36 Winter Hiking Tips – Complete Guide to Staying Warm and Safe

I’m giving you 36 winter hiking tips as the ultimate guide to hiking in cold weather. You’ll learn how to prepare, what to wear, how to stay safe and more.

For many hikers winter is the time of rest, away from the trails. Many people think that hiking in winter is hard, cold, super tiring and overall exhausting.

Want to know the best part?

It doesn’t have to be! As everything it’s a matter of planning, preparation and attitude.

If you’ve been searching for all possible winter hiking tips look no further!

So without further ado – let’s dive right in!

Key Takeaways

Planning Your Winter Hike

Proper planning is very important every time you go out into the mountains. But it’s especially true when you do winter hiking – the conditions are much harsher and more demanding. When planning and preparing your hike keep in mind the following:

Check the weather forecast – by weather forecast I mean not only temperature but also precipitation, fog, wind speed and avalanche reports. All those factors have a major influence on the quality and safety of your trip so make sure you know exactly what is going to happen. NOAA website offers full forecast for any area you’d like to hike. You can also search for hiking forums about your area and if you’re planning to visit a national park check their website for newest trails’ conditions.

Check the daylight hours – You know that days in winter are much shorter so keep that in mind when planning your hike. You might be in shape to hike 20km but the question is do you have enough time to do that in winter daylight time? You can check the daylight hours of any area you wish at any day of the year on this great website.

Choose a proper trail – now if you’re not an experienced winter hiker choose a trail that is relatively easy or easier that you might hike in summer. Taking the above points into consideration the easier trail will probably the best choice. Also check what are the road conditions of the roads leading to the trail head – you don’t want to be stuck even before reaching the trail. Also study the map of your trail area and know any possible emergency “exits” you can take in case something goes wrong.

Plan to start your day early – be prepared to wake up when it’s still dark and start your hike early. Due to short days you want to use all the daylight you have for hiking. You can sleep and rest when it’s dark.

Dressing for Winter Hiking Success

You know about layering and how useful it is. In winter though it becomes a key to staying warm, dry and comfortable. Mastering the skill of proper clothes layering is essential if you want to do winter hiking.

Hiking in cold weather can be an exhilarating and challenging experience, but it’s important to be prepared with the right gear, especially when it comes to your clothing. Layering is key when it comes to staying warm and comfortable in cold weather, so let’s dive into some winter hiking tips and the best clothes to wear on the trail.

Dress in layers

First and foremost, when it comes to winter hiking clothes, layering is essential. Layering allows you to regulate your body temperature by adding or removing layers as needed.

Best Outer Shell Jackets

In addition to layering, don’t forget about your extremities. Invest in a good pair of insulated and waterproof boots that provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces. Thick wool socks will keep your feet warm and dry. And don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your head, hands, and neck from the biting cold.

By following these winter hiking tips and layering for cold weather, you’ll be able to stay warm and comfortable on your next winter adventure.

Winter Hiking Gear

There are couple of items that are essential for winter hiking. They make the whole story safer and more comfortable. Keep in mind that some gear pieces will depend on the trail conditions and type of hiking you’ll do.

Gaiters

I wear gaiters all year long. Of course winter gaiters are completely different to the summer version. They’re knee high and have a waterproof membrane for protection against snow. Doesn’t matter what type of trail you hike I would always recommend wearing gaiters in winter.

Microspikes/Crampons

Trekking Poles

Use Trekking poles – for me taking these is a no brainer. I use poles whole year round and winter proves to be the best time to put them into work. They provide stability and help you move through snow and ice. Make sure you buy trekking poles compatible with snow baskets. Those little plates work like a small snow shoe for you pole and prevent them from sinking down.

Ten Essentials

Don’t forget Ten Essentials – you can find all you need to know about those items in this Ten Essentials article (contains free printable checklist for better planning). In short it’s a set of items that provide you with safety and first-aid and they should always find place in your backpack. Make sure you create your set and take it with you.

GPS/Map

Take Map, compass, GPS – always take a compass and a map of the area you’re hiking in. Trail blazes might be covered by snow as well as parts of the trail that’s why you need a support of your map. As an additional backup you bring your GPS along – just remember when in doubt always consult both GPS and your map.

