The snow has started to fall and if there’s one thing we know about winter, it’s that you can’t spend it indoors. One of the easiest ways to get fresh air, beat the blues, and work up a sweat is by heading out for a hike. Think summer is the only time you can go hiking? Think again!
The idea of winter hiking may not entice everyone, but those who venture out in the cold know that hiking in the snow is one of the best winter activities out there! There are numerous benefits to hitting the trails in the winter – both mental and physical. Read on for our full list of benefits, as well as tips to help you prepare for your winter wonderland trek. Fear the cold no more, my friend!
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Winter Hiking
What’s the main factor that keeps most hikers from setting off on the trails in the winter? The extra challenge! It may seem more difficult to hike in the winter due to the cold temperatures and potential for snow, but with the right mindset, gear and preparation – it can be even more rewarding than summer hiking. Beyond the challenge is the opportunity to see breathtaking snow-covered views and vistas, and most likely have them all to yourself. Other benefits of ditching your winter hibernation include:
Burn More Calories
Hiking in the cold burns up to twice as many calories than summer hikes, as your body works to keep you warm. Your metabolism will even sustain higher rates long after your winter hike – up to 72 hours later! Adding in some outdoor cardio can help you lose the holiday weight gain.
Vitamin D
Not only is getting sunshine important to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, but it also boosts your mood and helps combat seasonal affective disorder. Get outside – just what your doctor ordered!
Improve Your Mindset
Getting outdoors and going for a hike during winter helps to dispel the myth that winter is a negative. Hiking in winter can help you enjoy the snow, and make winter more bearable.
The Right Footwear - When to Bring Snowshoes
Cold feet can get in the way of an exciting winter hiking adventure. Knowing when to use hiking boots and when to pull out the snowshoes or crampons can make all the difference for staying warm, maintaining traction, and getting some miles in.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots play a great role in making sure that your feet are warm and dry. These special boots also help keep your balance when walking on icy or muddy paths. However, hiking boots are best used when hiking along trails already cleared of heavy snow. Wearing waterproof hiking boots in the winter will help keep your feet warmer, and prevent water and snow from getting through.
Snowshoes come in handy when traversing hiking trails covered in deep snow. They’re also the top choice for trails that have a combination of fresh and hard-packed snow. Unlike regular snow boots, snowshoes allow you to avoid sinking in with every step – they save you from exerting too much effort and allow you to hike a lot farther! Thanks to their large surface area, snowshoes can make you feel like you’re “floating” on top of the snow.
There’s no need to completely leave your hiking boots at home though. When paired with waterproof hiking boots, snowshoes perform even better. Some crampons are also created to cater to hiking boots.
If you’re hiking a trail with more than a few inches of fresh, powdery snow, opt for snowshoes. If there is just a light dusting of snow, or it is hard packed, then you may be fine with some warm, waterproof hiking boots.
Crampons
Knowing when to switch from snowshoes to crampons is an important safety skill for winter hikes. Crampons are a useful traction device that offer increased protection from slips and falls on icy and hard packed surfaces. Switch to crampons when treading on hard-packed snow and solid ice. They also come in handy and provide traction while you are hiking on steep, icy trails.
What to Wear on Your Winter Hiking Adventure
We recommend wearing lots of layers, because you will likely work up a sweat as you hike along, even if it’s chilly out. Bring along a daypack with your essentials, and some space to store any layers you take off as you hike.
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm wool socks
Accessories
- Warm hat
- Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens
- Face mask
- Hiking/day pack
Outerwear
- Hard or soft shell pants
- Fleece jacket and vest
- Insulated jacket
Base Layer
- Long sleeve shirt
- Base layer pants/leggings/tights
Winter Traction Aids
- Snowshoes
- Crampons
Other
- Water
- Map
- Compass
- Whistle
- First-aid kit
- Snacks
- Head lamp
So, What Are You Waiting For?
The outdoors can be just as exciting in the winter as it is in the summer. Strap on your trusted hiking boots, pack up the snowshoes, and ready your winter hiking essentials – your winter hiking adventure will be well worth it.