Winter Hiking Tips For Beginners: +13 Top Tips for Hiking in the Snow

A quarter of the year here in Canada is spent under snow. And as a Canadian who loves to hike, I’ve done a fare amount of hiking in the snow! So, I thought I’d share my top winter hiking tips for beginners.

There are many essential tips for hiking in the winter. They range from dressing in layers to knowing the signs of hypothermia. Plus, there are other factors to consider, like the weather forecast and packing hiking must haves.

Before you head out, especially as a novice winter hiker, I recommend reading through my list of winter hiking tips for beginners. Beyond helping ensure you have a fun and successful hike in the snow, you’ll be prepared for whatever happens.

13 Top Winter Hiking Tips

1. Check Trail Conditions

One of my top tips for winter hiking is to check trail conditions before you go. Each Provincial, State or National Park and trail association often updates social media or their websites with up-to-date conditions.

There are a few factors to consider.

• Is the trail snow covered?
• Is the trail icy?
• Has there been a recent avalanche?
• Is the trail closed?

Depending on where you’re hiking, you’ll want to know what to expect of the trail. If it’s icy, you’ll want to add traction devices, like crampons, to your hiking gear.

For those hiking in avalanche terrain, you’ll want to make sure things are stable. Or if the trail is closed, choose another place to hike.

Also keep in mind that not all winter hikes are the same. Some trails will be snow covered while others will be clear.

Another trail condition to check is if the trail is groomed or not. Some parks groom their trails in the winter, so you won’t need snowshoes.

However, some trails are not groomed and covered in deep snow. So, you’ll want to be prepared with packing snowshoes. Also be aware that not all trails are snowshoe-friendly. Some are groomed specifically for cross country skiing.

2. Be Aware of Trail Hazards

In addition to knowing the trail conditions, its important to be aware of trail hazards. Like mentioned above, some trails have a risk of avalanches. This is something you’ll want to know before you go.

Hiking in snow hides many of the potential hazards of a trail that you’d easily see in dry conditions. That’s why you need to know the trail and its hazards to avoid injury.

Some trail hazards to be aware of include:

• Canyons
• Crevices
• Depressions
• Cliffs

One of my top essential tips for hiking is to stay on the trail! In the summer, staying on the trail helps protect the plants. However, as far as winter hiking safety tips go, staying on the trail is vital in the winter.

Making sure to stay on the trail ensures that you’ll be safe from the hazards found off the trail, like crevices and more.

3. Check the Weather Forecast

The weather in the winter can vary from very cold temperatures to white-outs. However, it can also be mild and sunny.

I live in Barrie Ontario, which is located in the ‘snow belt’ of the province. The area is known for its heavy lake effect snow.

For this reason, I always check the weather forecast before heading out for a winter hike. I check the conditions for throughout the day where I’m travelling from and to.

It could be sunny and dry where you are but conditions at where your winter hike is might be cold and snowy.

Knowing the weather forecast helps you plan accordingly. For instance, if there will be all day snow, you’ll want to pack extra socks, another toque and mitts.

I also recommend learning how to read the weather app. Don’t take it at face value. The daily read says partly sunny and chance of snow. However, if you open to the hourly forecast, you’ll see more details.

In the hourly forecast you’ll find if it’s a 90% chance of precipitation or 30%. It also tells you when that the chance of snow is not until the evening. All of these details will help you plan for a safe winter hike.

4. Dress in Layers

One of the best winter hiking tips for beginners is to dress in layers.

How is dressing in layers beneficial for hiking in the winter? Layering up ensures that you stay warm in cold weather, as well as dry.

Maintaining a safe body temperature and keeping dry help ensure your safe from developing hypothermia.

How do you dress in layers? When looking for what to wear hiking in cold weather, start with a base layer. This can be thermal underwear or a wool shirt and under pant.

The next is your mid layer. This layer consists of pants and another shirt or sweater. And the final layer is your protective outer layer. This layer consists of a warm coat that is waterproof or water resistant as well as an outer pant, like snow pants.

Insider Tip: Don’t wear all of your layers in the car. I always wait to put on my outer layers when I arrive at the trail. Plus, I make sure to keep the car temperature comfortable but not warm.

5. Don’t Wear Cotton

When it comes to winter hiking tips for beginners, an essential is don’t wear cotton!

Why should you avoid cotton for winter hiking? Cotton doesn’t insulate or wick away moisture. So, it will leave you cold and wet.

Another material to avoid for winter hiking is synthetic fibers. These include rayon, polyester and acrylic. They are mad-made fabrics and are not breathable.

The best material to wear on a winter hike is wool. While there are many different kinds of wool, the best and most popular is Merino wool

Why is Merino wool great for hiking in cold weather? Merino wool helps to regulate your body temperature and wicks moisture away from your body.

6. Stay Dry

One of the most important tips for hiking in winter is to stay dry. Staying dry helps to not only keep you comfortable but also safe from developing hypothermia.

As mentioned above, layering your clothing is one step to help you stay dry on a winter hike. Another is choosing the right winter jacket.

Not all winter jackets are created equal. There are a few terms to keep in mind when purchasing a winter jacket. These two terms are water resistant and waterproof.