Snowshoes

Consider bringing Snowshoes – first of all practice walking with them before embarking on a more serious trip. Another thing is to know when exactly to use snowshoes – they have a specific use. Wearing them will be beneficial in high, unconsolidated snow where otherwise you would be left knee deep in snow making deep holes. It’s not only tiring for you but also destroys the trail for any hiker coming after you. When buying snowshoes make sure they have integrated crampons for additional traction on ice or packed snow.

Sitpad

Emergency Beacon

Contemplate using Spot – it’s not a necessity to bring a satellite messenger with you but if you already have one it won’t hurt. Spot is a great piece of gear enabling you to send SOS messages, check ins, route tracking by your loved ones etc. Winter hiking poses more danger to a hiker and satellite messenger can be a lifesaver.

Heat Packs

Pack Hand/feet warmers – you can bring those along for additional comfort. Believe me they will feel good when you need them. Also you can use your hand warmer to keep your water bottle from freezing – just put it into the insulation sleeve and you’re set.

Backpack

Use a right Backpack – as you can see it’s quite a lot of gear you need to bring along for winter hiking. Yes, you’re right – you need a proper backpack to fit it all in. It will need to be big enough as well as able to carry all that weight. Make sure the carrying system is comfortable and the pack durable to withstand winter conditions.

Winter Hiking Nutrition and Hydration

It’s another thing that needs to be adjusted for winter hiking. The types of food will change slightly as well as how to prepare them. Also what and how you drink needs to be revised.

Winter Hiking Food

Hiking in cold weather has a very different effects on you body than warm weather hikes. Heavier gear and clothing and walking through snow will increase your energy expense. Also cold weather puts additional strain on your body – it needs more energy to keep itself warm and warm up the air you’re breathing in.

Staying warm and full of energy will depend on you eating sound food. In winter you’ll need additional 500 – 1.000 kcal per day ( i.e. ~4.500 for men and ~3.500 for women ) to balance the energy you use.

Warm meals are a preferred choice winter hiking. However those types of food will take longer to prepare due to cold air, the necessity to melt snow for water and longer cooking time. It’s understandable that many hikers choose ready, freeze dried meals in winter – they’re the easiest and fastest to prepare. You can also bring grocery store foods but remember they should be  light, quick to cook, easy to transport and not containing water (like fresh fruits etc.)

Now let’s go through the a day hike meals and what to consider making them.

Lunch – after couple of hours of hiking you might fancy a warm lunch. The choice is yours but I would suggest eating a snack type of lunch or something you don’t need to heat up. When you stop you lose your heat and your core temperature drops – which you want to avoid. I would suggest you eat simple, quick lunch like peanut butter tortilla coupled with some power bar (you can make them yourself) or GORP. Eat nuts, chocolate, nut butter, crackers, bagels, tortillas, cheese etc. Just try avoiding too much sugar – it will warm you up in the beginning but it burns fast and your body temperature will fall back down fast.

Dinner – this is the highlight meal of the day. Make sure you bring something that is appealing, something you would wait for. If your meal doesn’t look inviting or interesting at home it definitely won’t on the trail. Good idea is to drink something warm while you’re preparing your food – soup, tee or cocoa are great. Once you stop you’ll start cooling down and sipping on something warm will keep you comfortable.

Your dinner should be warm and rich in complex carbohydrates. Dishes like pasta with a cheese sauce, quinoa with a soupy base and dried vegetable, couscous with dried fruits, beans and lentils etc. will leave you warm and full for the night. If you’re having your dinner early eat something rich in fats to keep you warm during the night. Dark chocolate is a good choice.

Winter Hiking Food Preparation Tips

Don’t bring fresh foods or wet meal pouches – apart from higher weight and bulk they also contain a lot of water which make them prone to freezing. Take only dry foods like pasta, couscous, quinoa, or dehydrated food.

Don’t bring too many dishes – what you really need is a bowl and a spork. You may also want to bring additional, light cup for drinks. Make sure your spork is made of plastic not metal – metal is not good for winter cooking, it heats up fast and you might get burnt.

Re-package your food

Make sure you repackage any food you bring into freezer bags. This removes some bulk and packaging weight. It also makes your food easier to pack. You have two options to organize your food – you can either make food bag for each day where you will have everything you want to eat on a given day. Or you can organize your food by food type – bag with breakfasts, lunches etc.

