Winter hiking is my absolute favorite. For clarification, I mean winter hiking and not snowshoeing. The difference between the two is the additional footwear that’s needed for each. For example, winter hiking includes boot spikes instead of snowshoes. In my opinion, winter hiking is all about bundling up, being prepared, the hot chocolate, and the gorgeous snowy trails. While out winter adventuring, make sure you arrive to the trail prepared.

Being prepared can help to make your winter hiking experience more enjoyable. First, bring lots of layers. I get very warm while hiking and typically sweat through my clothes especially when hiking uphill. I tend to start in my base layer (polyester) and once I arrived at the summit then I add more layers to keep me warm. The wind at the summit can be very bone chilling and will cause the sweat on your body to drop your body temperature quickly. Clothing made of polyester is moister wicking which means it will dry lots quicker than cotton. This will keep you warmer as your body temperature drops due to sweat. I keep the extra layers of warmth on for the downhill trek back to my car. Don’t forget to pack gloves because your fingers will get cold. I prefer a pair of mittens. I wear (Maven Thread) headbands to keep my ears warm. My hiking boots (Timberland) are water resistant and not completely waterproof. On some occasions, I use snow boots/gaiters instead to keep my feet drier, but normally I like to wear my hiking boots. I wear two pairs of socks (Darn Tough/Smart Wool) and keep an extra pair in my backpack just in case the snow soaks through all the others. Cotton socks will cause blisters if they get wet and rub against the inside of your boots, so I would recommend investing in sweat wicking socks. Bottom line, make sure you bring a change of clothes/shoes and leave them in your car to change into after your hike. I don’t know about you, but I dislike driving home soggy/sweaty.

Next, make sure your car is ready for the snowy conditions. I like to have a durable snow shovel in my car just in case I get stuck. Be ready to drive through snowy terrain and don’t expect all the backroads to be plowed or that you will have cell service. When I don’t have cell service, I use my Garmin In-Reach Explorer+ device which is a two-way transmitter/GPS to communicate with family/friends if I need help. I would recommend investing in a winter emergency kit to place in your car for any car trouble you may encounter. My parents taught me at a young age to keep an extra pair of snow boots, coat, gloves, hat and blanket in my car just in I get stranded. That has been some very useful advice which I hope you can appreciate as well. After getting my first car, my dad gave me brilliant advice about winter car maintenance and it was the same advice his dad (Grandpa Nokes) gave him. This advice was to always keep a fourth a-tank or more of gas in your tank so that it won’t freeze when the temperatures drop. Before driving too far away from home, I usually fill up my tank. I like to make sure I will have enough just in case I get lost on the backcountry roads (which has happened on multiple occasions, whoops).  And lastly, I keep an extra water bottle in my car.

Let’s talk snacks. In the winter, I usually pack plenty of water, granola bars, fruit leather, and PBJ tortilla wraps. But most importantly, hot chocolate!!! My backpack is stocked with my Jetboil stove and packages of hot chocolate with fresh marshmallows to make the perfect hot drink for the trail. This special treat warms me up as I admire the snowy views.

The trails in the winter are glorious. The stillness and silence of hiking in the snow is the absolute best. The silence of the snow makes the world seem as if it has stopped completely and nothing else matters except the present moment. All my worries disappear in a blink of an eye and the only thought on my mind is the beauty of my surroundings. The way the snow glistens on the ground and off the trees is absolutely breathtaking. The cold wind and the smell of snow is refreshing. I love how mystic it feels when snowflakes fall ever so gently onto my puffy coat. If I haven’t been convincing that winter hiking is the best, go give it a try and let me know your thoughts. The snowy conditions might be a little intimidating at first, but honestly it is one of the best times of the year to go hiking.

Let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you and what lessons you might have learned while out hiking in the winter. Finally, be careful and remember to have fun!!