10 Can’t Miss Tips For A Fun And Safe Winter Hike
Getting outside to hike or snowshoe in the winter can seem overwhelming, especially for those who dislike the cold or have never done it before, but the benefits are worth it! Less crowded trails, an opportunity to escape the rain and find snow in the mountains, the endorphins and mood boost, and connection with friends – just to name a few.
Here are 10 tips to prepare for your winter adventures, so you can stay safe and warm while having fun outdoors:
Choose a trail: Decide where you want to go and the type of adventure you want to have. A hike at lower elevation may not have snow, while the local mountains will be covered in it.
Local resources to check out for trail suggestions: Vancouver Trails, Outdoors Vancouver, All Trails, and Happiest Outdoors. Instagram can also be a great resource for finding hikes but do your research before going.Plan for timing: Determine how long you want to be outdoors. Keep in mind sunset is much earlier in the winter and hiking in snow is more physically taxing. A trail you regularly hike in the summer can take much longer in the winter depending on the conditions. Build in a buffer and plan to start earlier in the day.
Check the conditions: Before you go on any winter adventure, check the weather, trail conditions and closures, when the sun is going to set, the avalanche rating at Avalanche.ca, and driving and road conditions. If you do not have avalanche training, you should not be going into avalanche terrain.
Visit local government, regional park, and provincial park websites for driving and road conditions, trail closures, and if snow tires or chains are required to get to your destination.
Find current trail conditions by looking at Instagram geotags, hiking website comments, and outdoors Facebook groups. Local Facebook groups to join: Group Hikes Near Vancouver, Ladies of the Trails, Take a Hike Vancouver, Backpacking Trips in BC, Snowshoeing in Vancouver, and Lower Mainland Hikers.Gather the 10 Essentials: There are 10 items you should bring on every hike. Don’t leave home without:
Light: flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Fire: waterproof matches or lighter
Signalling or sound device: a Fox40 whistle
Extra food and water: general rule of thumb is 0.5L per hour plus additional 1-2L
Extra clothing
Navigation and communication devices: cellphone, topographical map, and a portable charger. Your phone will die faster in cold weather.
First aid kit
Shelter: bivy sack, emergency blanket
Tool or knife
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The sun can be incredibly strong on a bluebird day in the mountains.
Have the right gear: There is a common saying that there is no bad weather, just bad gear. And that couldn’t be truer when it comes to winter hiking! Stay warm, dry, and safe with some winter hiking essentials: waterproof hiking boots, merino wool socks and base layers, waterproof pants and jacket, hat and mittens, and a pair of micro-spikes and hiking poles.
Bring an extra pair of socks in your bag and leave warm and dry clothes in your car for post-hike. Depending on where you are hiking and the conditions, micro-spikes will be much easier and safer to use than snowshoes.Layer up: Layers are your friend when winter hiking, especially in the mountains where the weather can change quickly. Be prepared to remove layers as you hike, especially on a sunny day and an uphill climb.
Make a trip plan: Just like the 10 essentials, you shouldn’t leave for a hike without making a trip plan and leaving it with a trusted person.
It should explain your destination, travel route, equipment, and expected return time. It is vital information to assist authorities searching for you in the event of an emergency. If no one knows you are missing, no one will be looking for you. Use the AdventureSmart website or app to make a trip plan.Bring a warm drink: Whip up your favourite hot drink before you leave home, put it in a thermos, and have it ready to enjoy mid-way or at the end of your hike. Stop by a local coffee shop or bakery for a post-hike treat!
Be prepared to turn around: Conditions can change quickly in the winter. Be prepared to turn around if the weather shifts, the avalanche risk changes, and trails or roads are closed.
Adjust your mindset: Having the right attitude can make all the difference when it comes to winter hiking and snowshoeing. You may get wet, you may be cold, but the trails are stunning, less busy, and look entirely different in the winter. If you can’t escape to the heat, there are few better ways to beat the winter blues than a trip up a mountain or a hike on your local trails.
Happy winter adventuring! Here are some of my favourite winter trails:
Snowshoe Grind and Thunderbird Ridge at Grouse Mountain
Dog Mountain for a sunset hike or Pump’s Peak at Seymour Mountain
Hollyburn Mountain or Black Mountain at Cypress Mountain
For more hiking resources visit welcometorenew.com. If you have any questions about hiking, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Danielle at hello@welcometorenew.com.
About Danielle Leroux
Danielle Leroux is a certified Life and Leadership Coach, the founder of Renew, and co-founder of the She Summits Forum. She is an avid hiker, trail runner, and community builder based in Vancouver. Passionate about empowering and connecting women, through her work she helps women build confidence, find community, and support them in getting outdoors and achieving their life summits.