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Layering for Winter Adventures

Before you head out for some fun winter activities here in Colorado Springs, you need to make sure you have the proper gear to stay warm. Layering is a common and essential system for making sure you stay dry and warm in this winter wonderland we call home. Let’s dive into the basic principles of winter layering as well as some key pieces of clothing for winter hiking. 

What Is Layering?

Layering is a system of wearing specific types of clothing in a specific order to best insulate yourself from the cold. Typically, it includes a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and an outer shell that protects against wind and rain. 

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The Base Layer of Cold Weather Clothing

The key to staying warm when you’re out in the cold is to stay dry. Moisture, either from rain or sweat, will steal your body heat quickly and can leave you dangerously cold. A good base layer will be moisture-wicking so sweat doesn’t get a chance to build up. 

Another key feature of a base layer is that it should be snug to the skin. It does not need to be tight, but make sure it’s not baggy. Extra material, crammed into a tight squeeze by your middle layers, will chaff as you hike. This is the same principle as why hikers often wear liner socks beneath their bulky insulating socks to prevent blisters.

Important Material Considerations for Base Layers

One key thing to keep in mind for your base layer is the material. Expert hikers know that cotton is a no-no. Cotton is not a moisture-wicking material. It absorbs sweat and keeps it. You can opt for a synthetic dry-fit material, polyester, or merino wool. 

The Middle Layers for Winter Hiking

The purpose of the middle layers of winter hiking clothes is insulation. You can go for one bulky jacket or two or three lighter layers. This is a matter of personal preference as long as you know what will keep you warm. If you are starting at a lower elevation and hiking into the mountains, it’s a good idea to start a little chilly and pack an extra middle layer for the inevitable temperature drop. 

Good materials for middle layers are down, synthetic down, and fleece. You may want to go for your favorite sweatshirt here, but cotton, again, is not a good material for winter hiking. Cotton is too breathable, and the key to a good middle layer is to keep your body heat close to your body. If you let your body heat escape from non-insulating layers, even vigorous exercise will not keep you warm enough.

The Outer Layer for Hiking in Winter

Now that you are dry and warm, the goal of the outer layer is to keep you that way. This layer protects against wind and weather to make sure you stay comfortable. As you know, many downs and synthetic downs are not supposed to get wet, so you need a waterproof outer layer to keep that insulation from bunching together and not working.

A waterproof shell is a good option for a more casual hike. There are many options that fold into very compact packages and don’t take up much room in your hiking bag. You can pull it out only if the weather sours. These thin waterproof layers are great for protection, but most don’t tend to be breathable.

For a longer hike or an alpine hiking trip, you will definitely want a legit outer layer. Something that is windproof and waterproof will keep you from feeling the winter’s chill. It is also important for it to be breathable to keep from accumulating moisture that will soak your middle layer. One thing to look for, to keep you from overheating, is armpit vents. These little zippers will let off heat without exposing you to the frigid air.

Layering Pants for Winter Hiking

In terms of bottoms, you will want to start with the same skin-tight base layer. Long underwear is key for keeping the cold air off your legs and wicking sweat. The material should be stretchy, so you can move freely on your hike. Wool and polyester are great options, and you can grab a lightweight or heavier base layer depending on the temperature. You can find pretty thick base layers here, especially in wool long underwear, so you can skip the middle layer.

Most winter hikers wear two pairs of pants: long underwear and an outer shell. Similar to the rain jacket, you will want your pants to be weatherproof to keep rain out. For pants, a breathable material is preferable, so you avoid moisture build-up. You can also find outer layers with vents in the inner thigh or through the pockets to disperse a little extra heat.

Other Clothing Considerations for Winter Hiking

Keeping your core comfortable is the most important way to stay safe on a cold hike. But you also need to protect your hands and feet from frostbite injuries. You can find any number of mittens, including liners and waterproof outer layers to keep your fingers dry and warm. 

For your feet, you will want to start with a liner sock to keep your feet dry and then something super warm like heavy wool. In addition to a nice pair of insulated, waterproof hiking boots, you can consider adding gaiters. A pair of mountaineering gaiters will bridge the gap between your pants and your hiking boots and make sure no snow or rain finds its way to your ankles. 

Finally, don’t forget about your head and face. Your clothes for winter hiking should always include a hat, as heat dissipates quickly off our heads and you want to protect your ears from the cold. In extreme temperatures, consider a neck gaiter or balaclava to keep your nose and cheeks safe from frostbite, too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me, you don’t like being cold, but you love being outside. There is nothing quite as peaceful as a trail covered in snow. Luckily, with the right fabrics and the correct layers, you can stay warm on a glorious cold-weather hike. Brush up on some key tips for staying safe on a winter hike, and enjoy the great outdoors all year round!

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How To Snowshoe

Snowshoeing is a fun winter sport with a long history, invented thousands of years ago and used by the humans that migrated across the Bering Land Bridge to North America. It is an excellent way to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors during the winter when snow is on the ground. If you are looking to try winter hiking, you are in the right place. We will go over how to snowshoe, what gear is needed, and where to snowshoe near Colorado Springs.

What Is Snowshoeing?

Snowshoes are specialized gear with oversized footprints to allow users to walk over snow rather than through it. By increasing the surface area and distributing weight, snowshoes make it possible to enjoy hiking year-round, even when your favorite trail is buried beneath a foot of fresh powder.

