Winter Hiking Tips
Posted on December 1, 2023
Winter gets a bad rap, especially when we're talking about spending time outside. And you know what? We totally get it. Frozen fingers do hurt. Gray skies are gloomy. But, before you batten down the hatches and promise the trees you'll see them next spring…read on.
First, let’s talk about some of the benefits of winter hiking.
-It comes with overwhelming peace and quiet, which can be a meditative, grounding experience that leaves you feeling more connected with the land…and often, yourself.
-It’s beautiful in a less conventional way, and you might be surprised what draws your attention. It can be fun to challenge yourself to find as many colors and textures as you can...and a good brain break from all the extra screen time.
-It can help relieve symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
-It’s good exercise! You burn more calories in cold weather.
-It builds resilience.
-It’s a great time of year to get into birding. With most of the leaves gone, birds are easier to spot.
-It’s much less buggy and sweaty.
Convinced? Make sure you’re prepared before you hit the trail.
Follow these tips to stay safe and comfortable.
1) Know the risks and prepare accordingly.
Hypothermia, frostbite, and slipping on ice are a few of the potential hazards you could encounter during a cold weather hike. Chikaming Open Lands trails are relatively short, so while you shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long, it's still important to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Hiking with a friend or letting someone know where you're going is always a good idea.
2) Dress appropriately.
-Wear loose layers. It might seem counterintuitive, but tightly layered clothing compresses together and conducts heat to the outside. Loose layers allow gaps of warm air to form between the layers, insulating your body. Remove layers as you warm up. Keeping the outer layer waterproof can help prevent you from getting wet.
-Avoid sweating. Once you stop moving/sweating, your clothing will get really cold, or even freeze. This is not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous, depending on how long you plan to stay out.
-Avoid cotton. Cotton holds water, making you much colder in the long run. Instead, opt for wool or wool synthetic blends. This goes for your socks too!
-A pair of fleece-lined gloves under your regular gloves can help keep your hands warm. It doesn’t hurt to keep an extra pair of socks and gloves on hand in case the ones you’re wearing get wet.
-Keep your head and neck covered.
-Snowshoes or traction devices can help with stability if it’s icy/snowy.
3) Stay hydrated and well-fed so your body has the energy to stay warm.
If you plan to be out for a longer period of time, make sure to pack snacks that won’t freeze. Keeping them close to your body (in a pocket, for example), can help keep them warm.
4) If you’re heading out later in the day, bring a headlamp or flashlight.
The sun goes down much earlier now, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Again, COL trails are pretty short, but it's easy to get turned around when it gets dark. Don’t just rely on your phone flashlight; phones tend to die more quickly in cold temperatures.
5) Review the trail map beforehand.
Anticipate the trails being more difficult to navigate than usual. Trail markers might be covered up, and snow and leaves can conceal the path.
Now, choose a trail and enjoy your winter walk with confidence!
