How to prepare for a winter outdoor adventure?

A snowy and cold wilderness is intimidating at the best of times. For sure, winter is less forgiving than summer. Here is a summary of the dangers and adversity you should expect in a winter adventure:

- Keep in mind that hypothermia, the lowering of your body’s temperature, is by far the biggest danger in the outdoors.

It is true in summer. It is even more true in winter. All your winter moves have to take this reality into account. Cold can kill fast!

-Travelling on snow can be very tiring.

Especially if you don’t have equipment like snowshoes or skis, you may find travelling deep snow almost impossible. Watch out for exhaustion or too much perspiration, they accelerate hypothermia.

-You need to wear the right clothes in winter.

As always, dress in layers. Use wool, or synthetic fabrics. Of course, have some kind of parka, and cover your head, neck and extremities. How much clothes is enough? Ideally you should have enough on your back to spend the night outside and survive it without needing a shelter or fire.

-Keeping warm is a time intensive labor in winter. 

In a survival scenario, a good campfire can save you. Can you make one quickly and competently? Do you have enough firewood around to gather for the night? Unfortunately good firewood can be under the snow! Ideally you need dry wood. Have you spotted dead standing trees nearby that can be of any use? You will need to work hard to keep a decent fire.

- Weather may confine you in tight spaces，like in a tent, a quinzhee or a cabin, for a long time.

Have you heard about “cabin fever”? Whether you are there by yourself or in a group, you may become a bit “nuts” at some point. Try going outside for short periods, just to make peace with yourself or others.

-Avalanches are always a hazard.

In mountains the danger is obvious, but avalanches happen on any kind of steep slopes, even smaller ones. Too much snow on top of your head and you will suffocate.

-Darkness is more present in winter.

Of course, the days are much shorter. But the weather also impacts visibility. If there is a blizzard, you won’t see anything. Stop travelling if this happens. If you can see the stars or the moon maybe night travel is possible, but it is not necessarily the wisest thing to do.

-Frostbite and frostnip hurt really bad.

Any part of skin, if exposed for too long, can freeze. Hell, even body parts that are not exposed can freeze. Have you heard about frozen toes, anyone? People in the North or mountaineers lose their toes more frequently than you think.

Conclusion: in winter be prepared!

Have the minimum survival gear with you at all times. Dress properly, carry fire lighting equipment (matches, lighter), a knife, first aid kit, navigation tools (compass and maps) and a good pot to cover your water needs, because in winter dehydration is more insidious.

Get more winter outdoor fun!