Wilderness travel in cold weather isn’t for the faint of heart — but the jaw-dropping views are worth it. Here’s how to stay warm, safe and ready for adventure in the wild.
When it comes to wilderness travel in the winter, unless you’re prepared, you might have to go full Bear Grylls — yes, that could mean drinking your own pee to stay hydrated.
I’m joking…kind of. But winter wilderness adventures are no casual stroll through the snow. The landscapes might be jaw-dropping — mountains capped like frosted cupcakes, lakes frozen into sheets of glass — but they come with a bite sharper than the cold itself.
If you’re trading tropical resorts for trails and frost, a little prep goes a long way. Here are four essential tips to help you survive, thrive and soak in those wild winter views…without losing your mind—or your fingers.
1. Make sure you have the right clothing.
This one sounds obvious, but a cute hat and gloves set from Zara won’t cut it when you’re halfway up a mountain wondering if frostbite actually does turn your fingers black. Winter wilderness adventures are cold — like, “I can see my breath inside my tent” cold — and surviving them means dressing like you’re preparing for battle.
Start with layers:
A moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin (yes, you’ll still sweat, even in the cold)
An insulating fleece or wool mid-layer to trap body heat like your life depends on it
A waterproof, windproof outer layer to fend off the elements — snow, sleet, or that icy wind that feels personal
Add in insulated boots, thermal gloves (mittens work even better), and a hat that actually covers your ears. Bonus points for bright clothing: When you’re in the wild, being easy to spot can come in handy.
Trust me, when you’re ankle-deep in snow, you’ll thank yourself for choosing function over fashion — though nobody’s stopping you from adding a little flair with a neck gaiter that screams, “I’m still fabulous in subzero temps.”
2. Stick to designated routes.
Straying off the path sounds romantic, until you’re knee-deep in snow, lost and wondering if this is how the “found frozen like a popsicle” story ends. Stick to marked routes — they’re safer, they’re scenic, and they exist for a reason.
Some of the world’s best winter trails are ready to dazzle you:
Appalachian Trail, USA: While the Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,000 miles, winter hikers flock to its New England portions. Think snow-draped pines, frozen streams and that eerie quiet you only get in deep winter. Just make sure to check trail conditions — what’s charming one day can turn treacherous the next.
Banff National Park, Canada: Banff in winter is pure magic: frozen waterfalls, ice-blue lakes and peaks that look airbrushed. The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is a must — stalactites of ice hang like chandeliers, and the sound of your boots crunching through the snow feels like you’re exploring Narnia.
Trolltunga, Norway: Trolltunga’s iconic cliff juts out over a fjord like it’s daring you to stand on it. In winter, it’s quieter, snow-dusted and utterly surreal — but the trek there? It’s no joke. Plan wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a view so pristine it feels stolen from another world.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand: It’s a far cry from the summer beaches of New Zealand. Volcanoes, snow and steaming vents — Tongariro in winter is otherworldly. The trail weaves through stark, frozen landscapes that look straight out of The Lord of the Rings. Just don’t underestimate the weather; it changes faster than you can say, “Mount Doom.”
Whether you’re hiking, snowshoeing or just trying to look epic for Instagram, respect the routes. They’ll take you to the kind of sights you’ll remember forever — without the risk of becoming a search-and-rescue story.
3. Pack a tech survival kit.
Imagine this: You’re halfway along a snow-covered trail, surrounded by quiet pines and skies so crisp you’d swear they’re freshly washed. It’s peaceful — until a sudden fog rolls in, and you realize you’ve got no signal, no map and no idea where the path went.
That’s where a tech survival kit saves the day. Whether you’re battling the wilderness or just your questionable sense of direction, pack these essentials:
Offline GPS maps: Your smartphone or a GPS device with pre-downloaded maps can help get you out of a bind when the signal ghosts you.
Portable charger or power bank: Cold weather drains batteries fast. Keeping devices juiced up can be a literal lifesaver.
Personal locator beacon (PLB): These SOS devices transmit your location to rescue teams when things take a turn.
Headlamp with spare batteries: Winter means short days and long nights; visibility isn’t optional.
Two-way radios: When you’re hiking in a group, radios help you stay connected even in signal-free zones.
And because we’re all human, let’s be real: After a long day of freezing toes and conquering trails, you’ll want to kick back in your cabin and stream your favorite show. A VPN keeps your data safe on sketchy public Wi-Fi and bypasses geo-blocks. Fear not: It’s easy to learn how to choose the right VPN, so you can binge guilt-free.
4. Don’t forget the snacks and hydration.
Here’s the thing about winter wilderness travel: Your body works overtime just to keep you warm. That means you’re burning calories like you’re training for an ultra-marathon — only you’re trudging through snow instead of sprinting.
Pack snacks that are high in energy and easy to eat on the go. Think:
Nuts and trail mix: Nature’s perfect snack for energy and crunch
Dried fruit: Portable, sweet and packed with quick calories
Energy bars: Compact fuel that’ll keep you moving without stopping for a meal
Chocolate: Because it’s delicious, and you deserve it
And don’t forget water! It’s easy to think you’re fine when you’re not sweating buckets, but dehydration in the cold sneaks up faster than you’d expect. Insulated bottles will keep your water from turning into an ice block, and if you’re feeling fancy, pack a thermos with hot tea, cocoa or broth — it’s like a warm hug when your fingers are starting to question your life choices.
Winter wilderness rule of thumb? When in doubt, snack and sip. Your body (and your mood) will thank you when you’ve got the energy to enjoy those views instead of fantasizing about the closest cheeseburger.
Wilderness Travel: Stay Chill and Don’t Freeze
Winter wilderness travel is as breathtaking as it is unforgiving. With the right gear, routes, tech and snacks, you’ll be ready to brave the cold and soak in the silence, the snow and the kind of views that are worth every icy step.
So, layer up, grab that thermos and get out there — the wild is waiting, and it’s not about to warm up for you. –Lucy Roberts