Intro to Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
If you’re new to winter hiking, this post is for you. I think there’s some anxiety around hiking or snowshoeing in the winter — the concern of getting cold. But if you prepare well, it can be such a rewarding and peaceful experience. So beautiful to walk softly through the snow covered forest, up to higher ground, looking down on a winter wonderland.
This is the first of two posts. This one covers the logistics and basics of winter hiking.
Outdoor Conditions: Do your due diligence and understand how conditions might vary along your hike and throughout the day. Always anticipate colder, more extreme conditions at high elevations. Consider not only temperature and expected precipitation, but also wind chill, snow/ice conditions, trail conditions, sunrise/sunset times, etc. Consider postponing hikes during periods of heavy snow. You may also want to avoid exposed areas on treeless summits and open slopes.
Good sources for weather and trail conditions include:
When I’m choosing a hike, I like to pull up AllTrails and look at recent comments. Lots of people will post about trail conditions and what type of gear might be useful. There’s also a Facebook group called ADK Trail Conditions where you can find and share trip reports. If you’re hiking in the High Peaks or around the ADK Mtn. Club Loj, call their information center for help with trip planning, the latest weather report, current trail conditions. Call 518-523-3441, ext. 121.
Layers: Most people know to dress in layers and avoid cotton. And you might be familiar with the hiking mantra: Be Bold, Start Cold. But that being said, you might still learn a thing or two by watching this short YouTube video from My Life Outdoors about a big mistake that might be making you colder. (spoiler: skip the puffy jacket!)
Orange: Also remember hunting season starts in mid-November in the Adirondacks. It’s smart to wear orange or a bright color, especially if you’re going in the backcountry. And the same goes for Fido if you’re hiking with your pup.
Traction Devices: Different conditions call for different types of footwear traction devices. Generally, microspikes are used to provide traction on ice and packed snow, while snowshoes are mainly used to provide flotation on top of unconsolidated snow.
Many ADK hikers pack microspikes from October through April. Even if you haven’t seen any snow yet, pack the microspikes because there might be some icy sections at higher elevations or in shady forest sections.
Snowshoes or skis are required by state law in the High Peaks Wilderness when there is 8 inches or more of off-trail snow, and that’s a good point of reference no matter where you’re exploring.
There are technical spots in the High Peaks where crampons are needed. But beginners should definitely avoid the technical High Peaks when they’re new to winter hiking.
Gear: Other gear that’s great to have in your winter pack include: hiking poles, headlamp, an extra layer of clothing, snacks and water, backup navigation, first aid, and emergency fire starter. You can find a more extensive winter hiking gear list here.
Rentals: If you don’t have microspikes, snowshoes, hiking poles or any other key gear, have no fear! There are plenty of places around Lake Placid to rent gear. Our favorites for winter gear include High Peaks Cyclery, Cunningham’s, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and the Cascade Welcome Center.
WAG Bags: If you need to poop while out on trail, it’s harder (and many times impossible) to dig a cat hole in the ground if there’s deep snow or the ground is frozen. Be prepared with a WAG bag (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) or a discreet bag you bring from home so you can pack your poo out. Seriously. You can pick these up in a lot of outdoor stores, or order from Amazon.
Winter Trail Etiquette - No Postholes: A posthole is a hole in the snow caused by a person walking in deep snow without snowshoes or skis. Often, postholes are an inconvenience. They disrupt the tread of the trail for snowshoers and skiers, and postholes are also dangerous tripping hazards. Having the proper gear is key to avoiding postholing. Snowshoes or skis spread our weight over a greater surface area, allowing us to float on the surface of the snow without falling through.
MORE REFERENCES:
If you want to read up (or listen up) on more tips and best practices, here are a few more sources to get you started.
46 of 46: If you haven’t heard of the 46 of 46 podcast, you should check it out. James Appleton is a local hiker and NYS certified guide who started a podcast when he hiked all 46 high peaks one summer. He’s also covered the Lake Placid 9er, hiking Northville-Placid trail, and much more. Following are recent episodes that cover the fundamentals of winter hiking in the ADK.
Adirondack Explorer: Find articles about winter hiking and what to pack.
ADK Mountain Club: Winter hiking essential considerations part 1 and part 2.
