CAMPING IN THE WINTER?
Here are some tips to live by
There’s nothing like some fresh air, snow covered peaks, and a feeling of big-time accomplishment to jump start your life. With the coldest winter months past, and continued political uneasiness south of the border, there has never been a better time to try something new in your life.
Deep down, we all have much greater internal strength than we are aware of. Sometimes we need that challenge, to push us, a kickstart for growth. So make winter camping that catalyst. Give it a chance. Don’t let a little cold stop you from sleeping in the mountains.
Follow these tips and you’ll be relatively shiver-free and loving it:
BASE CAMP
Winter camping takes some preplanning. Check weather forecasts and make sure your friends and family know where you are heading. For first-timers, stay either close to the road or in a designated winter drive to your campsite. If you venture into the wild, either by snowshoe, cross country or ski touring gear, make sure to pick a safe campsite well away from avalanche-prone areas, and it helps if you can find a spot sheltered from winds.
BASICS
Water is essential, as your body needs it to stay warm, so imme- diately get the stove going to melt snow. Make sure you check it regularly, adding more snow as needed. Don’t forget to bring the water to a boil to purify it and store it in an insulated container so it doesn’t freeze. Before setting up your tent, pack down snow around your site; you don’t want a deep-hole surprise in the middle of the night.
GEAR YOU NEED
Go light if you plan to ski tour, snowshoe or cross country ski into your campsite. A great new shelter is the MSR Access 2 Tent. No heavy hauler here, it’s super easy to set up but still packs the punch to protect you from a storm. Sleeping bags can be very expensive. One great winter option — light on your back and your budget — is the Therm-aRest Questar sleeping bag, a real down heater. Don’t sleep directly on the ground or you’ll be cold, so lift off by adding the Therm-aRest sleeping pad. It is not only you that will need some energy, so add a Goal Zero Venture 30 recharger to keep your devices charged, because you’ll want some moments frozen in time. A good stove also matters. The MSR Reactor quickly boils water, and nothing beats hot Starbucks VIA coffee in the cool morning. If you’re car camping, check out the latest rooftop car tents from Tepui, or Treeline Outdoors; they sure make easy even easier.
LEARNING CURVES
Having cold feet sucks, so make sure to sleep with your liners from your boots. Bring an extra towel with you to wipe up condensation from inside your tent to keep your sleeping bag and gear dry. Extra gloves and a tuque will also come in handy. Throw in an Outdoor Research down jacket, because after a day skiing or snowshoeing, you’ll want to huddle around the campfire in something warm. Bringing extra layers of clothes is always good, like a base layer and insulation layer, just in case.
Don’t forget to stake your tent down. If you are expecting bad weather, add your skis as extra anchor points.
TAKE A LESSON
If you plan on ski touring or snowshoeing to your overnight winter camp, it is always best to go with experienced friends and get educated on snow safety from Avalanche Canada. For winter touring, take a course from a certified ACMG mountain guide, or your local university outdoor program. Check in with University of Calgary’s Calgary Outdoor Centre for more information.
CAMP HERE
Go to the warmer side of the Canadian Rockies: B.C. Parks offers a great drive-to winter camping option in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Try the Inlet campground, enjoy ice fishing on Whiteswan Lake, and don’t miss Lussier Hot Springs for a soothing soak.
Near Kimberley, B.C., venture up the St. Mary’s River valley, past St. Mary’s Lake, don your snowshoes, and head into the woods. Find a spot for a magical forest stay.
Alberta offers winter options: This is the time to camp in Banff National Park, given the incredible offering of free national park passes for 2017. There’s easy driveto camping at Tunnel Mountain Village 2 campground in Banff. Ski touring and snowshoe options also abound. Taylor Lake is a good starter. Another option that is a bit farther, but at an easy grade, is Lake O’Hara, which offers spectacular views.
If you plan on ski touring or snowshoeing to your winter camp, it’s best to go with experienced friends and get educated on snow safety.