Winter hikes require more preparation than other seasons and call for some special considerations.
Hiking skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic, but few people are willing to brave trails when the temperature drops.
Winter may be one of the best times to experience nature’s beauty, says Steve Henry, author of the St. Louis edition of “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles.” Winter is his favorite hiking season because the cold banishes bugs and mosquitos, bare trees expose scenic vistas and freezing water creates beautiful icicles.
Winter hikes require more preparation and call for some special considerations. We talked to dozens of enthusiasts and consulted Henry’s book to get the best tips on how to safely enjoy the wonderland outside.
Before you go
Charge your cellphone
The cold drains batteries faster. Keep your phone near your body for additional warmth. Be smart about battery usage by dimming your screen, turning off notifications and using low power mode.
Share your location
If you plan to hike alone, let a family member or friend know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Dress appropriately
Don a base layer that wicks sweat away from your body, a middle layer to keep heat in and an outer layer to protect against wind and rain. You should be able to adjust and remove layers to avoid getting too sweaty or cold. Avoid cotton. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter.
Invest in wool hiking socks and hiking boots with the right fit and grip. Some trail conditions may require ice cleats, snow grips or snowshoes to prevent slipping.
Plan time conservatively
Remember the days are shorter. Build in extra time in case you get lost or make more frequent stops, so you’ll still return before dark.
Check the forecast
Look at your intended destination for the duration of time you plan to be there. Trail conditions will change as ice or snow melts later in the day.
Think about the ride back
To avoid tracking mud into your car, bring a change of shoes or lay down disposable bags. If you are hiking with a dog, bring a towel for the dog to lay on.
Use the bathroom
And check in advance if restrooms are open and available in the park.
On the trail
Keep hydrated
You may feel less thirsty in cooler temperatures, but hydration is still important. Carry enough water for the hike in an insulated container to prevent freezing.
Stay dry
It can be difficult to regulate body temperature when hiking in the cold. If your layers are too heavy while walking, you may start sweating, which can freeze and make you even colder. Save warmer layers for when you stop.
Watch out for trees
Towering, snow-covered trees are magnificent to behold, but be careful around trees loaded with ice or snow. Loose or broken limbs can fall and injure or even kill hikers. Take a minute to look up when you stop to catch a view. Also be wary of standing near large icicles, which may be melting and at risk for falling.
Know signs of hypothermia
If you or a hiking buddy start shivering or getting confused or forgetful, get to shelter or warm up immediately. Hypothermia can quickly become dangerous.
RELATED: 7 tips for avoiding wintertime injuries and falls
Prepare for the weather
When inclement weather is forecasted, salt your driveway and walkways before the snow arrives so you won’t have to shovel as much.
Pick the proper clothing
Dress as you would for exercising and for the cold — think layers.
Warm up first
Shoveling is exercise, and you should warm up for it just as you should before exercising.
“Warming up in some way, shape or form,” even just doing some jumping jacks or going up and down some stairs will help prevent straining yourself, Hunter says.
Push, don’t lift
When shoveling, “push the snow rather than trying to lift it,” Hunter says. If you have to lift, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.
It’s twisting, throwing the snow and using your back rather than your legs that are really going to do damage. “So tighten your abdominal muscles before you lift. If you do that, it’s really hard to twist, and you really protect your vertebrae.”
Hunter adds that ergonomic shovels make a big difference. They are much lighter and have contoured handles, reducing the bending you have to do.
Take breaks and hydrate
“It’s amazing how quickly you overheat and become dehydrated,” Hunter says.
Pay attention to pain
Having a heart attack while shoveling is not uncommon, Hunter says.
“If you have shortness of breath, chest discomfort or discomfort down your left arm, definitely do something about that.”
Take the right steps
When it comes to navigating icy conditions, Hunter says concussions are probably the most common injury she’s seen.
Black ice is especially tricky. “You’ve got to keep flat feet, take small steps, and ... keep your feet wide apart, so you have a big base of support,” she says.
“And footwear is huge in terms of having some sort of grip. Any type of movement on ice is going to predispose people to injury.”