There are different types of snowshoes depending on the terrain you plan to hike. In some styles, the heel lifts in order to allow you to walk up steep slopes comfortably. Another key feature is crampons, which provide more traction for steep and icy areas. Depending on your weight, you may need larger snowshoes to get the necessary floatation (to keep you on the snow’s surface). This is why snowshoes are a personalized, specialized piece of gear.

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What Gear Do You Need to Snowshoe?

In addition to the proper snowshoes, there are a few other pieces of gear you will need for your first snowshoeing adventure. As with all winter hiking, you will need solid hiking boots. They should be warm and waterproof. Insulated boots are a great way to stay warm, but having them requires the right socks, too. Because insulated and waterproof boots are not breathable, you will need moisture-wicking wool socks to avoid cold, sweaty feet. 

The rest of your winter clothing should be similarly moisture-wicking in the base layers and insulating in mid-layers. Depending on the conditions, you may need an outer shell that is wind and waterproof to stand up to the elements. These are the essentials of what to wear when hiking in Colorado, and these proper layers will keep you warm and safe on your snowshoeing trip. 

When you go to buy or rent snowshoes, you should also get snowshoeing poles. If you already have trekking poles, you just need to add baskets. Baskets are the little plastic circles at the bottom of the poles to keep them from sinking too far down into the snow. Snowshoeing poles are extremely helpful for providing stability on the trail. Especially when traversing slippery conditions or going up or down a slope, poles will keep you balanced and upright and help distribute weight off your knees.

Regarding the gear you will need to pack, you should always bring the Ten Essentials on any trip into the wilderness, especially water, snacks, a first aid kit, and an emergency shelter. When hiking in the winter, there is one more thing: Avalanche safety gear, like a probe, beacon, or airbag, is the final addition to your pack for winter hiking safety.

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Basic Snowshoeing Techniques

Let’s go over the basics of how to snowshoe on any given terrain. To avoid stepping on the frames of your snowshoes, you need to adopt a wider walking stance. This will surely cause initial discomfort initially, and you will feel your hips on your first winter hike, but it will improve. 

When snowshoeing uphill in powder, you want to kick your foot into the snow in order to create a level surface to stand on. If the snow is harder, you will skip this step and rely solely on the friction from your crampons. The second part of any step, bringing your foot down, is important either way. When you step down, you need to plant your foot hard to make sure the crampons grip instead of slip. 

When snowshoeing downhill, you should start by elongating your poles if they are adjustable. You will want them out in front of you so you can balance and avoid slipping. You will need to tilt your weight back slightly. If you feel yourself start to slip, you can simply sit down and reset.

Lastly, you will likely find yourself at some point walking sideways across a slope. “Side-hilling” requires a specific technique similar to snowshoeing uphill. You need to push your snowshoe into the side of the mountain in order to create a level step for yourself. In order to keep your balance, be sure to keep your weight on the uphill side of your snowshoe.

Where to Get Started Snowshoeing near Colorado Springs

There are tons of options for snowshoers looking to hit up a trail in Colorado. An easy rule of thumb is that you generally can snowshoe anywhere you can hike. Popular hiking trails near Colorado Springs stay open year-round to accommodate winter enthusiasts like snowshoers. 

State and national parks and forests are a great choice as their well-manicured trails will be easy to follow even when hidden under snow. The beautiful and extensive Rocky Mountain National Park has ranger-led snowshoe walks throughout the winter to get you started on how to snowshoe, including basic technique and safety.

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Proper Snowshoeing Etiquette

Wherever you end up, it is important to keep in mind that you will not be alone on the trail. Many trails might be open to cross-country skiers or even snowmobilers. If you do find yourself on a mixed-use trail, here are a few etiquette tips.

When snowshoeing or winter hiking generally, it is nice to stay in a single file line on the outskirts of the trail or path. This is helpful for cross-country skiers who prefer a smooth surface and likely pay a higher usage fee to have the trails groomed. You should also give right of way to cross-country skiers as it is harder for them to navigate around you than for you to simply step to the side. 

It is best to avoid snowshoeing on routes with snowmobiles. If you find yourself on one by accident, make sure to give them the right of way. You should keep your eyes and ears open and your head up. Listen for the sounds of approaching vehicles and be aware of your surroundings. You should step out of the way, but try to remain visible. This way, both you and the driver can see each other and cross paths safely.

Final Thoughts

Snowshoeing is a rewarding winter activity that not enough people try. It is a great workout, a fun way to get into nature in the snowy months, and it provides beautiful sights of unspoiled winter wonderlands. With the right gear and a little lesson on how to snowshoe, you can enjoy a safe and fun adventure outdoors.

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How to Keep Your Feet Warm While Hiking

If you are hoping to hit the trails this winter, you will need to know how to keep your feet warm while hiking. With treacherous temperatures and feet of snowfall not uncommon in the area, warm boots and warm socks are essential pieces of hiking gear here in Colorado. 


We’ve got some of the best fall hikes near Colorado Springs, so let’s dive into the proper gear for your feet and tips for keeping warm so you can get out there and enjoy.

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Gear Necessities for Staying Warm on a Hike

Sock Strategy for Cold-Weather Hiking

In order to keep your feet happy and warm on a hike, you need to wear multiple layers and consider all factors. The first and most important way to keep your feet warm is to keep them dry. Therefore, a moisture-wicking base layer needs to be the first thing you put on your feet. These thin moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet dry no matter how sweaty they get. 

The second layer is insulation. You can wear thick wool socks, which come in different weights (lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight) depending on how cold you are anticipating temperatures will go. If you own insulated hiking boots, these can be worn with just a thinner lightweight wool sock. 

