Winter Hiking Tips for Beginners
You've seen all those beautiful winter photos taken from the summits of Adirondack peaks, but have you ever tried winter hiking? Here in the Adirondacks, hiking is a popular year-round activity, but winter hiking introduces some new challenges.
From frigid temperatures to sudden snow storms, you have to expect the unexpected if you plan to go winter hiking. For all you beginners, we've put together a list of the most important winter hiking tips you should know before you go.
Before you head for the mountains wearing whatever winter clothes you have in the house, take some time to prepare for your winter hiking trip. While it's important to plan ahead any time you go for a hike, there are a few precautions you should follow before going on a winter hike.
Energizing Day Hiking Lunch Ideas
https://www.hikingbay.com/energizing-day-hiking-lunch-ideas-for-your-next-outdoor-escapade
Check The Weather Forecast & Trail Conditions
Winters can be harsh in the Adirondacks, especially near mountains. If you're planning on ascending a high summit, you must prepare for cold temperatures, deep snow, and strong winds.
The best way to prepare for winter weather is to stay up-to-date on the latest forecast and trail conditions for the area you want to hike in. Take a look at the chance of precipitation, be aware of any new trail notices, check the temperatures, and keep an eye out for possible winter storms. You don't want to be hiking when a thick fog rolls in.
In addition, if you can, you should check how much snow has already fallen in the area. This will help you determine if you need snowshoes or cross-country skis for your trip.
One final tip to remember is that days are shorter in the winter season. Check when sunrise and sunset will be on the day you plan to hike, and then try to avoid hiking in the dark.
We provide weekly hiking conditions for each weekend
lattcure outfitters sleeping bag
https://www.hikingbay.com/finding-the-best-lightweight-sleeping-bag-for-hiking
What To Wear & Bring
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the following items are essential to wear and bring on a winter hike:
Wear:
• Waterproof Outer Wear
• Fleece or Wool Hat
• Winter Boots
• Fleece-Wool Clothing
• Gloves or Mittens
Bring:
• Day Pack (2500-3000 c.u. in.)
• Crampons
• High Energy Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Ensolite Pad
• Stove & Extra Fuel
• Map and Compass
• Skis or Snowshoes
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Water Bottle
• Water Purification (device)
• First Aid Kit
• Ice Axe
• Bivy Sack
• Space Blanket
This list will help get you thinking about the basics of what to wear and bring. To be fully prepared, you should pack a few days worth of food and water, extra clothing, and other supplies. It's best to be overprepared for a winter hike than underprepared.
For a look at what an experienced winter hiker brings, see what's in local 46er Sam Perkins' winter hiking pack »
keto hiking food
https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike
How To Stay Safe
Aside from wearing the proper clothing and carrying a backpack full of essential gear and supplies, there are a variety of winter hiking safety tips you should be aware of:
1. Go with a friend or friends. If someone in your group is an experienced winter hiker, then they'll have good advice to share to keep everyone safe.
2. Make sure someone knows you've gone winter hiking. Cell phone service is extremely limited in the Adirondacks, so it's important to plan out where and when you plan to hike.
3. If you know the snow will be deep, wear snowshoes or cross-country skis to make traveling easier, reduce the chance of injuries, and prevent post-holing (deep footprints in the snow).
4. Bring or wear crampons or other traction devices on your snow boots so you don't slip on icy areas.
5. Be wary of areas with ice and sites where avalanches have occurred in the past.
6. The cold air might feel refreshing, but you must remember to eat and stay hydrated, warm, and dry. This will help you prevent getting hypothermia (a medical emergency when your body temperature is below normal).
7. It takes a lot more energy to travel through snow, so you'll want to rest often.
8. If your skin turns red and feels very cold, then you should find a way to get warm, even if it means ending your winter hiking trip. This is a sign of frostnip, the first stage of frostbite, which is an injury caused by freezing. It is common on fingers, toes, the nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.
9. Whether you plan to hike, snowshoe, or even go winter camping, the key to wearing apparel appropriate for Adirondack winters is using layers that can easily be added or removed. The image above shows how to layer appropriately.
