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As what could only be expected in the Canadian climate, this fall season has been a rollercoaster of weather conditions thus far. Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures we have been having as of late, the days will begin to grow cooler once again and before we know it, snow will have blanketed the ground and we will be embracing our very own winter wonderland. While it might not be your first thought for a wintertime activity, the beauty and stillness that comes with the season is an excellent backdrop for a camping trip. With the scent of pine filling the air and views of snow-capped trees and mountains, cold weather camping is becoming an ever-popular and enjoyable option for weekend getaways. Before you set out for your trip, it is important to be prepared for cold and sometimes challenging conditions. By building on any existing camping knowledge you already have and preparing yourself for sleeping in cold or freezing temperatures, you will be set for a successful winter campout this season. 

 

Setting up Your Camp

In order to set up a campsite safely in the winter, ensure that you choose a spot that is sheltered from the wind, away from heavy tree branches holding heavy snow, and free of any potential avalanche dangers. You will then want to prepare your site by digging out an area with a small shovel and packing down the snow before setting up your tent. This will help further protect you from any cold winds that may occur, and also flatten your sleeping surface so that you don’t sink down into the snow through the night. Ensure that you use a four-season tent, and bring tarps to cover any belongings that will be left outside overnight. 

 

Cooking Outdoors

When it comes to preparing food, planning ahead will go a long way as cooking elaborate meals in mittens can be challenging, to say the least. Gas cooktops and fire pits work well in freezing temperatures, so long as you make a barrier to reduce the amount of melting snow that occurs. For cooktops, make sure to bring extra fuel as you may be melting snow to increase your water intake. Pack easy, one-pot hot dinners that are high in fat and protein for your three main meals. Additionally, to help you stay fueled throughout the day, bring along snacks for when you are out and about skiing, snowshoeing, or sight-seeing and don’t have time to cook. See here for easy meals and cooking tips for your winter camping experience. 

 

Prepare For The Cold

When camping in the winter months, frostbite and hypothermia are legitimate concerns. Fortunately, when packing for your trip, there are plenty of items you can bring to protect yourself from extreme conditions. You will want a durable tent meant for cold temperatures, an extra warm sleeping bag and two sleeping pads for an extra barrier between you and the ground. For clothing, ensure you have many warm choices that include thermal base layers, fleece-lined clothing, a puffy weatherproof jacket and snow pants as well as warm socks, hats, gloves and sunglasses – you may want to bring more clothes than necessary in case you get wet!

 

Cold-weather camping is not for everyone, but if you don’t mind bundling up and are looking for a winter excursion, this could be the perfect time to try it out. After months of spending more time indoors, the fresh crisp air and cold weather activities may provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature, unwind, and reset. Just be sure to check off all your boxes and read up on cold weather camping hacks first so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest as safely as possible.