Things You Need to Know Before You Go Winter Hiking
If you’re like us, hiking is a year-round activity. So when winter rolls around, we turn up the volume and just keep hiking. Of course, in the winter, it gets cold, especially in Edmonton Alberta it gets dark, and it gets slippery so there are more factors to consider before heading out on a winter hike.
Here some of our tips for winter.
Many people don’t feel as thirsty when they hike in the winter as in the warmer months but staying hydrated is essential. Bring at least a half-liter of water per hour you’ll be hiking in your day pack and schedule breaks to make sure you’re drinking it regularly. Pack extra calorie-dense snacks, such as Cliff bars or trail mix, and our favorite beef jerky, just in case your hike takes longer than anticipated and you get hungry along the way.
There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. You can hike throughout the entire Canadian winter—if you dress for it. This means waterproof hiking footwear and moisture-wicking layers and
“No Cotton”.
First off, footwear is key, so make sure you invest in a pair of hiking boots that were made to keep out precipitation while allowing your feet to breathe.
As for clothing, make sure you layer up. The base layer next to your skin should never be cotton, which gets very cold and soggy when wet. Instead, you should opt for Merino wool or polyester, which dries quickly and wicks away sweat, keeping you warm and dry. Your next layer should be a material that traps warm air to keep you insulated against the cold, such as a synthetic fleece or wool. And the final outer layer should protect you from the weather itself, such as snow, wind, rain and sleet.
It’s easy to remove a layer if you start to work up a sweat, but you can’t add an extra layer for warmth if you didn’t bring one. Stash your layers in your day pack as you hike, as you may need to put them back on if you stop for a break. Don’t forget to top it all off with a warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter/warmer to trap the heat in and keep the weather out. And, even though it’s winter, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen since you can still get a sunburn and in Edmonton Alberta, you can look it up, it’s one of the sunniest cities in the world even when it’s -30.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from enjoying Alberta’s beautiful nature year-round. Our province offers diverse terrain—from mountains to forests to plains—and the weather varies immensely. Hit the trails this winter be safe and have fun.
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