Winter hiking is something that may have crossed your mind more than once. When the nagging becomes intense, you really want to pack up your gear and go hiking in the winters, but there is one thing that may daunt everyone – the freezing cold!
The wet, cold winter is the time when people usually prefer to curl up in the blankers and read a good book while sipping on some hot chocolate – sounds perfect, no?
For some people, the thrill of adventure lures them out of their comfort zones and wants them to opt for something that can be adventurous.
So, for that purpose, we will discuss the pros and cons of winter hiking here. You can go through them and decide if you want to go on this chilly adventure or not.
Table of Contents
Pros Of Winter Hiking
1. Quieter Trails
If you are a person who prefers alone time, then the winters are the perfect time to hike for you. The cold and damp hiking trails dull the buzz of hiking for most people and can help you get quieter trails than usual. You can visit all the places that you want without crowds ruining your experience.
2. Breathtaking Views
The snow encapsulating the landscapes is a mesmerising sight on its own. The peaks layered with white snow and the peculiar ice formations are a magnificent sight to observe. The stunning beauty of frozen lakes and streams is a scene you usually miss in the summers.
3. Bug-Free Hike
If you are a person who is always swatting bugs and scratching yourself after an insect bite, you would be happy to know that a winter hike would be mostly bug-free.
A hiking trip without bees buzzing near your ear or the mosquitoes sucking at your blood – ah, a soothing experience, no? So, the elimination of these bugs is definitely a plus point that you can experience in the winters.
4. Unique Wildlife
In summers, you may have experienced your fair share of wildlife. The winter comes with its own set of wildlife that you can explore. The animals are scared to come where they see many people, so the winters can be the perfect time to see some unique wildlife. So, whether you are day hiking or staying for a longer time, the chance to see some unique wildlife in winter is higher.
Cons Of Winter Hiking
1. It Is Cold
This is sort of an obvious con, but we just had to mention it, do not underestimate the cold when hiking. You need to prepare accordingly, and your summer hiking gear would not suffice for it. You would need boots, gloves, socks, hats, and mittens to provide insulation from the cold. You have to adorn several layers according to the cold, and hence you need to have everything ready. If it rains, it will get super chilly, and with the snow, it can be quite dangerous. So make sure that you are prepared for all sorts of possibilities when winter hiking.
2. Loaded Backpack
In summers, you can easily pack light and keep the weight of your backpack to a minimum. In winter, the layers of clothing and the rest of the gear makes your bag heavier to carry.
With warm hats, mittens, extra coats, and scarves, the hiking backpack is bound to become heavier, increasing the load on your shoulders.
3. Lesser Daylight
In the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day is between December 20th and December 22nd, while the longest day lies somewhere between 20th June to 22nd June. So, during winters, the stretch of sunlight lasts for less time compared to the summers. You should always carry a headlamp even when day hiking in the summers, but it is of utmost importance in the winters that you have a reliable light source with you.
4. Slower Speed
The speed becomes slower in the winter; this happens because of the snow on the ground. The snowy ground is harder to cross; hence the space when hiking on snow is slower by a wide margin. So, when measuring your time, make sure that you keep the snow in consideration and then calculate. Even if you are an advanced hiker, the snow is bound to reduce the hiking speed, so it is best to keep that in mind.
5. Frozen Water Sources
You have to carry water with you as the water sources may be frozen, and hence it would limit your water supply. So, prepare the water supply in sufficient capacity so you do not have to rely on any natural sources for water – because they might all be frozen!
Final Thoughts
With these pros and cons of winter hiking in your mind, you can decide if you want to take a trip or not. Keep yourself prepared and safe!