When you are purchasing insulating socks for hiking, there are a few things to keep in mind. In terms of comfort, you want to find socks that fit a little looser. This will help them fit well over your moisture-wicking layer and make sure that your feet are not being squeezed at all. In terms of value, investing in quality socks will definitely make your life easier in the long run. Wool socks tend to be expensive, but they are the best option here as cotton holds moisture and does not insulate as well for the same thickness. 

The Best Boots for Cold-Weather Hiking

The final layer is the boot, and its main job is protection. A good hiking boot protects you from all sorts of injuries, rolling an ankle, stepping on something sharp, and hopefully, preventing frostbite. As noted, insulated hiking boots are a great option for folks who often hike in colder weather or find themselves standing around a lot while on a hike. 

Another must for Colorado hikers is waterproof hiking boots. Many people do not like their boots to be waterproof because it limits breathability. However, if you are hiking in winter or changing elevation substantially, there is a good chance you will come across snow. There is nothing worse than getting your boots wet, from rainy weather or a water crossing, when you are on a hike. If your feet do not have time to dry, you will be risking frostbite, blisters, and surely general discomfort. Even having snow land on your boot can be dangerous, as your body heat will melt it and allow the water to seep in through the tongue. On a very cold day, you could watch your boots freeze up, thus ending your hike.

You may wonder how to fit multiple pairs of thick socks in your hiking boots. When hiking in cold weather, you need to size up on boots. This will allow room for the socks without compressing your feet. You should aim to be able to wiggle your toes in the boots. If you do go for insulated hiking boots, the sizing will understandably vary as well, so it is helpful to go to a physical store to figure out what size will work for you. 

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Feet Warm While Hiking

Be Prepared: Watch the Weather

Before you head out on your cold-weather hike, be sure to check the weather and trail conditions. It is easy to learn how to check trail conditions for hiking safety, and it will save you a disappointing and potentially dangerous hike. 

What to Pack to Keep Your Feet Warm

In addition to the warm socks and warm hiking boots already discussed, there are a few specific items that should go in your daypack for your feet. It is always a good practice to have a first aid kit, a blister kit, and in winter weather, chemical warmers for your hands and feet. These will allow you to warm back up in an emergency. You could also consider getting thermal insoles to redirect your body heat back up if you do not have insulated boots. Finally, you should always pack an extra pair of socks: you never know when you will need them, and at the very least, putting on clean socks at the end of the day will be a great reward for your hard work.

Don’t Put Your Boots On Too Early


It is always good to have a second pair of shoes, in case of emergency and for comfort in the car or at the campsite. When you are getting ready for your hike, changing into your boots should be one of the last things you do. This way, your feet will not get sweaty in those waterproof boots before you even get going. 

Don’t Lace Your Hiking Boots Too Tight

The reason that it is so important to have enough wiggle room in your shoes, literally, is because compressing your feet can lead to frostbite. When you are cold, the blood vessels closest to the skin and out in your limbs constrict in order to keep your core at the proper temperature. If you were to tie your shoes too tight, you are only further cutting off blood flow. This will make your feet feel colder sooner, and it can worsen symptoms of frostbite. 

Keep Your Core Warm

This feels obvious, but because your body prioritizes core temperature, your feet will be the first to get cold if you aren’t dressed warmly enough. Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure your feet stay warm while hiking is to make sure the rest of you stays warm, too.  

Get Your Feet off the Ground

The cold, hard ground is going to be one of the coldest places you can step. Even in the snow, the reflection of the sun’s rays makes the ground slightly warmer. When you take a water break or rest on your hike, try to stand on a rock or a tree trunk instead of the ground below. You will find the ground saps the heat from your idle feet faster than anything else.

Always Be Willing to Turn Around

One of the best winter hiking tips (that I believe is applicable year-round) is to always be willing to turn around. If you feel yourself getting too cold, if the trail conditions have changed, or if the weather is taking a turn for the worse, you should head back. The risk of frostbite or other injuries is not worth it.

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How to Warm Your Feet Back Up After Hiking

Get Dry

As keeping your feet dry is one of the most important tips for staying warm, it should be obvious that drying your feet off would be the first step for warming back up if your feet do get cold while hiking. Let your feet air dry for twenty minutes before putting warm socks on. This will make sure your skin is thoroughly dry to prevent blisters. This is especially true if you got your feet wet from something more than sweat, say wading through a river or hiking in a rainstorm.

It can be hard to let your feet dry out properly if it is cold outside. You can dry them off with a towel and then cover them loosely in a blanket or sit inside your tent. This will give them a little space to dry off without getting too cold in the process. 

Go Slow

One thing people often do is try to warm up too quickly. It is tempting to jump in a hot bath when you are cold, but if your toes are cold to the bone, it is not a good idea to try to warm up too quickly. If you’ve done it before, you know it is very painful. The transition from very cold to even tepid can be painful and actually harmful to your vascular system, sending cold blood to the heart.

Rather than shock your system with a quick transition, you can reacclimate to the warmth slowly. If you are camping and building a fire, take a seat far away and get closer as you warm up. Let your feet tell you if you get too close too fast. If you want to warm up with water, make sure you start with colder water and warm it up slowly with your feet.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

The best way to warm up cold feet is with skin-to-skin contact. Use your hands or thighs (sitting cross-legged) to warm your ankles and feet. If your skin is truly frozen, you should not massage or rub it as you can break the skin, but just hold it there to let heat transfer. Or, even better, if there is someone with you who can help, warm breath and skin-to-skin contact with someone else’s warmer body areas like the torso, thighs, and armpits are quick ways to safely warm skin.

