10 Outdoor Adventures That Could Get You Hurt This Winter – Avoid These at All Costs

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Winter adds a spellbinding quality, casting landscapes in snow and ice, whilst enticing us to experience adventure, even if the adventure is taking us as close to danger as possible. Winter activities are exciting, but they can be a recipe for disaster. No one wants to be a killjoy, it’s just smart to stay safe.

Winter is the time to think twice before attempting dangerous trails, extreme sports and so on. Staying cooped up indoors? That’s not the point, it’s about knowing what activities could land you in a sticky—or frozen—situation. So, I‘m going to talk about the snowy escapades you might want to skip this season.

Ice Climbing

People love to scale frozen waterfalls or icy cliffs, which sounds like a phenomenal adrenaline rush, but it is very dangerous. Ice is unpredictable and unstable, failure of equipment is also a problem. The difference between triumph and tragedy can be a misplaced pick. Ice climbing incidents spike in winter months, often because of sudden ice breaks. If the thought of dangling from an icicle doesn’t make your feet curl with cold, then you can go an adventure.

Unfamiliar Terrain Snowmobiling

Racing through snowy trails at top speeds is exhilarating, but racing through snow trails you’ve never driven before is a fast way to get yourself into trouble. Thin ice, hidden obstacles and avalanches are just a few of the little hazards that can ruin your day—or worse. Snowmobiles may appear sturdy, but they don’t stand a chance against Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Experts recommend that you stick to mapped routes, or go with an experienced guide.

Skiing Off-Piste

American Things That Make Other Powerful Nations Envious and Wish They Could Have — Image Credit: Pixabay

Skiing off groomed trails may seem like a thrill, but skiing in backcountry areas is extremely dangerous. The main concerns are avalanches, and tree wells—those deep pockets of snow that can trap and suffocate skiers. According to the National Weather Service, 90 percent of avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in their party. Skill is not just the only thing; survival instinct is important too.

Walking on Frozen Lakes

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You might think that glistening frozen lake is one solid playground, but don’t be fooled. Ice thickness varies and without warning ice can crack. For example, in Minnesota last year, several people had fallen through thin ice, despite precautions. The experts never advise going onto ice unless you’re sure it’s at least four inches thick, but even then it’s no guarantee of safety.

Snowshoeing in Remote Areas

While it is a quieter way to enjoy the winter wilderness, snowshoeing into remote areas without the proper preparation is not a good idea. Trails can be lost in deep snow. If you do get stranded, you’ll also have to worry about hypothermia and frostbite. This can be a very dangerous time for winter outdoor enthusiasts who underestimate how quickly cold can affect their judgment and mobility.

Winter Camping

Going camping in the snow seems like a dreamy, exciting, romantic thing to do — but in real life, it’s not always that glamorous. Even with warm gear, exposure to extreme cold can leave you with hypothermia. In snow covered terrain, building a fire isn’t always an option, and you can be caught in an unexpected storm. Winter camping injuries rise by annually from weather related incidents.

Climbing Snow-Covered Peaks

Mountain climbing in winter is different from warmer months. Not only are snow covered peaks slippery, they can hide crevices and weak spots. Frostbite is a constant concern and falling ice or snow can cause avalanches. Experienced climbers comment on how careful and prepared you have to be in winter mountaineering.

Sledding Down Steep Hills

While sliding downhill may not seem dangerous compared to other activities on this list, steep hills add an unsuspecting amount of danger. A high speed hit on a tree, fence or rock can be serious. A study reports that in the U.S., there are over 20,000 sledding injuries every year, and the most common is to the head.

Driving on Icy Roads

Driving with Snow on Your Car — Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Black ice and snowy conditions make a winter road trip a nightmare. You can lose control of your car on an icy road faster than you can say “snow chains.” Nearly 24% of weather related vehicle crashes occur on snowy or icy pavement, according to a Federal Highway Administration study. Spin into a ditch? Nah, it’s better to enjoy the view from a safe distance.

Snow Forts Without Safety Checks

Building snow forts may seem innocent and fun, but if they collapse, it’s dangerous. Heavy, compacted snow can trap kids (and adults) under it, suffocating them. They’re rare and heartbreaking, but this is why supervision and proper building techniques are so important. Be sure to keep structures shallow, so they don’t cave in.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.