Snow Camping with Confidence

Winter camping has its upsides - for starters, there are no mosquitos. There are also fewer crowds, incredible scenery to see, and more memories to be made with loved ones in the middle of winter. A snow camping adventure just might be what you need to overcome cabin fever and the mid-winter blues.

While most people might shiver just thinking about camping in the cold, winter camping offers a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to embrace the challenge. The still quiet of a snow-covered forest provides unparalleled peace and solitude. Yet, winter camping does require careful preparation and knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Simply put, the stakes are higher when it comes to winter camping.

Whether you're an experienced camper looking to try something new or a beginner eager to explore the frosty wilderness, this introductory guide will better equip you with the tips for camping in cold weather you need for a successful winter camping trip. So, pack your thermals, prepare for the chill, and get ready to discover the beauty of the great outdoors in its most serene season.

Preparing for Your Winter Camping Trip

Research and Planning

Proper preparation for snow camping can mean the difference between frostbitten toes and a memorable adventure. Here are some essential steps to consider:

1. Make a Plan: Determine your destination. Will you be hiking or snowshoeing to your campsite? 

2. Choose the Right Tent: Is your tent a three-season or a four-season model? A four-season tent is typically better for snow camping.

3. Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle has good snow tires and chains in case of snowy conditions.

4. Inform Someone: Let someone who is not going with you know your plan, including your expected return time.

By sticking to your plan, you’ll ensure that someone knows your whereabouts. If anything goes wrong

and you don’t return on time, they can inform search and rescue teams where to begin looking.

For brevity, we will not discuss the technical gear and needs for mountaineering in this article—we will simply discuss snow camping. If you plan to ascend a snowy mountain like Mt. Rainier, these tips will still benefit you, but there will be additional tips and gear for those adventures. 

Weather conditions and forecasts

Weather conditions and forecasts

The success of your trip starts with the research you do beforehand. When embarking on a snowy camping adventure, know the weather. Check it when setting your dates for your trip, and then recheck it right before you leave to see if anything has changed. Being aware of impending weather changes can help avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as getting caught in a blizzard or dealing with extreme temperatures. It’s nothing to fear, but by monitoring weather forecasts regularly, campers can bring the necessary gear and adjust their plans accordingly. 

Knowledge is power. Know the limits of your gear, your training, and your body. If the weather turns for the worst, know when to call it and head back for cover. I’d much rather miss out on making the summit than lose a toe to frostbite… I’m kind of fond of them.

Essential Gear and Equipment

Be sure to take a complete inventory of the gear you are bringing. I like to do this visually, with everything organized on the floor. The goal is to stay warm, hydrated, and well-fed with as light a pack as possible. 

Foot Care— Wool socks and waterproof boots are a good place to start. Take an extra pair of wool socks in case your first pair gets wet. A successful trip depends on your feet staying healthy and able to carry your body to wherever you need to go.

Clothing and Accessories— Pack moisture-wicking base layers for your trip. Avoid cotton, as it loses all insulating properties when wet. Next, include a puffy jacket for warmth and a waterproof shell to keep you dry. Hand and foot warmers can be very helpful for keeping your extremities warm. 

In addition to your hat and gloves, don't forget to pack a pair of sunglasses, chapstick, and sunscreen. Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from snow blindness. Be sure to apply sunscreen—even in the middle of winter, it's still possible to get sunburned. Also, be sure to sunscreen the underside of your nose. Since light reflects off the snow, that area is particularly vulnerable. 

Sleeping Bag and Pad— It's time to add your sleeping bag and pad. Your sleeping bag will most likely have a manufacturer’s rating. In order to enjoy your adventure, use a bag that is more than enough to keep you warm. For example, if the temperature drops to 20 degrees at night, have a sleeping bag rated for 10 degrees. 

A sleeping pad will be your best friend here, getting you off the cold snow floor. Like your sleeping bag, these pads will also have an insulation rating. If one pad is good, two pads are great when snow camping. Sure, the extra cushion is nice, but it’s really the insulation we are after here. Two pads will ensure you have a better barrier of insulation to keep you warm in the cold elements. 

Tent— Your tent should be a 4-season tent with a water barrier underneath, such as a tarp or waterproof footprint. If the winter weather is very mild, you may be able to get away with a 3-season tent, but be sure to know the weather conditions well. A 4-season tent is better insulated, can withstand stronger winds, and will keep out moisture better than a 3-person tent. 

Miscellaneous— Bring your camping stove, snowshoes, emergency kits, a lightweight aluminum shovel, and a sled (optional). One of the advantages of snow camping is the ability to use sleds to transport your gear. If you are hiking on relatively flat or low-grade terrain, sleds can be very helpful, as they allow you to pull your heavier gear rather than carry it on your shoulders, making your journey to the campsite easier.

Gear Rentals— If you lack any of this gear but are not ready to invest quite yet, REI Co-Op has gear you can rent. From snowshoes to tents, camp stoves, and sleeping bags, REI has a good selection of these higher-ticket items for rent at various locations. If you are just getting your feet wet in the outdoor space, these rentals are also an excellent option for trying products before you buy the gear. 