If you are looking for some fun and rewarding hiking destinations this season, check out our Guided Hikes near Colorado Springs. You will get expert advice from a certified guide and plenty more real-world experience hiking in the great outdoors in colder weather. 

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Tips for Getting Outside Daily (even in cold weather)

It’s a proven fact that getting outside on the regular has immense benefits for mental and physical health alike. Even knowing all of these facts, it can still be one of the most difficult events to break the barrier of the doorway and step outside. On top of the day-to-day difficulty, the cold weather adds an entirely new obstacle to overcome.

We can be tough on ourselves and often think that it only counts if we go outside and hike a five-mile trail, bike for at least an hour, or do an overnight trip with friends. The biggest mistake we make here is not being kind enough to ourselves in the midst of everything going on every day. Here are some tips for getting outside daily to help everyone work on boosting their mental and physical health, even if it’s only for a short period of time. 

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The Benefits of Getting Outside

Studies upon studies have looked into how the outdoors is beneficial for the mental wellbeing of humans. Programs like the Children and Nature Network work to bring these benefits into public knowledge, but here is a shortlist of the benefits these programs are trying to make common knowledge. 

  • Improved relational skills
  • Reduced stress, anger, and aggression
  • Increase in Vitamin D
  • Promotes resilience
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Decreased depression

If you’re in the same boat as a lot of us, seasonal affective disorder is a real issue that needs managing when the winter hits. SAD, rightfully named, results in increased levels of depression as the days get shorter and the cold keeps us bundled up inside. 

All of the mental health benefits of the outdoors work towards relieving the symptoms of SAD and can even target the root causes by exposing your brain to the natural elements and helping it produce the chemicals needed to keep yourself strong through the winter. 

In addition to the interactions of nature and mental health, we see these tips for getting outside daily as a way to connect yourself to the world around you and engage in more environmentally responsible behaviors. In the long run, getting outside helps preserve our world to continue enjoying it. 

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8 Ways to Get Outside Daily

Enjoying nature all winter can be made easy when you find the activities you love to do. Here are eight ways that can easily help you find your way outside every day. Remember that only 20 minutes of outdoor time a day can start to bring about all of these benefits that we’ve been discussing. A combination of these activities, or a single one, can easily reach your goal of 20 minutes. 

Walk your dog

Whether you have a dog or not, a walk outside is an easy way to take time to yourself and decompress or prepare for the coming day. Starting your day with a walk can help to clear your mind and allow you to go into the day with a positive mindset that can shift your entire mood all day long. 

Grab some tea or coffee to go

Hot drinks in the cold weather are a savior to us all. Hot drinks can act as hand warmers and can heat us up while we drink. Using a hot coffee or tea as an excuse to get outside also allows you to stay warm if it’s a chillier day. Take a walk or find a bench, but be sure to drink that coffee outside. 

Plan lunch at the park

Meeting others for a lunch date is common as we often have the time to take a quick break from work. Plan to meet a friend at the park where you can each take turns bringing lunch every other week. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and utilize the outdoor spaces that most cities offer. 

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Ride to work

Riding a bike to work is one of the best ways to help you reach your physical fitness goals and boost your mental health. The Netherlands is considered to be the cycling nation of the world. Over 27% of all trips are made by bike. The obesity rate is one of the lowest in the world. Some studies show that swapping out only 12% of short car trips with a bike ride can increase lifespan by 14 months. 

Take your break outside

Throughout the day, everyone needs to be taking mental breaks. Everyone knows what it feels like to be burnt out at the end of a long work day. These short breaks are the perfect opportunity to step outside and get some fresh air. Even if you stand there, the fresh air also has impressive health benefits. 

Find local hikes

If you’re looking for more adventurous ways to get outside, local hikes should be on the menu. Getting outside in cold weather can be made easy when you know what to expect and how to prepare. This time outside can be a quick in and out trail, but you can also extend the trip to last for miles. 

Guided Hikes

Do normal tasks outdoors

Try bringing your normal everyday tasks into the outdoors. Put a nice bench on the porch or in the yard or find a cafe with outdoor seating and start reading the newspaper there. Any work done without the quiet of an office space can also be moved outside. 

Plant a garden

Gardens are incredible for helping people get outside because it gives them a reason and purpose to go out. Tending to a garden takes immense love and devotion, meaning time. If you start a garden, it can be a reason to get out and spend long chunks of time in your yard working for something that you can enjoy later on. 

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How Can I Keep Snow Out of My Boots While Winter Hiking?

Warm and dry feet can make all the difference when winter hiking. Keeping the snow out of your boots is critical in achieving optimal levels of comfort and happiness on the trail. Walking through feet of snow and keeping your feet free of snow can seem like a difficult task, but fortunately, there have been many that have come before us and figured out the secrets to happiness. 

Keeping the snow out of your boots comes down to finding the right waterproof footwear, wearing the right accessories, such as gaiters, and layering your waterproof pants in a way that sheds snow away from the boot. The key is a combination of these different techniques rather than a simple answer. The result is guaranteed to make winter hiking a favorite rather than a dreaded activity, no matter the process. 

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Wear Gaiters

Gaiters, commonly confused with alligators in common conversation, are designed to keep stuff out of your boots. This can be dirt, rain, and in our case today, snow. Gaiters are a simple design requiring only a low level of research before strapping them on and getting out on the trails. 

No matter what activity you’re doing in the outdoors, whether it be summer or winter, gaiters can be beneficial. They add a high layer of protection for various winter activities and should be considered an essential part of winter gear in general. 

