Hiking in the winter’s cold and snow has its advantages. For one, there are fewer hikers on the trail, giving you greater peace and quiet to commune with nature. Secondly, hiking in the snow presents unique challenges that avid hikers relish. Below are ReserveAmerica’s eight tips on how to make winter hiking in the snow a fun and safe experience.
1. Check that the Trail is Open
Hiking in cold weather means there is a higher possibility of the park being closed. If you are planning to hike in a state park or reserve, be sure to check that it is open during winter. Some state parks shut down mid fall through early spring. Even if a park is open, specific trails may also be closed based on conditions, so be sure to check the park’s posted information for any trail closures.
Find Your State’s Park List Here
2. Time Your Hike with the Sun
With short days to contend with, your winter hiking trip should start early to make the most of daylight hours. Consider how long the trail is and how much you can realistically cover in an hour given the wintry conditions. You will likely be walking slower than usual in the snow and ice. The more snow and ice, the longer the hiking time.
Another consideration is the trail’s topographical features and where the snow is melting or freezing at different times of the day. The western-facing side of a mountain, for example, will have ice and hard snow for a longer portion of the day since it is shaded longer from the sun. Likewise, a mountain pass crossed before the sun has reached it will be icy and slippery; yet, the same pass may be very slushy once the snow has melted following hours of direct sunlight.
Looking for great places open this winter? Check out our 5 Winter Wonderland to See This Year
3. Consider Snow-Specific Hazards
There are three snow-specific hazards to keep in mind during your winter hike:
- Frozen rivers – be careful of ice or snow bridges that can’t hold your weight. Also, crossing moving water is better earlier in the day, when less snow has melted. More snow melt, of course, means the water moves faster and is more dangerous.
- Cliffs – with snow and ice covering the trail, it’s not easy to tell where the trail ends and a cliff begins. The steeper the ledge, the greater the chance ice and snow will give way to a misstep. In short, avoid routes that take you alongside a cliff!
- Avalanches – be on the lookout for cracks in the snowpack and listen for the tell-tale whomping noise of an imminent avalanche. The good news is that avalanches can only occur on slopes of 30 degrees or more.
4. Bring a Buddy or Two
Even in good weather conditions, it’s a good idea to hike with a buddy. In riskier winter hiking conditions, hiking in pairs or groups should be considered mandatory. As with any hike, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you should be back.
5. Bring More Layers Than You Think You’ll Need
Even if you don’t need full coverage at the start of your hike, pack accessories in case the weather changes, which can happen drastically as you reach higher elevations. Exposed body parts can become uncomfortably cold or frostbitten. As such, take care to bring articles of clothing that can cover any exposed area, like cheeks, nose, ears, neck, and fingers. This should include:
- Insulated gloves
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Warm face mask
- Regular gaiters (to help keep snow out of your boots)
- Sunglasses for sun glare from the snow
The basics of layering up for cold weather include:
- A base layer – this layer is worn against the skin and should wick away sweat. Consider a polyester or wool material that retains heat but not moisture.
- A mid layer – worn over your base layer, this is your insulating layer. Often this is a fleece or synthetic jacket with good insulation, and lined walking pants.
- A shell layer – this layer is worn over other clothing and protects you from wind and moisture, including jacket and pants.
- No cotton ever – cotton retains moisture, and therefore can make you cold once you perspire or become wet. Do not wear any cotton when hiking in cold temperatures.
6. Protect Your Feet
Wet, cold feet are not only uncomfortable during a winter hike, but they can be outright dangerous. Keep your feet warm and dry during your winter hike and take the following precautions:
- Wear wool socks, and bring an extra pair – Thick insulating wool socks will keep your feet warm. Bring an extra pair along too in case your first pair gets wet (very common when hiking in the snow!)
- Choose heavy-duty hiking boots (waterproof if possible) – Don’t pack your summer trail shoes for a winter hike. Be sure to have hiking boots, preferably ankle-high, with a sturdy sole and full weatherproofing. Even if your boots aren’t already waterproof, you can treat them with a variety of waterproofing sprays. Consider wearing gaiters as well to prevent snow from getting down into your boots.
- Bring traction – Microspikes and crampons are frames worn over your hiking boots with spikes at the bottom to provide added traction. The spikes on microspikes are generally smaller and more spaced out than on crampons, making them preferred for mixed terrain, while crampons are preferred for icy terrain. For deep or powdery snow, especially on flatter terrain, snowshoes are your best bet for added traction and tread surface area.
Recommended: Crampons vs. Microspikes vs. Snowshoes: What to Use
7. Pack Winter Survival Essentials
When it comes to hiking in snow, think like a Boy Scout and always be prepared. You want to take enough gear for unforeseen situations, including being stuck out in the elements overnight. We recommend you bring the following with you:
- Enough food and water for a couple of days
- Sunscreen
- Walking poles (for sturdier walking and identifying snow drifts)
- Ice axe
- A headlamp
- Extra batteries (keep them warm)
- Hand and feet warmers
- Pocket knife
- Compass or GPS
- First aid kit
- Matches
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Emergency shelter or bivy
8. Check the Weather Before You Go
You’ll likely be keeping an eye on the weather the week of your trip, but be sure to check conditions just before leaving too. This will help to ensure you are adequately prepared for the weather. If conditions are dangerous or you do not have the right gear for approaching weather, postpone the hike for another day; the trail will be there when you are ready for it.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.