Winterize your stove – make sure to bring a wind screen or a reflector with you it will speed up cooking time. Also when re-hydrating your food make sure you do it with the lid on and your pot in a pot cozy for increased efficiency.

Keep your lighters and stove gas in a warm place. Cold gas is performing very poorly so make sure you have it ready to use.

Winter Hydration

During winter hiking we don’t feel thirst so much. Also cold weather doesn’t encourage us to drink often. It’s dangerous because we still need water – it’s essential for digestion as well as temperature regulation. Very often hikers dehydrate during cold weather hikes that’s why it’s so important to drink regularly.

Winter Hydration Tips

Staying hydrated is crucial during winter hiking, even though the cold may suppress thirst. However, keeping water from freezing can be challenging in sub-zero temperatures. To prevent water from freezing, hikers can employ several strategies. Below I list important tips for managing hydration during cold weather hikes.

Drink regularly – even if you don’t feel thirsty just drink cause you know you have to.

If using a water bladder blow back the rest of the water from the hose after taking a sip to prevent it from freezing. You can also buy a special neoprene hose insulation. At night remove the bladder from your pack and put close your sleeping bag to keep it relatively warm.

If using water bottles turn them upside down when storing. The water is freezing from top so by turning it around you make sure that whenever you need you will have some water still unfrozen ready to drink. You can also use a water bottle insulation sleeve and as a bonus use a hand warmer to protect your water from freezing.

Don’t drink cold water – in winter your body needs all it’s energy to keep you warm. By drinking cold water you waste this energy on warming up cold liquid which can give you chills.

Fill up your water supplies every time you can – in winter it’s more difficult to get water as streams and other water sources are frozen. Refill your supply every time you can.

Drink warm, hearty beverages before going to sleep. They will feel very good and keep you warmed up before going to bed. Cocoa or soup are great. Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks – alcohol widens blood vessels close to the skin which causes heat loss and caffeine pulls water out of your body which you don’t want.

Another trick is to fill bottles with hot water at the start of the hike. The heat will keep the water liquid for longer periods. Some hikers prefer to carry a thermos with hot beverages like tea or hot chocolate, which can serve as both hydration and a warming treat.

By prioritizing nutrition and hydration during winter hiking, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the snow-covered wilderness. Proper fueling helps maintain energy levels, keeps the body warm, and allows you to fully appreciate the unique beauty of winter landscapes.

Other Winter Hiking Tips

There are couple of more valuable tips I would like to share with you which don’t fall under any specific category.

Try to go with an experienced friend – if it’s your first winter hiking trip try to find someone who already did this kind of thing. It’s safer for you and you can also learn a ton from someone with a proper experience.

Leave your trip details with someone back home or a ranger station. It’s something you should practice all year round but it’s important especially in winter when conditions can get really tricky.

Be avalanche aware and observe snow around you. Even if you’re not an expert you can notice that something is not right and react in time. Don’t wander into high avalanche risk areas without proper training beforehand.

Learn to recognize signs of hypothermia and frostbite – know the symptoms and how to treat them. This small guide provides you a quick overview on how to recognize any of the above.

Winter hiking hygiene – for most parts similar rules apply as to other type of hiking. The only thing I might add is that digging a cat hole might be problematic in winter – in this case make sure to pack out any waste you produce and take it out with you. Leaving your waste buried in the snow is not a solution – snow will thaw away and the waste will resurface – not a pleasant thing.

Use your common sense – it’s probably one of the most essential “gear pieces” you should take with you. Make sure to know when to stop or turn around – reaching home safely is far more important than reaching the summit (been there, done that) Common sense and good judgement will keep you from harm and ensure safety. Adventures of Fox in the Forest has a great article on mental strength and common sense when hiking in winter.

Mastering Winter Hiking Techniques

Winter hiking presents unique challenges that require specific techniques to navigate safely and efficiently. By mastering these methods, you can enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes while minimizing risks associated with cold weather and icy terrain.

Using Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are invaluable tools for winter hiking, providing additional stability and balance on slippery surfaces. They help distribute weight, reduce strain on joints, and can prevent falls on icy trails. When using poles in winter conditions, it’s important to adjust their length appropriately. Shortening the poles slightly for uphill climbs and lengthening them for descents can improve efficiency and safety.

