Losing motivation is easy when the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. Heading outdoors during the cold winter months is not as easy as summer is way less ruthless than the winter. In winter, you cannot just tuck in the shoes and follow where the trail takes you. It requires a lot more in winter to hit the trail and a slight change in the mindset and the right kind of information can take you a long way where you can enjoy being outdoors with winter activity. 

Staying active has loads of benefits and when you are hitting the road during the darker months, it will not just help you stay active, but improve mental health and boost your mood. So without much ado, let’s get started with the complete snow guide so that you enjoy and stay comfortable staying outdoors in winter.

General Tips to Remember

When you are hiking to the mountains in winter, you require more planning than usual as there are lots of safety precautions involved to face the harsh climatic elements.

  • Remember that daylight hours are shorter during the winters so start your journey as early as possible so that you can cover the majority of the hike when there is still light. Avoid being out in the dark and have a plan prepared for such situations.
  • The weather might seem calm and quiet at the ground level. But as you start to ascend the slope, it might change drastically. What will seem obvious at the foot of the hills might not be the same at the top. The movement of air and wind tends to get colder and harsher at higher altitudes.
  • Cold temperatures make the technological devices malfunction and you should be ready for that. Be prepared with extra pair of batteries and backup of sorts. Also, try to keep the devices warm so that they do not leave you hung in mid-journey. Do not rely on your phone when you are on the trail.
  • Going uphill or hiking during winters tend to burn more calories. So, stay well-nourished on the track as it will keep you warm too.
  • Dehydration often leads to hypothermia. If you feel thirsty, then you are already dehydrated. Keep in mind to keep drinking water at regular intervals to avoid the situation of hypothermia.

Winter Hiking Clothing

The key to comfortable winter hiking is staying warm and dry. If you are sweating then you have worn the wrong kind of clothes. In the end, you will be all wet and cold. Dress up in three layers and avoid cotton at all costs. A thin and warm base layer, followed by a mid-layer and a waterproof outer layer is all you need. For winter hiking bottoms, consider wearing a base layer and a waterproof layer on top of it. Also, if you are comfortable, you can wear ski pants as well.

Winter Hiking Accessories

Pack a few extra pairs of gloves when you are hiking uphill and there is nothing more comfortable than warm hands. Make sure the gloves are lightweight and waterproof as they will be more appropriate when you are ascending the snowy uphill. Apart from the gloves, pay attention to hats and snow boots that are particularly made to hike uphill in the snowy mountains.

A Feeling of Fulfilment

No matter the wind and the cold outdoors lifting your spirit, staying well prepared with the information will help you fight the challenges, and come back home with some worthwhile experience.