Gaiter Type

While all gaiters will work to keep your boots clear of debris, certain gaiters are made for different activities. It’s important to get the right style of gaiter for what you are planning on doing simply to have the best experience possible. 

Colorado Springs has such a wide variety of terrain and climates throughout the year that you can potentially use these gaiters all year long. Not all hiking in Colorado Springs will require gaiters to be on your gear list, but they are a helpful addition, especially when you are attempting to walk through the snow. 

Hiking gaiters are made of lightweight and breathable fabrics that help to keep out most small-scale debris. This can be light rain, small rocks and pebbles, and dirt or grit. These are a good choice for summer trips that lean closer to the “dry” side of things. 

Mountaineering gaiters incorporate a much more heavyweight fabric that offers protection against snow and the cold. If keeping snow out of your boots is the number one priority, these are the gaiters for you. 

Trail running gaiters are much more lightweight and function mainly to keep small pebbles and dirt out while running on a trail. These may be beneficial for running on a packed trail in the winter but won’t do much for you if you are post-holing to your knees in deep powder. 

Reasons to Hike with a Guide in the Winter

Gaiter Height

There are three central heights that you’ll find on the gaiter market–over the ankle, mid-calf, and knee-length. For winter hiking, knee-length gaiters are the best option, as you will likely find yourself trekking through deep snow with even deeper pockets that you don’t expect. These will keep most snow out of your boots but can lead to some sweaty calves amid summer. 

Gaiters will be your ultimate protection for keeping snow out of your boots. These are a great addition to a snowshoe setup where you will be floating on top of the snow but can sink in softer patches. As we mentioned before, snow protection is a combination of different tactics. 

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Waterproof Footwear 

Keeping the snow out of your boots when it’s in the frozen snow form is an easier task than keeping it out once it’s grabbed onto your boot and starts melting. This is where it’s important to have a pair of the best hiking boots. This is another primary key to keeping your feet dry during winter hiking. 

There are plenty of reasons to keep your feet dry while hiking, and in the winter, these reasons become even more important. 

Find a pair of waterproof boots that are durable enough to withstand the snow. There are several different styles of waterproof boots on the market, and we suggest doing a hefty amount of research into finding the right ones for you. 

Without waterproof boots, all of the snow that you shed away from the inside of your boots will find its way inside through the fabric of the boots. Not all, or really any, boots will keep the snow from getting inside around your ankle, but the right boot can stop the snowmelt from penetrating. 

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Layer Waterproof Pants

Another small hack to keeping snow out is wearing waterproof pants and basing them correctly. If you’re already wearing gaiters and waterproof boots, this final level of protection will further ensure happy, dry, and warm feet during winter hiking. 

To keep everything as dry as possible, it’s essential to ensure that your pant leg isn’t dragging through the snow and absorbing that moisture when your body melts it. For that reason, tucking both pant legs into socks before throwing a waterproof layer on top is a great move. 

Gaiters should be the final step in the process (other than putting on snowshoes if you’re wearing them). Waterproof pants will add an additional layer of protection underneath the gaiters and between your legs and the snow. They also help shed snow away from your body rather than soaking it in and channeling the snowmelt down into your feet.

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Reasons to Hike with a Guide in the Winter

If you are looking for a fun way to experience the outdoors this winter, Colorado Springs is the perfect place to be. There are so many exciting activities available all year round in our beautiful state, and winter hiking is one particularly wonderful way to experience the beauty of Mother Nature up close and personal.

The Wonders of Winter Hiking 

If you have never gone hiking in the snow before, there are a myriad of reasons, both aesthetic and healthful, to lace up your boots. Hiking in the snow is quite a workout, burning extra calories as your body works to stay warm. It also provides a needed boost of sunlight in those darker months, as the snow reflects those happy rays back up to you. Finally, with mosquitos or other pesky insects hiding from the cold, you can enjoy the hike free from bites and other annoyances. 

Aesthetically speaking, winter is a gorgeous time to enjoy the beauty of Colorado Springs. The is snow hanging from our pine and spruce trees. There’s soft powder crunching under your feet, and the feeling of crisp winter air in your chest. Winter hiking is a wonderful way to get outdoors and enjoy the snow and scenery. 

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Benefits of Hiking with a Guide in the Winter

Before you hit the trails, one thing you should consider is starting with a guided hike. Whether you are an adventurous type who does not let the snow stop them or a tentative reader desperate to get out of the house, all hikers should start with guided hiking in Colorado Springs. There are a lot of benefits of hiking with a professional guide. Both for your safety and your overall enjoyment of the trip.

Winter Weather Conditions Can Be Unpredictably Dangerous

Especially in a mountainous region like Colorado Springs, weather conditions can change quickly and without warning. Not only can you get stuck in an unanticipated flurry or white-out, but you could be contending with temperature drops. Hiking with a guide is a great way to ensure that you time your trip for the best weather possible and that you are well prepared for the unexpected.

Cold Weather Injuries and Treatments

Hiking in the Winter Happens on a Different Schedule

Another aspect of a winter hike that beginners are not used to is the proper pace and timeline to keep. Unlike a trail adventure in warmer conditions, winter hikers should snack while walking or take only short breaks. It is very easy to rest for too long while eating and bring your body temperature down a dangerous amount. With all the calories it takes to heat up again, you could actually end up burning more calories than you took in with your snack! A guide can provide the proper timekeeping to help make sure that you stay warm and safe on the trail. These and other helpful winter hiking safety tips will ensure that you and your family have a safe guided hike.

