Winter Hiking - Notes on Preparation
Updated To list the 10 essentials to Winter Hiking/ Travel summary and bullet points. 11/13/2020
Originally published 1/2020
Summary:
Winter travel can be inherently dangerous in winter conditions. It is important to carry the following list of gear, have the knowledge on using the gear, and leave a travel plan with someone before you take off for the day.
Navigation-Paper Maps, GPS, Compass
Sun Protection/Eye Protection-Sun Burns are real, and the snow can reflect the sun into your eyes easily make you snow blind.
Extra Clothes-moisture wicking long johns, heavy puffys, and a change of socks that are not cotton.
Illumination-Here is the rule, 1 is none and 2 is one. It is simple, take a spare light, batteries, and your after dark experience will be a lot easier to deal with should you find yourself running late.
First Aid Kit-This should have the basics, I like the Adventures travel kits as a starter. I then add my own supplements, to include a fire starter, zip ties, coffee, batteries, and superglue.
Knife-A simple knife is good, but a multi-tool is best. I prefer the Gerber brand, time tested and well worth the money.
Hydration-In freezing temperatures I prefer a wide mouth bottle, I fill it with water and store it upside down. That way if it freezes, the ice will be at the bottom when you drink.
Nutrition-Snacks are great. Don’t eat everything while your on the trail. Save a little “just in case”.
Shelter-This can be anything from a light weight tent, bivy sack, or a tarp . Use what your comfortable with, it sucks being cold. Pro-Tip-Cut a small 12'“x12” piece of your sleeping pad and add it to your pack. This will keep you a lot warmer should you need to shelter in place.
Fire Starter-I carry a Fire Steel, magnesium fire starter from Light My Fire. This thig is dynamite. In addition you can carry a little dryer lint in a baggie.
I have spent plenty of time in the cold and ice of New England to a 9 day sojourn in Alaska. Take the time and prepare. “Just in Case”
Read below for more information.
It's the winter season up on Sandia Mountain and there are several things you should take into consideration when venturing out.
Weather, footwear, and trail conditions are just a few. It's easy to be lured into a false sense of security by our warmer temperatures in town as we prepare for a day of hiking. As we have witnessed this past few weeks has been rough on out of state/ inexperience winter hikers on the La Luz trail. Thanks to the efforts of Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council most parties have returned home with little more than a story of poor trip preparation and exposure.
Albuquerque Mountain Rescue from 12/30/2019
As a rule of thumb, the crest temperature is 10-20 degrees colder than the base of the mountain. So, plan ahead, by taking an extra layer, gloves/mittens, and a sturdy pair of shoes that are waterproof. Bringing snacks, water to drink, and a headlamp is also a great idea as well. Nothing kills a good time like being hangry after all.
Footwear is also something that needs to be addressed. Most trails this time of year are icy, or snow packed. This means you need to plan for safe travel, by using snowshoes or traction device, like micro spikes. This will ensure that your footwear has grip when you need it the most. The advantage of snowshoes over micro spikes is the float the platform offers. This will allow you to travel on a wider range of trails without "post holing". This in turn will keep your feet, socks, and pants dryer and lead to a warmer day in the mountains.
Trail conditions differ depending on what elevation and slope aspect you are traveling on or through. I have found that several trails in the foothills have ice on the north facing slopes as well as most trails above the Doc Long Picnic area on the back side of the mountain. Knowing before you go, is sometimes hard, as trip reports are not always available. Keep in mind the La Luz has snow and ice from November to April most years.
If you are headed out for a day of hiking, plan ahead by packing the right gear, as it can make all the difference.
MST Adventures rents snowshoes, micro spikes, and leads guided tours on Sandia Mountain, we operate under permit from the U.S. National Forest, Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Ranger District. We are always happy to share our advice and current trail conditions with anyone who calls or emails. Be safe and have fun!
Winter conditions after fresh snowfall: Crest Trail