To maximize the benefits of trekking poles, hikers should use them rhythmically, planting them in sync with their steps. This technique not only enhances balance but also engages the upper body, resulting in a more comprehensive workout. Some poles come with interchangeable baskets, allowing hikers to switch to larger ones for deep snow, which prevents the poles from sinking too far.

Snowshoeing Basics

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to traverse deep snow during winter hikes. The basic technique involves widening your stance slightly and walking with a natural gait. When starting out, it’s normal to feel a bit awkward, but with practice, the movement becomes more fluid.

For uphill climbs, snowshoers can use the “toe kick” technique in soft snow, kicking the toes into the snow to create steps. On harder packed snow, the “foot stomp” method is more effective, firmly planting the crampon into the snow for traction. When descending, it’s important to keep your weight centered over your feet, take small steps, and plant your heel first.

If you fall while snowshoeing, the best way to get up is to roll onto your front, put one knee up, and push yourself to a half-kneeling position before standing fully. In deep powder, you may need to compact the snow around you to create a solid base for pushing up.

Navigating Icy Terrain

Navigating icy terrain requires extra caution and specific techniques. Microspikes or crampons can provide crucial traction on icy surfaces. When walking on ice, take short, deliberate steps and keep your center of gravity low. The “penguin walk” – taking small steps with feet pointed slightly outward – can help maintain balance on slippery surfaces.

For steep, icy slopes, the step-cutting technique can be useful. This involves using the edge of your boot or snowshoe to create a small platform in the ice before transferring your weight. Always test the stability of each step before committing your full weight.

When descending icy slopes, the “plunge step” can be effective. This involves stepping down forcefully with your heel, keeping your legs slightly bent to absorb shock. If the slope is very steep or the ice particularly treacherous, consider using an ice ax for additional security.

Managing Risks on Winter Trails

Winter hiking presents unique challenges that require careful preparation and risk management. Hikers venturing into snowy landscapes must be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Avalanche Safety

One of the most significant risks in winter hiking is the potential for avalanches. These powerful snow slides can occur on slopes as gentle as 30 degrees, making them a concern for hikers as well as skiers. To minimize avalanche risk, hikers should check avalanche forecasts before setting out and be able to recognize avalanche terrain. It is crucial to avoid traveling on or beneath steep, snow-covered slopes, especially after recent snowfall or during rapid temperature changes.

Carrying proper avalanche safety gear is essential when hiking in avalanche-prone areas. This equipment includes an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel, and an avalanche probe. However, having the gear is not enough; hikers must also know how to use it effectively. Taking an avalanche safety course is highly recommended for anyone planning to hike in areas with avalanche potential.

Recognizing Weather Hazards

Weather conditions in winter can change rapidly, posing significant risks to hikers. Hypothermia is a serious concern, as it can occur even in temperatures above freezing if a hiker becomes wet or exhausted. Early signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, difficulty walking, and reduced mental awareness. To prevent hypothermia, hikers should dress in layers, avoid cotton clothing, and carry extra warm, dry clothes.

Frostbite is another cold-weather hazard that can affect exposed skin in freezing temperatures. Hikers should protect vulnerable areas such as fingers, toes, nose, and ears with appropriate clothing and gear. It’s also important to stay hydrated and well-nourished, as the body requires more energy to maintain warmth in cold conditions.

First Aid Essentials

A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for winter hiking. In addition to standard first aid supplies, winter hikers should include items specific to cold-weather emergencies. These may include hand and foot warmers, emergency blankets, and chemical heat packs. Familiarizing oneself with basic first aid procedures for cold-related injuries is essential.

Carrying an emergency beacon or satellite communication device can be lifesaving in remote areas where cell phone coverage is unreliable. These devices allow hikers to call for help in case of emergencies, greatly increasing the chances of a timely rescue.

By understanding and preparing for these risks, winter hikers can significantly improve their safety while enjoying the beauty of snow-covered trails. Remember, proper planning, appropriate gear, and a willingness to turn back when conditions become unsafe are key elements of responsible winter hiking.

Conclusion

Winter hiking offers a unique and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts willing to brave the cold. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can stay safe and comfortable while exploring snow-covered landscapes. Proper gear, nutrition, and hiking techniques are key to enjoying winter trails safely.