Proper Clothing Will Keep You Warm and Happy on a Winter Hike

On a related note, dressing for a winter hike can be sort of counterintuitive. This is because you should start a hike slightly cold, as your body will warm up faster. You also need to dress wisely to avoid sweating, as this would make you colder. If you don’t know how to dress on a winter hike, having a guide’s instruction can be the difference between a cold, dangerous trip and a pleasant one.

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A Guided Hike is a Great Family Activity

If you have children, a guided hike is just one winter activity for the whole family to consider. While you may let your kids run around and explore in other seasons, it is especially important to have a guide in the winter. Your guided hike will be tailored to your family member’s ages and skill levels. You can rest assured that your kids are in safe hands while you enjoy some quality bonding in nature.

Guided Hiking Can Be a Great Opportunity for Experiential Education 

Maybe you are just looking to get out of the house and enjoy some quiet time with your own thoughts. Then again, maybe you just have yet to experience the amazing breadth of knowledge that naturalists and other outdoors people have. A winter hike in beautiful Colorado Springs can be a great time to see elk, deer, and other non-hibernating animals. Professional guides can also teach about local ecosystems, identify trees, and the history of Colorado Springs’ awe-inspiring geological formations. If you have yet to go on a guided hike of the area, this winter is the perfect time to get a Wikipedia-level lesson on all the interesting things our natural environment has to offer. 

Winter hiking in Colorado Springs provides so many breathtaking vistas to behold. As if Garden of the Gods is not already stunning enough, don’t miss it with that layer of pure-white snow. North Cheyenne Cañon Park similarly turns into a winter wonderland with unlimited picture-perfect views. Hello, family portrait for next year’s holiday cards!


A winter hike has so many benefits for your mind and body, your relationship with our planet, and your social media feed. When you are ready to head up the trail, be sure to reserve your spot on a guided hike. Having a professional with you will keep everyone safe and leave you with a rejuvenated appreciation for the world around you. There really is no better way to experience wintertime in Colorado Springs!

Guided Hikes
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Cold Weather Injuries and Treatments

Social media and winter photography can make the winter seem like a wonderland filled with nothing but adventure and fun. The other side of the winter can be a dangerous trek for anyone who might not properly manage cold injuries. Knowing the signs of hypothermia and how to treat it are a small portion of the necessary skills to have under your belt before heading out into a snowy landscape. 

By the end of this, you may ask, “is it safe to hike in the winter?”

We want to assure you that hiking in winter is a safe thing to do, so long as you come ready for the cold. Without this preparation, many cold weather injuries can get those who come ill-prepared. To ensure you don’t end up in a dangerous situation, here is a list of the most common cold weather injuries and how to treat them. 

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Hypothermia

The most commonly-known cold injury is likely to be hypothermia. We talk about it as a precautionary tale to anyone going out in the cold, but very few people are fully aware of what it is and what to do about it. 

The idea of hypothermia is simple. The prefix ‘hypo’ means less than normal or below. Thermia relates to temperature, and when applied to us, it’s our body temperature. Hypothermia then is having a body temperature that is lower than normal. This starts to happen in prolonged exposure to cold environments. Your body can’t make enough heat to make up for the heat loss, resulting in a decrease in overall temperature.

Once your body temperature reaches 95 degrees or below, you are considered hypothermic. Measures to prevent reaching this temperature should be taken beforehand, but once it’s reached, the job is focused on warming someone back up and preventing further heat loss. 

There are three main stages that hypothermia can be classified into. The first sign of hypothermia is what you can expect. There will be shivering and reduced circulation. In the second stage, there will be a general slowness that the body takes on. There is a slow pulse, slow movement, a state of confusion, and delayed thinking processes. The final stage is where one may lose consciousness and become unresponsive. 

Becoming hypothermic can threaten one to stay inside all winter long. Still, there are plenty of basic treatments that will allow you to travel around in the winter without ever feeling threatened. 

How to treat hypothermia:

  • Slowly rewarm with skin to skin contact
  • Learn how to make a hypo-wrap (like a warm person-burrito)
  • Take preventative measures to stay dry and warm
  • Use movement to warm up
  • Get to safety
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Frostbite

Another one of the most common cold weather injuries is frostbite. This specific injury can range from frostnip to third-degree frostbite and limb loss. While most frostbite cases will fall closer to the frostnip side of things, it’s important to prevent any injuries before they happen. 

Frostbite can happen in surprisingly warm conditions. If it’s raining and your skin is exposed, it’s easy to grab a minor case of frostnip or frostbite in temperatures up to 50 degrees. Unless you’re drinking it, all water becomes your enemy at such low temperatures. Any tissue that reaches 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit will take on the symptoms of frostbite, but they can be observed earlier on as well. 

The first symptoms to look out for are numbness, tingling, and pain when rewarming the area. It’s common to get blisters when experiencing second-degree frostbite as well as a wooden or waxy feeling. Third-degree is a much more extreme scenario that often leads to loss of digits. 

Like hypothermia, the most important part of treating frostbite is preventing it. Wearing warm and dry gloves, scarves, and hats that cover the more commonly-exposed areas of the body is the best way to stop yourself from experiencing this injury. Bringing multiple sets on a long trip will help ensure that you stay dry and can switch out when necessary. 

After a cold weather injury like frostbite, you will likely have issues with that body part for the rest of your life. Because of this, we must repeat that prevention is the absolute best way to “treat” any of these injuries. 

