While hiking in the summer is a great way to escape and perhaps beat the heat with elevation, winter offers stunning views. Seasonal affective disorder may be rearing its head, so hiking is also a way to get outdoors and get some endorphins pumping. However, taking a trip to nearby mountains, no matter how high the elevation may be, needs a different set of preparations than the more temperate months.

These considerations are not meant to discourage anyone from getting out there and enjoying their own winter wonderland. However, staying smart and knowing your own limitations is key in enjoying the powdery peaks this time of year. Here are a few basic guidelines to get you started, but be sure to check out the specific guidelines and precautions for the region you’re interested in, such as these helpful tips about the Smoky Mountains.

Start small.

Depending on where you live, you may have been hiking in heavy snow and ice for a large portion of your life. However, even if you hike religiously in the summer, you should go easy on yourself for your first winter hike. Keeping it shorter than a typical summer day hike will limit your risk for any emergencies or health problems. This also gives you a chance to feel out what you will need on a longer hike or camping trip that may not be listed on a gear list. These are great places to start, but knowing yourself and how you react to these conditions is important.

Know your layers and gear.

While in summer it may feel like all you want to do is strip down to the bear essentials, hiking safety in the winter calls for a strategic plans when it comes to layers. It’s important to have a base layer, which is the layer closest to the skin, to wick away moisture. The best fabrics for these are wool or synthetics, not cotton. In particularly chilly temperatures, a medium weight base layer can be worn under a thicker option for added warmth.

After the base layer is the middle layer. This is the predominant layer for insulation. A down alternative jacket or microfleece is a great option. On top of the middle layer is the outer layer. This should be a waterproof and/or windproof layer with ventilation so that moisture doesn’t get trapped inside. To learn more about layering, check out REI’s comprehensive guide to each item.

Your boots also need special consideration during inclement winter weather. Not only will you be trekking through snow, but you will likely encounter ice as well. If it’s just cold and without precipitation, you might be able to get away with layering warm socks with regular hiking boots. However, snow boots are highly recommended for anything more intense.

Don’t go alone and be sure others know your location.

It’s important to have company that can lend their skills to the hike as well as an extra pair of hands to help anyone who is struggling. With the added risk of hypothermia at play, having a few friends along lessens the chance that you could be stranded. Having someone who has done the hike before in the group is particularly helpful. If you’re camping, this also adds warmth in the sleeping quarters should you need it.

Furthermore, it’s important you tell someone who is not on the hike your plans. Telling an emergency contact what trail you’ll be on, what time you plan on departing and returning and the members of the hiking group, is extremely valuable in a crisis scenario.

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