How to stay warm while hiking in the winter

When most people picture their ideal hiking scenario, it often involves rustling leaves, cool winds, warm weather, and clear skies.

While it's tough to complain about comfortable weather, there are some perks to planning a hike along snowy and picturesque winter trails. Not only are you more likely to have more empty trails, but you'll also see some unique views that only come around once a year.

Whether you're going out on a long expedition or just a short trip with a friend, here are 10 great winter hiking tips to keep in mind.

1. Try not to go alone

Understandably, not everyone will be happy about joining you on a hike in the frigidly cold weather, but venturing out on your own isn't advisable. If possible, you should always bring someone with you for safety reasons. Although every hiker expects nothing to go wrong, there's no telling what could happen when you're hiking alone in the dead of winter. Sometimes, it's just not worth the risk

2. Stay up-to-date on local weather patterns

Winter weather is a volatile beast. You could wake up to clear skies only to be met with blistering cold a few hours later. To stay ahead of these constant changes, it's important to keep up-to-date on local weather patterns. Downloading an accurate weather app, such as AccuWeather's app, can help you take this information on the go since changes are even possible in the middle of your hike. The AccuWeather app can give you the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures while letting you track any snow on the radar. 

3. Invest in proper footwear

If you're snow hiking, you'll need some proper footwear to keep your feet nice and toasty. Those ankle-high summer shoes won't be sufficient for hiking through mounds of ice and snow. Instead, you'll need to invest in some dedicated boots that can keep snow and ice from wetting your socks and feet. Staying warm and dry makes hiking more comfortable and more enjoyable.

4. Check the condition of hiking trails

Winter weather impacts trail conditions in different ways. While relatively flat hikes might be manageable in snow, steeper hikes may be too slick. Regardless, it's helpful to check out conditions of hiking trails before setting out on your trip. Some great apps can give you an up-to-date report on specific trails.

5. Proper sock selection

Having the right socks cannot be over-emphasized. When selecting your socks, you'll want to consider a few factors: fit, height, cushioning, and fabric. Each of these options will play a key factor in keeping your feet comfortable, warm, and avoid any numbness that might occur. When hiking in the winter, it is essential to pair your socks properly with the type of boots that you wear. Typically a thicker pair of merino wool socks that are at least above the ankle is a solid option to choose.

6. Give snowshoeing a shot

If you're braving the cold weather to go hiking, you might as well embrace the conditions while making it a little bit easier on yourself. Check online to see what kind of snowshoe trails are open. Many outdoor shops rent snowshoes, especially in the winter. You'll be surprised at how much easier these shoes make traversing the snow.

7. Bring more than enough water

There's something strange about colder weather that makes people underestimate how much water they need to drink. This is a potentially dangerous miscalculation since winter weather can be drier, and you'll most likely be expending more energy than usual due to the snow. Regardless, it's crucial to bring enough water on your winter hike.

8. Wear and pack the right clothes

Even the best and most experienced hikers often forget to dress appropriately for colder weather. It's advisable to dress in warm layers. That way, you can add and take off clothes as the weather changes throughout the day. It's also a good idea to take an extra pair of dry clothes in your backpack just in case it rains or you fall into a puddle.

9. Take a positioning device

It's never safe to get lost while hiking, but you're at higher risk when hiking in the winter. If possible, make sure to bring some positioning device with you. This could be something as simple as a compass or something as sophisticated as a GPS. Your phone could be a good choice if it has enough battery, but a spotty connection is always a problem.

10. Don't forget about hypothermia

Hiking during the winter months brings with it the unique issue of hypothermia. It's not something you usually have to worry about for the rest of the year. Having this potential problem at the forefront of your mind can help diminish your chances of putting yourself in a compromising situation.

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