Winter Bush Parties - Must-Haves

Several things will be left to spontaneity and improvisation - it’s a party!- but they will happen during the party, not before. Winter bush parties need careful planning to be successful. Why? Because in winter the weather is less forgiving. Snow, cold, and darkness are part of the equation, and that’s what makes a winter bush party special. So, what do you need?

1- You need friends first! Otherwise, it’s not a party. Schoolmates, partners, families, kids make it as inclusive or exclusive as you want, but you need people.

2- Do you have dogs? Bring them. Of course, they will love being part of the adventure, and they easily become the “life of the party.” At the very least, they will be a discussion topic.

3- A place of natural beauty. It does not need to be far off in the wilderness. It can be close to town, but you definitely need nature to represent the “Bush” in your Bush party.

4- Accessibility. The place better be reachable if many people are invited. A small hike to reach the party spot is acceptable, but not a long slog in deep snow. The point is to party, not to explore the wilderness.

5-Good clothing. It’s winter, wear a good parka, gloves, and tuque, because you are going to spend hours in the cold.

6- A campfire is a must. Not 100 percent necessary, but highly desirable, especially at night and when it’s chilly. A campfire is beautiful, warming, and will keep people centered on it. A fire ring would be great, although, in some areas, you could do without it.

7-What about alcohol? People drink some at those parties, but we don’t recommend it. You may have to drive your way back home, plus alcohol is neither a good thing in the wilderness nor in winter because it increases the risk of hypothermia. There are plenty of drinks possible. What about a tasty herbal tea instead?

8- You need cups for everybody. Sure, regular plastic cups could do, but they are not the best for winter, and plastic is not very good for the planet. Choose metal cups instead. Titanium cups offer the best of both worlds: super light, yet super strong.

9- Good food! Our favorite party food is sausages. Because we like to grill and cook on a campfire, and because hot dogs are simple to make and taste fantastic. Plus, sausages make it easy to plan the meals for the group. Just count 2 or 3 sausages for every party member, et voilà! Simplicity always wins the day.

10- Your best stories and gossip. Yes, plan for those too. They will make the party lively and memorable. The chats may be the essence of a bush party because, in the end, it’s supposed to be a friendly social gathering in one of your favorite natural areas. (please offer a link to the other text Winter Outdoor Parties Why?)