or sweat. It is important to stay dry as getting wet on a cold day, even just sweating, may lead to hypothermia. Avoid wearing cotton, as once it gets damp or wet it takes a long time to dry. Instead, wear synthetic or wool layers, which dry much faster and wick moisture away from your skin. 

This is true for your socks as well. Synthetic or wool socks will help keep your feet dry. It is always a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks with you in case your feet get wet. A good winter, waterproof boot is essential if hiking through the snow. And if hiking through snow consider wearing gaiters. Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots, and add another layer to your legs. 

Covering exposed skin is important. Gloves or mittens should be waterproof. Glove liners add a layer and can help keep hands warm. Keep your head warm and keep heat from escaping by wearing a good winter hat. A neck gaiter or face mask will keep your nose, ears, and cheeks warm, and protect them from frostbite. 

The 10 Essentials

Every hiker should carry the 10 essential items with them on every hike, no matter the time of year. The list below includes what you need to consider when hiking in colder weather. These items are essential to survival. 

1. Hydration: In winter consider using water bottles rather than a water bladder with a hose that can freeze. Store water bottles in your pack or consider an insulation sleeve to avoid freezing. 
2. Nutrition: Bring more food than you need. Pack a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, such as nuts, chocolate, cheese, meat sticks, and energy bars. Consider which food may freeze and store those closer to your body. Also cut food into smaller pieces so you are not biting into a frozen item.
3. Navigation: While a paper map and compass may seem old school, they do not require batteries, which can drain quickly in cold weather. Review the trail information prior to the hike and note the mileage, water sources, elevation gain, river crossing, and other important features. 
4. Emergency shelter: Always bring a tarp, bivvy, emergency space blanket, sleeping bag, or other shelter that will protect you from the elements, especially if you need to spend a wintery night out. 
5. Extra clothing: In addition to the layering system discussed above, think about what you would need to survive a long period of inactivity out in the winter elements. 
6. Headlamp or flashlight: There is less daylight in winter. Be prepared to hike in the dark if necessary. Always bring extra batteries. 
7. Firestarter: Fire is a heat and light source. Bring both an igniter to start a fire as well as something to light. 
8. First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit should include medications, injury care, and tools. 
9. Repair kit: Gear can break. Having items such as a knife, duct tape, zip ties, and paracord can temporarily repair gear while on the trail. 
10. Sun protection: Don’t underestimate the power of the sun, especially in winter. Sunglasses, goggles, and sunscreen will protect against ultraviolet rays, which are stronger at higher elevations.

Health and Safety

By carrying the 10 essentials above, and having the right gear and clothing, you will increase your chances of staying healthy and safe on the trail. But there are no guarantees, and weather conditions can change quickly. Two cold weather related health concerns include frostbite and hypothermia. 

Frostbite often occurs on your fingers, toes, and ears. That is why it is important to wear proper clothing and cover these body parts well. Frostbite is actually when the tissue freezes. There are three degrees of frostbite: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. Symptoms of frostnip include cold, hard, pale skin, along with tingling or numbness. More severe symptoms of frostbite include skin that turns purple or black, with no feeling or pain, and blisters. 

Hypothermia can occur when the body’s temperature drops below normal. This can happen as a result of the body losing heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia is common in cold weather but can also occur in warmer weather if the body gets cold due to various reasons, such as sweating or getting wet. Hypothermia can be life threatening if left untreated. 

Hypothermia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms vary based on the degree of the condition. Some signs of mild hypothermia include shivering, clumsiness, confusion, excessive peeing, and tiredness. Some signs of moderate hypothermia include slowed breathing and heart rate, muscle stiffness, garbled speech, and bluish skin color. Some signs of severe hypothermia include no more shivering, low amount of urine, no reflexes, unable to move, and lack of a heart beat. 

The Red Cross has a resource on treating both frostbite and hypothermia. If you plan on hiking in cold weather please read this.

Other Tips

Here are just a few other tips to consider for winter hiking. 

1. Additional gear to bring: If hiking in snowy and icy conditions consider bringing hiking poles, snowshoes, microspikes or crampons, and hand warmers.
2. Leave a trip itinerary with someone: include your start and expected end time, your hiking route, emergency contact information, car information (make, model, plate), and contact information of local authorities. This is important for any hike, any time of year. 
3. Set a turn around time: Hiking in winter, especially if there is snow and ice, will take longer. Decide before you start hiking what your turn around time will be and stick to it, even if you do not reach the intended summit or destination. Again, this is important any time of year you are hiking. 

Summary

There are many reasons to love winter hiking and hiking in colder weather. There are usually less crowds, the scenery is completely different, you increase your hiking skills, and you extend your hiking season to year round! Plus, exercising in nature reduces stress and improves mental health. There is a lot of information in this article to help you get started. If winter hiking seems a bit out of your comfort zone right now consider joining an organized hike. There are many meetups and hiking organizations that offer winter hikes of all lengths and levels. If you can’t find one, leave a comment below and I will be glad to help you find one. See you this winter on the trails!!!