Since 1977
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 out our blog post to learn how to fit your hiking gear!
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.
Click here to view our blog on hikes in Alberta