Setting Up Camp in Winter

When choosing your camping destination, choose a location that is safe from the wind and avoids areas prone to avalanches. 

Selecting the Perfect Campsite

Now that you have planned your trip, it is time to select your campsite. First and foremost, ensure that the site is away from avalanche-prone areas, as these can pose significant risks. Look for flat, stable terrain, ideally situated away from steep slopes and ridges. Additionally, consider the importance of wind protection. Camping near natural windbreaks, such as trees or rock formations, can provide essential shelter from harsh winds. This can make your campsite more comfortable and reduce the risk of hypothermia. Selecting a location that offers easy access to fresh water is also beneficial. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can secure a campsite that enhances both safety and enjoyment while snow camping.

Pitching Your Tent

When pitching a tent on snow, it's essential to use the proper techniques to ensure warmth and

stability. Start by selecting a flat area and packing down the snow to create a firm base, preventing the tent from sinking. You can easily do this with your snowshoes or by combining walking and shoveling until the snow is compacted and level.

To further secure the site, build windbreaks by piling snow around the tent's perimeter. This will help reduce wind chill and block gusts. Insulate the tent by placing a layer of pine boughs or an insulated mat beneath the tent floor to provide a barrier against the cold ground.

If conditions are particularly harsh, consider building a snow trench or a snow cave as an alternative shelter. These options can provide enhanced protection from the elements by utilizing snow's

insulating properties to maintain a warmer interior. 

Staying Warm at Night 

Before settling into your sleeping bag for the night, be sure to do these two things:

1. Get Your Heart Rate Up: Engage in a bit of light jogging in place, or do a few jumping jacks to elevate your heart rate before crawling into your sleeping bag. This will generate extra warmth that gets trapped in your bag, helping you stay warmer for longer.

2. Bring the Heat: You can easily add a makeshift heater to your sleeping bag to warm your toes. Simply boil some water or snow and pour it into a hard plastic water bottle. Then, tuck this

backcountry heater into your sleeping bag.

Food and Hydration

Food - To keep your body warm, you need high-protein, high-calorie foods, along with healthy fats. Pack nutritious meals for your winter camping adventure, such as a hardy stew. Unlike quality meats and carbohydrates, snack foods like crackers and Hostess Cupcakes won't provide the sustenance your body needs.

Hydration - Even if you don't feel as thirsty in the winter as on a hot August day, staying hydrated while camping is crucial. Dehydration can cause your body to work harder to maintain warmth. To ensure you have access to water throughout your trip, consider these options:

- Keep your water source (bladder) close to your body (under your outer layers) to prevent it from freezing by utilizing your body heat.

- Boil water and store it in an insulated thermos to retain heat and keep it from freezing.

Snowy Campfire Essentials

Building a fire while snow camping can be challenging but adds a cozy element to your chilling adventure. To have a successful campfire in snowy conditions, add these simple steps to your usual routine:

1. If possible, remove the snow down to the forest floor. Start by digging into the snow with an aluminum shovel. 

2. Next, create a fire base using extra wood to ensure the initial stages of your fire are elevated off the wet ground. 

3. Make sure to bring your own dry wood. If you have a sled to carry some of your gear, consider using it to transport dry firewood, which will make starting your fire easier. 

4. Bring a small fire starter that works effectively even when damp, along with waterproof matches.

   
   

Navigating Winter Challenges

When heading to your campsite or trailhead in winter, it’s essential to have a reliable vehicle equipped with good winter tires and possibly snow chains. One of the most important tips for camping in cold weather is to be prepared for unexpected delays—poor driving conditions could

leave you winter camping much longer than anticipated.

If your camping destination has only a few inches of snow, you should be fine without snowshoes or skis. In this case, snow boots and traction gear like Yaktrax can help prevent slipping on icy surfaces. However, if the snow is deeper than a few inches, using snowshoes is a great way to stay on top of the snow and avoid unnecessary fatigue. Pairing snowshoes with gaiters will also help protect your boots from filling with snow, keeping your feet and legs warm and dry—an essential factor for staying comfortable in cold-weather camping conditions.

Conclusion

Winter camping provides a unique adventure allowing you to connect with nature in its tranquil state. The stillness of snow-covered forests, the crisp air, and the beauty of frozen landscapes create unforgettable moments. From snowshoeing to cozy camping under the stars, each experience highlights your courage and resilience. As you venture into the frosty wilderness, view challenges as growth opportunities and cherish every moment. For a successful trip, consider these tips for camping in cold weather, like layering properly, staying dry, and packing warm sleeping gear to ensure your adventure is both safe and enjoyable.

Let's celebrate the joy of winter camping by sharing our stories. What’s your favorite winter camping memory? Share your experiences, tips, and the joy you found in the snow in the comments below!

*** This article is designed to assist you in developing your backcountry skills; however, it should not be considered a substitute for the experience and guidance of an experienced snow camper. It's highly recommended to learn firsthand with someone who can provide coaching and support in person.