21 December 2010 : Written by Campingninja
Hiking in Winter is amazing - incredible landscapes and snowscapes and a feeling of really being challenged. But, it is also very dangerous and, aside from the usual things to look out for when hiking, the cold needs to be respected and accounted for.
When the weather is cold anyone hiking is more likely to have an accident due to the unfamiliar conditions:
- icy paths,
- unexpected and severe temperature drops,
- snow on the ground and snowfall,
- far less visibility when snow is on the ground especially when very white cloud (white-out). Skiers and snowboarders will be familiar with this and it is completely disorientating.
Most risks can be minimized with experience and equipment.
Basic tips and kit you need for Winter hiking and walking:
- wear proper clothes suitable for conditions and make sure you have extras with you. The most important thing is to keep your body at a constant temperature - the best way to do this is wearing layers: we find merino is particularly brilliant for base layers.
- decent boots which can cope with extreme conditions - you may need crampons in some areas to prevent slipping on ice (know how to use them if you decide to wear them).
- plan your route - in Winter it will often take at least twice as long to complete a route you would do in Summer - account and plan for this.
- get advice - find out the weather forecast and talk to local experts (at Visitors Advice Centre, Local hiking / climbing group) to get their opinion about undertaking a hike in the area
- don't go on your own - always best to do these things in at least 3s - safety in numbers.
- food and water - make sure you have enough food to give you the right amount of energy (you will need a lot in Winter) and just because it's cold it doesn't mean you don't need water - drink little and often (DON'T EAT/DRINK SNOW - it dramatically cools your body's core)
- Communications - find out if your mobile phones will work. If not it's worth investing in radios to be able to communicate.
- Let people know you are going - friends and family of course, but more importantly the local visitor's centre or mountain rescue team, or even the owners of where you are staying. Let them know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Also, leave your phone number with people too.
- decent sunglasses with polarized lenses if possible - this helps you to see the definition especially in "white-out" conditions. Also, when the sun is out and there is snow on the ground the reflection is incredibly bright and can easily damage your eyes.
- Sun-cream - really? Yes, if the sun is out it reflects off the snow and can burn you twice as fast - have you seen skiers with goggle marks?
- No alcohol - it makes your core body temperature drip
- Know your limitations - don't decide to tackle an ambitious Winter hike if you haven't even done much Spring / Summer hiking. Start easy and short and then build up into longer more ambitious hikes.
- Go on a guided hike - loads of options available in the mountainous regions of the UK with highly trained mountain guides who can also provide you with kit and training - especially in Lake District, Highlands and Cairngorms, and Snowdonia. Worth doing one of these before heading out on your own.
- Go on a mountain survival course - great fun and you'll learn loads of tips and tricks to enable you to survive these harsh conditions.
This list is probably not exhaustive so feel free to add your tips in the comments.
The main thing is that you enjoy yourself as winter hiking is a fantastic experience - just make sure you respect the environment and conditions and look after yourself!