Water resistant means that the fabric will resist water penetration to a degree. This is good for winter hiking on clear days or very light snow.

Waterproof means that moisture will not pass through the fabric. This is perfect for hiking in the snow.

These two terms are key when choosing a coat as well as purchasing the best hiking boots for winter. My Keen hiking boots are waterproof and ideal for hiking in the snow or in wet conditions in the summer.

You’ll want to ensure your entire body stays warm, from head to toe.

Insider Tip: Another way to stay dry when hiking in the snow is to choose trails that are open and without tree cover. Why? Open trails help keep the trails from being too moist as they are exposed to the wind and sun. Plus, open trails avoid trees that can sprinkle snow on you.

7. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Many people only associate sunscreen with the summer and warm weather months. However, sunscreen is essential in the winter too.

As you layer up and pack your winter hiking gear, don’t forget sunscreen.

I recommend putting sunscreen on before you leave the house and reapplying depending on the length of your hike.

Protect your whole body in the winter, including your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

8. Stay Hydrated

As with sunscreen, we often remember to lather up and drink water in the heat of the summer. However, staying hydrated is another top winter hiking tip for beginners.

Avoid dehydration by packing water to drink throughout your hike. Along with bring a bottle of water, I recommend bringing a thermos of a warm drink too.

Drinking warm beverages on a winter hike will help warm you up. This can be hot chocolate or hot apple cider or something else you like.

9. Pack Snacks

Along with staying hydrated another one of the top tips for hiking in the winter is to pack snacks.

Making sure you have snacks to replenish your energy is essential. This is even more true when hiking in the cold because your body burns more energy.

Hiking in the cold burns more energy because your body is trying to stay warm. Plus, trudging through the snow burns more energy.

So, packing snacks help you keep your energy up. And a few of the best hiking snacks to pack are those rich in protein. A few of my favourites are nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars, like Clif Bars.

10. Start Early

One of the winter hiking for beginners tips that often gets over looked is starting out early.

Hiking in the winter means that daylight is short. Here in Ontario, it will start getting dark between 4 and 5 in the evening.

So, starting your hike early is a must! Maximize your time in the daylight hours so you don’t get caught in the dark. Especially since it gets colder faster in the winter once that sun goes down.

As an insurance policy on this, one of my winter hiking gear tips is to pack a head lamp, just in case.

11. Tell Someone Where You Are Hiking

Another one of my top winter hiking safety tips is to tell someone where you are hiking.

Even with cell phones and modern amenities, telling someone where you’re going is an essential travel tip. And it’s even more important when hiking in the winter.

Cell phones can lose a charge faster in the cool temperatures, so you can’t always rely on it. Even if you bring a portable charger, you might not have service where you’re hiking.

Telling someone where you’re hiking ensures a quick response if something happens. If they don’t hear from you that they can get help out to you as soon as possible.

12. Know Your Limit

A tip to consider when hiking in the snow especially, is to know your limit.

What does this mean? It means to know what your body and mind is capable of. Hiking in snow and cold temperatures is very different then hiking in the summer.

I learned my limits during while hiking Eugenia Falls to Hoggs Falls in the winter a few years ago. Even though I was an avid hiker at the time, I headed off on a tough hike in the winter.

One thing I recommend before tackling a long winter hike is to build up your strength. This is especially true with hiking in snowshoes. You’ll find yourself using different muscles. Start by going on shorter hikes in the winter. Then work your way up to longer ones.

Hiking poles are a great piece of winter hiking gear that get overlooked by beginners. They help immensely in the winter to maintain your strength and propel you forward.

Another thing to keep in mind is your limit to cold temperatures. Often when hiking in the winter, there’s below zero temperatures and wind chills. So, ask yourself how long you feel comfortable hiking in the cold weather, even with the proper clothing and gear.

13. Know the Signs of Frostbite & Hypothermia

When it comes to winter hiking safety tips, it is essential to know that signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

These are the two most common safety concerns for winter hikers. However, following many of the above-mentioned tips will help you avoid succumbing to these.

What are the signs of frostbite and hypothermia?

Signs of Frostbite

• Numbness
• Skin feels unusually firm
• Skin is an unusual white or paler than surrounding skin

Signs of Hypothermia

• Severe exhaustion
• Shivering
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Hands are fumbling

It is imperative to maintain a healthy body heat when hiking in the snow. That’s why dressing in layers and wearing proper gear is key. I also recommend packing a first aid kit for every hike.

The Red Cross has a great diagram with tips on what to do if someone has hypothermia that is worth checking out. It details what to do when the person is cold-stressed but not hypothermic as well as has mild to severe hypothermia.

2 More Winter Hiking Tips to Plan for Before You Go

Be Aware of Road Conditions – Driving in the winter brings its own risks. So, if you have to drive to your trailhead, check the road conditions before you go. Some roads close due to blowing snow or poor conditions.

Note Parking Conditions – Before you head to the trailhead check the parking situation. Many non-operational parks do not plow their parking lots in the winter. Make sure you have a safe place to park. Often parking on the side of the road is not allowed in the winter due to safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tips for Hiking in the Winter

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