10. For shirts and tops, avoid cotton; it retains moisture and will make you colder. Instead, choose a base layer made from thermal or moisture-wicking material. For your middle layer, choose insulating items, including sweaters and sweatshirts. For your outer layer, select a coat or parka that will repel wind and protect you from the elements.
11. For pants, avoid denim; it isn't waterproof and will stay damp for a long time, increasing your risk of hypothermia. Instead, use layers again, placing thermal or moisture-wicking long underwear under pants that will repel snow and rain. For socks, choose light or medium-weight ones that will keep your feet warm and dry. For footwear, choose waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction.
best winter hikes in washington
https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington
12. Hats are a must because they help you retain your body heat. Headbands will help you keep your ears covered. Mittens or gloves should be made from waterproof or breathable fabrics (note: mittens will be warmer). Scarves or face masks will help keep you protected from the elements. In addition, sunglasses or goggles will provide UV protection.
13. Text Version Of The Infographic Above
14. What To Wear In The ADKS
15. If you're planning a trip to the Adirondacks this winter, it's important to know how to dress! Whether you'll be hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or camping, the key to ADK apparel is using LAYERS that can easily be added or removed!
16. On The Top
17. Base Layer: Shirts made from thermal or moisture-wicking material
18. Middle Layer: Insulating items, including sweaters and sweatshirts
19. Outer Layer: A coat or parka that will repel wind and protect from the elements
20. Pro Tip: NO cotton - it retains moisture and will make you colder
21. On The Bottom
22. Use Layers: Put thermal or moisture-wicking long underwear under pants that will repel snow and rain
23. Socks: Light- or medium-weight that will keep your feet warm and dry
24. Footwear: Waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction
25. Pro Tip: Denim isn't waterproof
26. Don't Forget
27. Hats or headbands to keep your ears covered
28. Mittens or gloves made from waterproof or breathable fabrics
29. Scarves or face masks to keep you protected from the elements
30. Sunglasses or goggles that provide UV protection
31. Pro Tip: Mittens are warmer than gloves
32. What To Expect
33. The winter months in the ADKs can get chilly! Plan for an average temperature between 9 and 45 degrees fahrenheit (as illustrated in the accompanying graph of low and high temperatures in the Adirondacks between November and March), but be prepared for it to get even colder!
From frigid temperatures to sudden snow storms, you have to expect the unexpected if you plan to go winter hiking. For all you beginners, we've put together a list of the most important winter hiking tips you should know before you go.
Before you head for the mountains wearing whatever winter clothes you have in the house, take some time to prepare for your winter hiking trip. While it's important to plan ahead any time you go for a hike, there are a few precautions you should follow before going on a winter hike.
Energizing Day Hiking Lunch Ideas
https://www.hikingbay.com/energizing-day-hiking-lunch-ideas-for-your-next-outdoor-escapade
Check The Weather Forecast & Trail Conditions
Winters can be harsh in the Adirondacks, especially near mountains. If you're planning on ascending a high summit, you must prepare for cold temperatures, deep snow, and strong winds.
The best way to prepare for winter weather is to stay up-to-date on the latest forecast and trail conditions for the area you want to hike in. Take a look at the chance of precipitation, be aware of any new trail notices, check the temperatures, and keep an eye out for possible winter storms. You don't want to be hiking when a thick fog rolls in.
In addition, if you can, you should check how much snow has already fallen in the area. This will help you determine if you need snowshoes or cross-country skis for your trip.
One final tip to remember is that days are shorter in the winter season. Check when sunrise and sunset will be on the day you plan to hike, and then try to avoid hiking in the dark.
We provide weekly hiking conditions for each weekend
lattcure outfitters sleeping bag
https://www.hikingbay.com/finding-the-best-lightweight-sleeping-bag-for-hiking
What To Wear & Bring
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the following items are essential to wear and bring on a winter hike:
Wear:
• Waterproof Outer Wear
• Fleece or Wool Hat
• Winter Boots
• Fleece-Wool Clothing
• Gloves or Mittens
Bring:
• Day Pack (2500-3000 c.u. in.)
