Tips for Winter Hiking

Directions

For those hiking snow-covered terrain, have an accurate GPS or map. With an all-white landscape, it can be difficult to keep track of your location. Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out and try to preserve the battery. Bring along a fully charged portable charger in case of an emergency.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a drink along on longer hikes through heavy snow trails. More energy will be exerted on snowy walks and hydration is just as important in the winter. Pack a nutrient-rich drink or electrolyte-fortified water to stay hydrated and avoid fast freezing.

Gear

Suit up with lots of layers. Insulated jackets, gloves, hats and under-coat layers will keep you warm and can be removed and replaced as your body temperature changes. A backpack will come in handy to keep essentials dry, warm and safe through a winter hike. Snow boots with traction are also a must have on winter treks. Compacted snow and ice can be slippery and dangerous so the spikier the sole of the winter boot, the better.

Be Alert

Whether hiking alone, with a friend in the local woods or on an epic mountain trek, staying alert is paramount. Ice may not always be as frozen as it looks, so try to stay off lakes and ponds while hiking in winter.