Winter Hiking with Kids: What you need to know before you go.
Winter Hiking with Kids: A Guide to Safe and Memorable Adventures
Winter hiking with kids offers unique opportunities to enjoy the beauty of quiet, snow-covered trails but, it also requires thoughtful preparation to ensure safety, warmth, and fun. Here’s some tips to help you get outside confidently with your little explorers during the winter months.
1. Safety First: Be prepared
Winter adventures demand a heightened focus on safety. Keep these essentials in mind:
Check the Weather: Look for temperature, wind chill, and storm forecasts. Avoid extreme conditions.
Trail Conditions: Research the trail’s difficulty, recent snowfall, and potential hazards like ice or stream crossings, and avalanche paths (on and near the trail)
Daylight Hours: Plan your hike to ensure you’re back before dark. Winter days are short!
Emergency Plan: Share your itinerary with someone, carry a map or GPS, and know basic first aid.
2. Layer Up: Dressing for Success
Dressing in layers is crucial to regulate body temperature and stay dry. Follow the three-layer system:
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms. Wool or synthetic fabrics to wick away moisture and keep you warm even when wet. NO cotton, which can increase risk of hypothermia because it holds onto moisture.
Middle Layer: Insulating fleece or down to retain heat.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants for protection from the elements.
Pro Tips:
Pack extra socks, mittens, and insulating layer. Little hands and feet can get wet or cold quickly. We also bring plastic bags to line boots incase they get wet & keep feet dry.
Use neck gaiters or balaclavas for extra warmth and protection from the wind.
Ensure boots are insulated and waterproof.
Bring microspikes for traction on slippery trail. We use these on almost all our winter hikes and prefer them to snowshoes which can be challenging for kids to walk in.
3. What to Pack: Essentials for a Winter Hike with Kids
A well-packed backpack can make or break your adventure. Here’s a list of must-haves:
Snacks and Warm Drinks: High-energy snacks that can be eaten with gloves on like power balls, granola bars, muffins, and hot chocolate in a thermos.
Water: Even in the cold, staying hydrated is important. Use insulated bottles to prevent freezing.
Hand Warmers: Slip these into gloves or boots for extra warmth.
First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, blister pads, and any necessary medications. I
Emergency Blanket or Bivy: These are inexpensive, & small / easy to pack and can help save your life if you get stuck.
Extra Layers: Spare gloves, socks, and insulation layer in case of wetness. Plastic bags to line shoes incase they get wet.
Navigation Tools: Map, compass, or GPS, even if it’s a familiar trail.
Headlamps: Winter days are short, and light fades fast.
Traction Device: Microspikes if the trails are icy or snowshoes if there is fresh deep snow.
4. Keep the Kids Engaged and Motivated
Winter hikes can be challenging, so make it fun:
Scavenger Hunts: Look for animal tracks, icicles, or interesting snow formations.
Storytelling: Make up stories about the snowy landscape as you hike.
Yummy Snacks: Hot chocolate goes a long way boosting moods on the trail.
Bring Sleds: Find a trail you can hike up and sled back down. This is our favorite way to get out in the winter!
5. Tips for a Smooth Adventure
Short and Sweet: Choose shorter trails to accommodate slower paces.
Buddy System: Keep kids within arm’s reach, especially in snowy or icy conditions.
Be Flexible: If the weather turns or kids get too cold, it’s okay to turn back early.
Winter hiking with kids can be magical when you’re prepared. Prioritize safety, dress in layers, pack thoughtfully, and make it fun. These cold-weather adventures create cherished memories and instill a love of nature in your little ones. So bundle up, embrace the snow, and enjoy the beauty of the winter trails!
What’s your favorite part about winter hiking with kids? Share your experiences in the comments below!
