The Differences Between “Regular” and Snow Hiking

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

If I ask you to picture a hike through the woods, what do you imagine? Green leaves, plenty of bugs, and a sunny day? For many people, those might be the first images that come to mind, but for others, their view of hiking might include some very different scenery.

Snow hiking can be very popular during the winter months, and if you plan on becoming a year-round hiker and live in a northern state, you’re going to want to learn how to do it, too. So let’s take a look at some of the differences between “regular” hiking and snow hiking.

Difference #1: The obvious – snow!

It’s one thing to walk in the mud in a hike after a summer thunderstorm, but to walk in the mud and in the snow during the winter months presents an entirely different set of challenges. The difference between a “dry” ground and a “snowy” ground is apparent for anyone who has ever tried to hike in the snow. Sure, you can bring special boots that will make it easier to grip the ground and stay dry, but these boots will also add weight to your burden. For snow hikers, learning how to navigate the snow, stay dry, and still keep moving is one of the toughest challenges.

Difference #2: The mercury on the thermometer

One of the real potential dangers of snow hiking, however, isn’t always the snow – it’s the temperature you’ll read on the thermometer. While a summer hike will warm you up, a snow hike can easily cool you down too much. You’ll still sweat, but unless you’re properly protected from the elements you might want to stay inside. Protecting your extremities will be vitally important, as will keeping yourself dry.

Difference #3: The equipment

As already mentioned, snow boots will suddenly become a necessity on a snow hike; these snow boots will typically add a lot of weight to your stride. Other equipment will also be necessary – you’ll want lightweight material that insulates well while keeping you dry. You don’t have to think about covering skin on every summer hike, but on a cold winter hike, it can be a very different story.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll find that there are actually plenty of similarities between summer and snow hiking. A year-round hiker might even grow to view the changing of the seasons as a good way to mix up their routine and keep them feeling sufficiently challenged every time they head out.

Photo Credits: footloosiety