How to stay safe while hiking in winter

In winter we really demonstrate our love of hiking. As a season, it requires appropriate commitment – ​​with more equipment, more preparation, more effort and more risk. And in return, it gives us a deeper, richer and more intense sense of the great outdoors.

With enough knowledge and preparation, harsh winter conditions shouldn’t stop you from hitting the trails. However, this comes with a caveat: if you plan to hike in a highland and there is even a small chance of snow and/or ice, you should first seek training from a qualified mountain guide or an outdoor activity center. “Snow turns hills into mountains” is a popular saying among the British hiking community, because snow changes the terrain, introduces new dangers and requires a whole new set of skills and equipment. If you’re planning on hiking in these conditions, you’ll need much more than just basic safety tips to prepare for the challenges they pose.

1. Know how to navigate

“Your phone is not a compass. Walking in a straight line is an absolute nightmare,” says Dave Evans, head of climbing and mountaineering at Plas Y Brenin – a national outdoor center in mountainous North Wales. “And it is no substitute for the ability to read contours in a landscape and make decisions about where to go based on that,” he adds. Phone apps rely on a GPS signal and, unless you have downloaded offline maps, also require an internet connection – both of which can be spotty at best.

Instead of your cell phone, Evans recommends hikers equip themselves with a printed copy of an area’s map (in a clear, waterproof plastic case) and the Silva Expedition 4 compass. According to Evans, “no other compass really does the job.” You never know when you’ll need to chart a course in thick hilly fog in an area with no phone reception or low battery, which is why backup navigation is essential. Just make sure you know how to use a compass and read a map.

2. Curb your ambition

In winter, days are shorter, packs are heavier, and conditions underfoot can be strenuous. It is advisable to plan your routes accordingly by choosing less demanding routes or areas that are less prone to sudden weather changes. And if Mother Nature throws you a last-minute surprise – adapt. As Dave Evans puts it, “If you’re not sure what you’re doing is meaningful, do something else that you think is more meaningful instead.”

3. Watch the weather

You should contact reputable national weather forecast providers, provided that their service provides an accurate overview of conditions in your chosen destination. The forecasts will provide a largely accurate picture of what lies ahead about five days in advance. Keep in mind that details can change and in mountainous areas these details can mean the difference between sunshine, rain or snow. Continue to check weather forecasts, not only before your hike but also along the way. Pay attention not only to precipitation, cloud cover and the altitude at which the temperature drops below freezing, but also to the wind strength, because strong winds make mountains dangerous.

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4. Know who to call in an emergency

Before the hike, save the local rescue and emergency numbers on all cell phones. You may not have an internet connection to find out who to call when you’re on the go. Therefore, it is better to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. And if you need help, find out what information they need before and after emergency services arrive.

5. Tell a friend or family member where you are going

Keep others informed of the route you are taking and, for safety reasons, consider sharing your location with a trusted person. If you start by car, it’s also worth leaving a note about your route on the dashboard. Don’t forget to let your friends or family know that you have finished your hike once you return to your vehicle, train station or accommodation.

6. Wear appropriate equipment

Do not wear clothing made of cotton, as it draws heat from your body when it gets wet. Start with a wool and/or synthetic base layer and add fleece, insulated layers, thin wool sweaters and windproof/waterproof shells on top. If there is the slightest chance of rain, you should avoid jackets with down filling, as they do not insulate particularly well when wet. You will also need to carry a backpack large enough to hold your layers if you work up a sweat and need to take some of them off.

If rain is in the air, you’ll need waterproof boots instead of hiking boots. The soles should provide sufficient grip on wet, slimy rock. To further increase stability when you’re likely to be crossing wet ground, you can add telescoping hiking poles and gaiters. If there is a chance that the rain will turn to snow, change your plans.

7. Choose the right companions

Ideally, winter hiking shouldn’t be a solitary endeavor and choosing a good hiking partner is an important task. Although it may be difficult to predict how someone will behave in an emergency, try your best to choose level-headed, cooperative companions. You don’t want anyone on the team to increase the risk, whether by insisting on a more exposed route or expanding their photo collection by standing with one leg on a boulder.

8. Pack the right accessories

A first aid kit should be the first thing you pack. Afterwards, everyone in the group needs a bottle of their favorite warm drink, a bivy bag, a change of hiking socks and of course a wool hat and gloves. Due to the short days, Dave Evans from Plas Y Brenin also recommends that everyone carry a powerful headlamp with spare batteries. He advises hikers to store the flashlight in a dry place where it cannot accidentally turn on.

One last thing: Don’t forget a power bank for your phone because nothing affects battery performance like cold weather. You need it not only for safety reasons, but also because you’ll probably be taking a lot of photos.