Winter Hiking Fun

WINTER HIKING FUN

Sure, downhill or cross country skiing is enjoyable.  But have you considered the fun you could have winter hiking?  Not just back and forth in the snow to your ski resort’s 7-Eleven, but actually in the countryside, foothills or mountains?

When I was younger, I took long winter hikes up into the Sierras with one or another of my kids, often taking a tent and sleeping bags and staying overnight.  Once to a destination, we’d usually fish along small lakes or streams and fry trout for breakfast.

But now that I’m a senior, I’m not ready to carry a heavy backpack through the snow.  In these more recent years, JoAnne and I have driven up to South-Shore Lake Tahoe and stayed for a couple of nights at a lodge.  During the day we’d pack a lunch, pull on winter clothing, strap on our snowshoes and follow a trail—or make our own—through the woods.  It’s delightful seeing majestic evergreen trees with each branch packed with snow and icicles—real Christmas trees!  And watching birds that haven’t flown south, such as snow geese, chickadees, woodpeckers and if you’re lucky a bald eagle.  We’re planning to do it again this winter, this time up to Sequoia or Yosemite.

If you haven’t gone on winter hikes before, you might want to try one for the fun of it.  It’s a great way to get outdoors this time of year.  Still, with cold weather and chances of it snowing, you’ll need to take more precautions than you would on summer hikes.  To help you prepare for your hike, I found this great December 16, 2021 online article from Reserve America, 7 Essential Rules for Winter Hiking.  Here are excerpts:

Follow these seven basic rules for winter hiking to stay safe out on the trail when the temperatures drop.

1. Dress in Layers

Depending on the time of day, winter temperatures can change in a hurry. Instead of getting caught unprepared, dress in multiple layers to make it easy to remove or add clothing to stay comfortable. If you plan on hiking to a higher elevation, take into account that the temperature on the summit will be much colder than it is near the parking lot.

Here a few items you should consider:

• Heavyweight winter socks
• Two pairs of gloves
• Waterproof outer layers
• Winter cap and a jacket with a hood
• Fleece or Merino wool inner layers

2. Always Hike with a Partner

If something goes wrong, getting stranded alone can put you in a dangerous situation. While it’s always a good idea to hike with a partner, this is especially true during winter months. Whether it’s missing a sign marker or getting caught out in dwindling daylight, an experienced trail mate can help you avoid common mistakes and go for help when needed.

It’s also a good idea to alert others back at home of your whereabouts in case something goes wrong. Leave them information like where you’re going, what time you plan to return and who to contact should you not return home within a specific period of time.

3. Invest in Good Gear

You get what you pay for and, if you’re serious about hiking in colder temperatures, investing in quality fabrics like down and Merino wool is definitely the way to go. They’ll do a better job of regulating your body temperature, and they’ll also last much longer than your average cold weather gear.

A lightweight, quality hiking backpack, waterproof hiking boots and a good jacket are also basic essentials for the trail. When you head out in the snow, snowshoes and hiking poles can make your hike much easier, too.

4. Be Prepared for the Worst

Even if it’s a trail you hike all the time and you’re familiar with the route, you should always prepare for the worst case scenario. This includes carrying a trail map and basic survival items like a first aid kit, compass, knife, cellphone and GPS tracking device or satellite messenger.

For longer hikes, also think about what you might need if you’re forced to spend the night outdoors. A flashlight or headlamp, waterproof matches and a sleeping bag might make your backpack a little heavier, but will be well worth it should you get stranded.

5. Always Know the Weather Forecast

Snowstorms, limited visibility and plummeting temperatures can change conditions on a trail in a hurry. To avoid having to suffer through a potentially dangerous situation, always keep track of the latest weather forecasts on the day prior to and the day of your hike. This will help you decide whether or not your hike needs to be postponed, how much time you have to spend on a trail and what to bring with you to stay safe.

6. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Despite low temps, dehydration is a common problem during the winter. Since your body has to work extremely hard just to maintain its core temperature, you’ll need to eat and drink frequently while you’re out on the trail to maintain your energy. If you do become dehydrated, hypothermia will become a much larger threat to your safety.

Pro tip: Pack an insulated thermos with hot cocoa to warm you up and provide an incentive for the end of a hike.

7. Start Early & Know When to Turn Around

Less daylight in the winter means you’ll need to get an early start if you’re planning a moderate-to-lengthy hike. At sunset, darkness can set in quickly and create a dangerous situation if you aren’t prepared.

If the hike is taking longer than expected, don’t be afraid to turn around early to make it back to your vehicle before nightfall. You can always try the hike again another day, but pushing to reach a particular checkpoint or a summit when you’re short on time can put you in jeopardy. Be smart, and know when your best option is to turn around.

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There you go.  Just follow these basic precautions and head on out on your own winter hike!