MAKING YOUR PITCH

Pick your spot

Find a flattish area that’s not in a hollow where it could flood in heavy rain or directly below an avalanche prone slope under snow. Consider the wind direction and how the shape of the landscape might provide shelter or channel the wind.

Snow shovelling

If the ground is covered in snow it may be necessary to flatten it by excavating and then trampling the area. Don’t remove all the snow though – it actually provides some insulation beneath you.

Tether the tent

Get a peg in and attach a guy line to it as soon as possible. This means that if the wind gusts as you’re setting up, your tent won’t be blown away.

Position the tent

Insert and fix the poles, then position the tent so its most streamlined profile is facing into the wind. This is easier to do with a free-standing tent but is potentially more important with a tunnel tent.

Secure the guy line

In snow, pegs may work best buried horizontally, stamping snow down on top to freeze them in place. Make use of rocks or other solid objects for extra security.

Heavy winter conditions

If your expedition tent has a snow skirt, ensure it is buried with a good dump of snow all around the flysheet. If blizzard conditions are likely, building a protective barrier wall from snowblocks on the windward side of the tent provides additional protection.

Be prepared to move

If the wind is strong and changes direction it may be necessary to reposition the tent and start again. This is preferable to the tent collapsing around you in the night!