How to treat frostbite:

  • Rewarm the area with skin to skin contact
  • Only thaw the area if there is no longer a risk of it re-freezing
  • Do not use excessive heat to rewarm
  • Keep all exposed skin covered and dry
  • Seek medical attention
5 Tips for Staying Warm on Any Winter Adventure

Chilblains

For anyone that spends long periods in the wilderness, chilblains may be all-too-familiar. It may be a foreign concept for most, but it is still a risk. 

Chilblains are spots on the skin that result from extended periods of time with moisture and lower, non-freezing temperatures. The skin will develop small spots that are itchy, swollen, tender, and often painful. 

One of the best ways to diagnose this injury is rewarming and observing. While many of the symptoms are similar to frostnip or low-level frostbite, these symptoms aren’t resolved when rewarmed. 

The more often your skin develops Chilblains, the more likely it will happen in the future. 

How to treat Chilblains:

  • Rewarm the area and keep it dry
  • Prevention measures such as keeping dry and warm
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Trench Foot

The final cold weather injury on our list is trench foot. This happens when feet are wet and cold for an extended period of time. They start to look like old raisins, full of deep wrinkles and crevasses that will be very painful. 

This can happen in the field for a variety of reasons. Anyone who gets their feet wet in the snow and fails to get dry quickly may experience low levels of trench foot. If it goes on all day, this can be a serious injury that isn’t comfortable or fun to even look at. 

How to treat trench foot:

  • Dry the feet and apply baby powder
  • Change socks often
  • Keep the feet clean
  • Stop hiking and go to an area to rest
How to Dress For a Winter Hike
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Hiking with your Dog in the Winter

Leaving your dog at home isn’t a real option for most of us. You may tell others that your dog doesn’t do well away from you, but the truth is always that you don’t do well away from the pup. Regardless of the reasoning, hiking with your dog in the winter is an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. 

Winter hiking can be strenuous for seasoned hikers all around the world. Some are more accustomed to it, while others are better adjusted for tropical climates. The fact holds true when we start talking about your furry best friend as well. Certain dogs love the snow, while some won’t even leave the house and brave the cold. 

This quick guide serves to help first-time snow pups become lovers of the cold rather than learn to fear it. Soon enough, your dog will be crying to get outside when the flakes start falling. 

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Paw protection

Before all else, your dog is going to feel the cold in its paws. Even with years of rough roads to toughen up their pads, the snow can be detrimental to a dog’s winter hiking experience. 

Many dogs that aren’t accustomed to winter will get snow trapped in between their toes, causing them to stop and try to remove it quite often. It’s a difficult thing to work with and is much better to prevent before having to pick snow out of their paws every ten minutes. 

One of the best ways to protect paws is to try on booties. A lot of different companies make booties, but they all fit differently. Remember that your dog’s front and back paws might be different sizes, so some booties only come in pairs.

There are other options for the dogs who rip the booties off immediately or have the kind of paws that booties fall straight off. In the North, the most popular solution amongst sled dogs is a salve called Musher’s Secret. Although it isn’t much of a secret anymore, it’s the perfect layer that protects snow from building up and damaging paws. 

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Bundle them up

Malamutes and Huskies are well-equipped with a thick fur coats to keep them toasty all winter long. Even your Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd might have enough hair to get them through more mild winters. If you’ve fallen for a short-haired pup, it might not be long before you see them shivering and trying to cozy up next to you. 

Many dogs love to be swaddled in a warm winter jacket that adds another layer of protection from the elements and helps trap the heat they produce while running around. In winter, hiking with your dog isn’t about making a big fashion statement, but it may require adding to your dog’s wardrobe.

Higher caloric intake

When people start asking, “is it safe to hike in winter?” they inevitably find an article that talks about eating. Food is the body’s main fuel source to produce heat, and the same goes for your dog. 

So, before you head out onto the trail, give your pup a few extra handfuls or scoops of their kibble. It can make a huge difference in helping to keep them warm and energized for a longer hike.

Even when your dog is fit and ready to go on long summer hikes, the winter is much more demanding when it comes to energy spent. Bring along a lot of high-fat treats (think “salmon jerky”) that will give a boost of energy to help your pup warm up. 

5 Tips for Staying Warm on Any Winter Adventure

Train them properly

Another added danger on the trail in the winter is skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, your dog may avoid mountain bikers on the trail, but many dogs see skiers as a person to play a game with. Train them to stay away from skiers and other people moving quickly through the snow. 

Skis use a sharp metal edge on both sides to help dig into the ice. In the wrong circumstances, that metal edge can easily hurt any person or dog, especially at high speeds. 

It’s best to keep your dog on a leash, even if they are used to having free range. The transition to winter hiking with your dog can be a big one, and they need to learn the new environment before being left to roam freely. 

Have a backup

Bringing a dog along can sometimes be like bringing a small child. When they decide that they don’t want to hike anymore, you won’t be hiking anymore. So, you need to come prepared with a backup plan. 

One day your pup can be ready to take on any level of snow, and the next, they will be shivering at the sight of it. If you have another hike planned that might be drier or slightly warmer, head in that direction. Recognize that you need to be flexible and make smart decisions for your dogs because they won’t always do the same. 

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Modify your first aid kit

One of the biggest parts of hiking safety is having first aid training and the supplies you’ll need. First off, a first aid kit is a must for any hiking, regardless of the season. When you add your dog into the mix, you “need to modify it to become a human and dog first aid kit. In the winter, hiking with a dog means learning proper hiking safety and first aid. 

