Here’s Why Winter Hiking Is More Dangerous Than You Think
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It’s just so enticing to get out there and hike in the winter. It all seems to add up to perfectly heavenly adventure. But there’s a whole bunch of hidden challenges lurking behind the postcard scenery of this lush corner of the world, challenges that can turn a peaceful hike into a harrowing ordeal, in what feels like minutes. And the risks aren’t just for rookies. In the colder months, even seasoned hikers can find themselves in life threatening situations.
With all the unpredictable weather, gear you will need, and the hazards that are lurking under the snow, winter hiking needs a lot more care and preparation than what you do in summer. So, here are ten reasons to think twice before you hit the trail this winter.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
When you’re winter hiking, it chills your bones and literally freezes your skin and shuts down the body. Frostbite happens when your skin and tissues freeze from too much exposure to freezing temperatures, and hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can make. Both are silent and sneaky. Your body is at war with the elements and the cold doesn’t take prisoners.
Shorter Daylight Hours
You probably know how short winter days can be. When the trails are icy and snow covered, a late start means you’re scrambling to make it back to safety in the dark. The cold gets worse once the sun goes down, and lighting trails under moonlight is nothing even the most experienced hiker can do. If you plan poorly, you could end up hiking by headlamp, or worse, not hiking at all.
Unpredictable Weather
Weather can turn on a dime in winter. You’ll go from sun shining to whiteout conditions in one minute. National Weather Service published a study that winter storms are among the most underrated weather events on fatalities. Even the most prepared hikers can be snowed in, disoriented by snowstorms and sudden temperature drops, and at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Check the forecast and pack for worse than you think it will be.
Slippery Trails
Sometimes what looks like a beautiful snowy trail can actually be a treacherous sheet of ice. It’s not just embarrassing to slip and fall, it can be downright dangerous. A single mistake can result in twisted ankles or broken bones, or worse, a fall over the edge of a steep slope. Non negotiables are micro spikes, trekking poles and sturdy boots but even these can’t guarantee your footing in every icy situation.
Avalanches
Avalanches are very real, and very deadly threats to hikers traversing mountainous areas. Avalanches are deceiving, and in seconds you can be swept off your feet. The 2020–2021 season was the deadliest on record for avalanches in the U.S., with 37 people dying, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says. If you’re heading into backcountry terrain, it’s important to know how to assess avalanche risk.
Getting Lost
Snow covered landscapes have a way of erasing familiar landmarks and turning a well trodden path into an unrecognizable maze. It’s easy to get lost without clear trails to follow. Trails apps and GPS devices help, but batteries don’t seem to last as long in the cold. If they fail, you can be stranded relying on these alone. The knowledge to use a good old fashioned map and compass could save your life.
Increased Risk of Dehydration
When you’re not sweating buckets, it’s easy to forget to drink water, but dehydration doesn’t take a holiday in the winter. Your thirst is suppressed by cold weather and you’re less likely to hydrate. It also thickens your blood and increases your risk of frostbite. You don’t have to feel thirsty to need water. ‘Staying warm’ is important for winter hiking, and so is hydration.
Exhaustion Hits Harder
Hiking in snow takes more energy. Walking through soft powder or over icy patches takes extra effort and makes you tired much faster than on dry ground. Add that to the back breaking toll of fighting the cold and carrying heavier gear and you have a recipe for exhaustion. So, if you push too hard, your body will shut down and you’ll become susceptible to all the other dangers on this list.
Wildlife Encounters
If you think bears sleep through winter, think again. Not all animals hibernate, though many animals do. You may run across elk, moose, and even mountain lions and these encounters can be more dangerous in winter. Animals are more aggressive, and hangrier, during colder months, and deep snow limits your ability to move quickly.
Gear Failure
Now we can talk about the gear. Equipment has got tough times in winter. Wet things can freeze, die, and fabrics can fail. A minor inconvenience can become a survival situation when there is a ripped jacket or a dead flashlight. Anyway, make sure to always check your gear before going out and make sure to pack backups where you can.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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