I Didn't Know That!: Exploring Nature in Winter

“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow.”
- William Sharp

For many in the Northern Hemisphere, winter brings shorter days, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. While this type of weather may make you want to cozy up indoors, it’s a great time to explore nature in your national parks. Along with cooler temperatures, winter brings fewer visitors, opportunities to engage in winter recreational activities, and the quiet peacefulness of freshly fallen snow.

NPS / Neal Herbert

Know Before You Go

With any trip, it’s important to know before you go, but in winter it is essential. Closures and restricted access are common in parks during the winter months and conditions can change rapidly.

Visit the park’s website, check the NPS App, or call ahead to get information on winter-related activities, conditions and closures.

Check weather and avalanche forecasts. Winter weather can change rapidly, and certain conditions can increase the risk of avalanches. Make sure you are weather and avalanche aware by checking local weather and avalanche forecasts before you go.

Share your plans. Once you have a plan in mind, discuss it with family, friends, or someone that can check in on you. Make sure they know where you are going and when you expect to return. If you end up changing your plans, keep your contact informed of the change so they know when and where you’re expected.

Be Prepared

If you want to have a good time and stay safe, you must be prepared!

Pack your essentials. Winter conditions make it necessary to pack a few more items than just your usual 10 hiking essentials. Over-the-shoe traction devices can help stabilize you on icy surfaces and sunglasses can protect your eyes from snow glare. Check out this list of winter hiking essentials to make sure you’ll have everything you’ll need.

Dress for the weather. Layers are key when dressing for winter weather. Take a look at the graphic below to help determine how many layers you might need on your adventure.

NOAA

Text description of infographic

An infographic for Dressing for Cold Weather showing that "adding layers will help keep you warm as the temperature drops."

The image is divided into three sections: chilly, cold, and extreme cold. 

The "chilly" section features a smiling boy with the following clothing items pointed out:

• 1-2 layers (torso)

• outer layer (torso) to keep out wind, rain

• long layer (legs)

• warm shoes, water proof.(feet)

The "cold" section features a smiling child with the following clothing items pointed out.

• warm hat (head)

• 2-3 layers (torso)

• outer layer (torso), to keep out wind, wet snow

• gloves (hands)

• 1-2 layers (legs)

• boots, water proof (feet)

The "extreme cold" section features a child with the following clothing items pointed out.

• warm hat (head)

• face mask (lower face)

• 3+ layers, 1 insultating (torso)

• outer layer, to keep out wind (torso)

• gloves (hands)

• 2+ layers (legs)

• boots, water proof (feet)

The NOAA logo and url weather.gov/safety are at the bottom of the infographic.

Recreate Safely & Responsibly

Winter weather comes with hazardous conditions. It's important to keep safety in mind at all times, while you're driving, while you're recreating, and on your way home.

Winter Driving Safety. No matter what winter recreational activity you plan on doing, chances are you’ll have to drive to get there. Winter weather can be hazardous for even the most experienced drivers. Make sure you’re prepared with these winter driving safety tips.

Winter Hiking Safety. Snow-covered landscapes are a joy to explore, but they can be quite different than what you’re used to in the summertime. Knowing route-finding skills, being avalanche aware, and making sure you bring extra winter items can help keep you safe out on the trail in winter conditions. Check out these winter hiking safety tips before you hit the trail.

Recreate Responsibly. As always, remember to recreate responsibly on your wintertime adventure. With your help, we can enjoy these special places while preserving them for future generations to enjoy. Some additional winter recreation etiquette tips can help you be respectful to everyone as you enjoy a winter wonderland.

Skiers and a snowmobiler share the road in Yellowstone National Park

NPS / Neal Herbert

• Yield to downhill or faster traffic.
• Move off the trail when stopped.
• Separate ski and snowshoe tracks where possible. Avoid hiking on ski or snowshoe tracks.
• Know the trail’s usage rules. Not all modes of transportation are allowed on all trails.
• Snowmobiles should slow down and give pedestrians plenty of room. If riding in a group, indicate the number of vehicles in your party.

Screenshot or right click to download to share!

Pass It On!

Did you learn something new? Pass it on! Protecting our parks is a job for us all, but there's no way for everyone to be an expert in everything. That's why sharing knowledge is so important! Help others have a safe and enjoyable winter adventure by sharing these tips.

Download or screenshot this card to share with a friend or help you remember how to explore nature in winter like a pro. Thank you for staying safe and recreating responsibly while enjoying winter in your parks.

Check out other I Didn't Know That! topics.

Text description of infographic

I Didn't Know That! Exploring Nature in Winter

• Did you know... Exploring nature in the winteritme can be a magical experience.

• Have a safe & memorable adventure. Winter adventures may take a little extra planning, but here are some tips to help you plan a safe & enjoyable trip:

  • Know before you go. Check for closures & current conditions. Be weather & avalanche aware. Share your plans.

  • Be prepared. Pack your essentials - add winter items to your 10 essentials. Dress for the weather - layers are key!

  • Recreate Safely. Drive with caution. Know your route. Recreate Responsibly.

go.nps.gov/idkt