Tips for winter hiking
SAFETY TIPS
• Watch weather reports and ask local resources about current conditions.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
• Know your own limits. • Watch out for signs of hypothermia, such as dizziness, nausea and disorientation and return to lower elevation.
GEAR
• Traction device: A variety of traction devices can help make hiking easier in slippery conditions:
Yaktrax ice traction– metal coils that you strap onto boots
Kahtoola MICROspikes – small steel spikes and chains in a rubber frame that goes on the bottom of the boot Hillsound trail crampons – similar to microspikes with straps that help keep them on your boots
• Poles for stability • Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection
• GPS or map/compass • Water and high-energy food • Flashlight or headlamp • Matches or lighter
• Knife
• First aid kit
CLOTHING
Dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothing in response to changing conditions and different levels of exertion.
• Base layer, such as long underwear in silk, synthetic, wool or other wicking material
• Warm layer, such as fleece or wool
• Wind proof and water proof coat
• Warm socks
• Gaiters or waterproof pants to keep the snow out
• Hat/headband and gloves and scarf
• Warm and waterproof boots – look for the new Merrill Arctic Grip sole that grabs onto the ice
• You might want to bring some dry clothes, such as socks or extra fleece.
BEFORE YOU GO:
• Find out about current conditions from local resources and check the weather.
• Eat a good breakfast and carry plenty of food and water.
WILDLIFE
• Bighorn sheep are attracted to bare hillsides where the sun has melted the snow. • Deer and elk often move to lower elevations to find food and predators, such as bobcat and coyotes, will follow them
• Birds, such as the red-tailed hawk, mountain bluebird and Steller’s jay are often seen this time of year
RESOURCES Carson National Forest main office at 208 Cruz Alta or call (575) 758-6200. On-line at fs.usda.gov/carson.
Bureau of Land Management field office at 226 Cruz Alta Road or call (575) 758-8851. On-line at blm.gov/nm.
Local outfitters – check with Taos Mountain Outfitters on Taos Plaza, Mudd-n-Flood on Bent Street, Cottam’s south of downtown or in Taos Ski Valley, Boot Doctors at Taos Ski Valley and other local outfitters for gear and advice. Coming next month: more on snowshoeing plus crosscountry skiing.