Hiking in the winter means fewer people on the trail, no bugs to swat away, and it is a fantastic way to combat seasonal depression.
Packing
Adjust your packing list for a winter hike. Pack accordingly to the trail conditions, if there is deep snow, pack snowshoes. Hand and toe warmers are always a great idea to bring along. If you are hiking on a sunny day don’t forget your sunscreen!
Wear a toque or headband to keep your ears and head warm, and bring gloves or mittens for your hands. Wear a balaclava or face mask to cover your cheeks, and nose.
Jacket zippers to make it easier to zip or unzip pockets while wearing gloves. Trade your summer hiking boots for a warm pair of winter snow boots! Alpaca or merino wool socks will help keep your toes warm. You can wear fleece-lined pants or full-on snow pants depending on the conditions and your personal preference.
Layering
The most important part of winter hiking is staying warm without breaking a sweat. Sweating leads to becoming chilled in the cold conditions.
Be bold, start cold is a great motto to follow. Starting cold prevents you from overheating and sweating too early.
It’s a great idea to pack extra layers to prepare for the colder weather at higher elevations. This is why many people prefer to wear a larger hiking pack while hiking in the winter compared to summer.
Hikers may find they are dehydrated after a winter hike. Hikers may not feel as thirsty in cold and damp conditions, so don’t forget to hydrate often.
A few inches of snow can completely cover a trail and easily cause hikers to become lost. Check the weather forecast before heading out.
Check for avalanches in the area by clicking here. If you want to become a hardcore winter hiker you can even take an avalanche course and learn how to identify the risk of one for yourself.