• Crampons
• High Energy Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Ensolite Pad
• Stove & Extra Fuel
• Map and Compass
• Skis or Snowshoes
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Water Bottle
• Water Purification (device)
• First Aid Kit
• Ice Axe
• Bivy Sack
• Space Blanket
This list will help get you thinking about the basics of what to wear and bring. To be fully prepared, you should pack a few days worth of food and water, extra clothing, and other supplies. It's best to be overprepared for a winter hike than underprepared.
For a look at what an experienced winter hiker brings, see what's in local 46er Sam Perkins' winter hiking pack »
keto hiking food
https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike
How To Stay Safe
Aside from wearing the proper clothing and carrying a backpack full of essential gear and supplies, there are a variety of winter hiking safety tips you should be aware of:
1. Go with a friend or friends. If someone in your group is an experienced winter hiker, then they'll have good advice to share to keep everyone safe.
2. Make sure someone knows you've gone winter hiking. Cell phone service is extremely limited in the Adirondacks, so it's important to plan out where and when you plan to hike.
3. If you know the snow will be deep, wear snowshoes or cross-country skis to make traveling easier, reduce the chance of injuries, and prevent post-holing (deep footprints in the snow).
4. Bring or wear crampons or other traction devices on your snow boots so you don't slip on icy areas.
5. Be wary of areas with ice and sites where avalanches have occurred in the past.
6. The cold air might feel refreshing, but you must remember to eat and stay hydrated, warm, and dry. This will help you prevent getting hypothermia (a medical emergency when your body temperature is below normal).
7. It takes a lot more energy to travel through snow, so you'll want to rest often.
8. If your skin turns red and feels very cold, then you should find a way to get warm, even if it means ending your winter hiking trip. This is a sign of frostnip, the first stage of frostbite, which is an injury caused by freezing. It is common on fingers, toes, the nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.
9. Whether you plan to hike, snowshoe, or even go winter camping, the key to wearing apparel appropriate for Adirondack winters is using layers that can easily be added or removed. The image above shows how to layer appropriately.
10. For shirts and tops, avoid cotton; it retains moisture and will make you colder. Instead, choose a base layer made from thermal or moisture-wicking material. For your middle layer, choose insulating items, including sweaters and sweatshirts. For your outer layer, select a coat or parka that will repel wind and protect you from the elements.
11. For pants, avoid denim; it isn't waterproof and will stay damp for a long time, increasing your risk of hypothermia. Instead, use layers again, placing thermal or moisture-wicking long underwear under pants that will repel snow and rain. For socks, choose light or medium-weight ones that will keep your feet warm and dry. For footwear, choose waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction.
best winter hikes in washington
https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington
12. Hats are a must because they help you retain your body heat. Headbands will help you keep your ears covered. Mittens or gloves should be made from waterproof or breathable fabrics (note: mittens will be warmer). Scarves or face masks will help keep you protected from the elements. In addition, sunglasses or goggles will provide UV protection.
13. Text Version Of The Infographic Above
14. What To Wear In The ADKS
15. If you're planning a trip to the Adirondacks this winter, it's important to know how to dress! Whether you'll be hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or camping, the key to ADK apparel is using LAYERS that can easily be added or removed!
16. On The Top
17. Base Layer: Shirts made from thermal or moisture-wicking material
18. Middle Layer: Insulating items, including sweaters and sweatshirts
19. Outer Layer: A coat or parka that will repel wind and protect from the elements
20. Pro Tip: NO cotton - it retains moisture and will make you colder
21. On The Bottom
22. Use Layers: Put thermal or moisture-wicking long underwear under pants that will repel snow and rain
23. Socks: Light- or medium-weight that will keep your feet warm and dry
24. Footwear: Waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction
25. Pro Tip: Denim isn't waterproof
26. Don't Forget
27. Hats or headbands to keep your ears covered
28. Mittens or gloves made from waterproof or breathable fabrics
29. Scarves or face masks to keep you protected from the elements
30. Sunglasses or goggles that provide UV protection
31. Pro Tip: Mittens are warmer than gloves
32. What To Expect
33. The winter months in the ADKs can get chilly! Plan for an average temperature between 9 and 45 degrees fahrenheit (as illustrated in the accompanying graph of low and high temperatures in the Adirondacks between November and March), but be prepared for it to get even colder!
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