A lot of doggy first aid is the same as human first aid. You’ll want to add extra gauze pads, athletic tape, cotton balls, gloves, and the rest of the normal gear. More dog-centered first aid would mean packing some of the following:

  • Hydrogen peroxide – Useful for inducing vomiting if they found anything they shouldn’t have gotten into.
  • Towel – Wet dogs are dangerous in the winter. They can freeze quickly, and it’s best to get them as dry as possible, fast. 
  • Soft muzzle – Any mouth injuries may be inflamed by eating snow, which they will likely try and do. This can also help reduce the licking of other wounds. 
  • Rubber booties – To protect any wounds that happen on their feet, have some rubber booties to cover them up. 

We all prefer not to even think about our dog getting injured, but the truth is that it’s possible. It’s best to come prepared and ready to treat anything as the vet is a bit more out of reach when you are in the mountains. 

How to Dress For a Winter Hike

Visibility

Visibility means two separate things here. First off, a whiteout snowstorm and blinding sunlight bouncing off the snow can be dangerous for your dog’s eyes. Second, short days mean longer nights, and you want to find your dog if they ever get loose in the dark. 

If you’ve hiked in the snow, you know how bright the white landscape around you makes everything. It can be difficult to see, which is why mountaineers wear those silly goggles with peripheral protection. 

Fortunately, you can get a pair of goggles for your dog for both function and fashion that makes them look ready to hit the ski slopes. Goggles will help to protect them from the dangerous UV rays that can quickly damage their eyes as well as the cold snow pelting through the air. They’ll look cool and be able to keep their vision.

Long, dark nights and winter go hand in hand. Maybe you don’t live somewhere like Alaska, where there’s barely any sun to be seen in winter, but the chance is still higher that you will get stuck out in the dark. 

Any time you go out with the potential of finding yourself in the dark, it’s best to have something like a light-up collar for your dog. This way, if they get loose, you can track them through the woods by the bobbing neon green light. It will simply help to ease your mind and know where they’re at throughout the entire hike. 

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Winter Sports to Try in the New Year

With a brand new year and a ground blanketed with snow, there’s no better time to get outside and try out some new winter sports. Staying inside and making your way through the Netflix queue is an easy way to try and make the dark winter days pass, but you quickly feel the physical and mental effects. 

Getting outside in the winter is one of the best ways to stay in shape, and more importantly, stay mentally healthy. Downhill skiing and extreme winter sports can seem intimidating for anyone who isn’t accustomed to playing around in the snow.

The good news is that there are plenty of other great winter sports for beginners and experts alike to try for the first time this year. 

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Start Slow

Winter Hiking and Walking

There’s no need to jump straight into bombing down the mountainside on a pair of skis or a snowboard. Simply getting outside to find a winter hike to try out is a great way to introduce yourself to a new winter snowscape. Get out on winter hikes with your friends and family, or even go solo in a well-maintained area to start. It’s great for all skill levels. 

A big part of starting new winter sports in the new year is learning to love the cold. You’ll often find yourself heating up as you start moving. Still, it’s an immense help if you can appreciate the ice-covered trees, frozen streams, and fluffy powder covering the ground—hiking and walking help get you in the right mindset for other winter sports. 

This is a great starter activity because all you need to do is learn how to dress for winter hiking, head to your closet, and straight out the door. There’s no complicated gear system or any technical skills you’ll need. Just stay in safe terrain on well-traveled trails, and you can start to challenge yourself from there. 

If you need a little extra traction as you hike, invest in traction aids like micro-spikes or yak tracks to give you more confidence on snow and ice-covered trails.

Snowshoeing

If you want to get deeper into the mountains, you may find that you start sinking in the snow. Flotation devices are common in the winter, and one of the most popular ways of staying above the snow is on a set of snowshoes.

Snowshoeing is an enjoyable choice with plenty of options of places to go. There are many winter activities in Colorado Springs, but with snowshoeing, you can explore the same trails you would in the summer but see them in a completely different light. 

Cross Country Skiing

Even if you have never been on skis before, you may find that you would love trying out cross country skiing. It can be a slow-paced sport, but it doesn’t have to be. This is one of the best winter sports for beginners because it keeps you warm and can be learned quickly. 

Once you start to feel more comfortable on classic skis, you can try out skate skiing. This is a much more active style of cross country skiing that will get you moving quickly and get a better aerobic workout than running in the summer. 

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Picking up the pace

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Downhill skiing, or snowboarding, is a great winter activity that doesn’t need to be incredibly fast-paced. You can start slow, and Colorado Springs is a great place to start from. There are plenty of local areas where you can find lessons with affordable rentals. 

Fat Biking

Fat biking has become widely popular as biking technology has moved forward over the last few years. These bikes are designed with huge, fat tires that help to keep you afloat on top of deeper powder. 

You can travel on typical mountain bike trails in the winter with a fat bike, but you can also set out and explore other areas that you may not be able to access on a mountain bike in the summer. Fat bikes are also available to rent out from several different gear shops, so you don’t even have to invest in buying one. 

Can You Mountain Bike in the Snow?

Ice Skating

Whether it’s on a frozen rink in the city or on a high alpine mountain lake, ice skating is a classic winter sport to try out. If you’re a beginner, it will take a good level of humility to be okay with falling and still getting back up, but once you get the hang of it, it can be quite fun.

Just be careful on mountain lakes if you are a beginner. It can be challenging to recognize safe areas with thick enough ice. Only go if you have someone experienced that knows how to determine the safety of the ice. 

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding isn’t something that many people have access to where they live. Still, it can be an incredibly fun activity to try out if you find the right people to go with. Many professional dog sledders will offer lessons or rides at a price. If you love your furry friend as much as your human child, you’ll understand why this is such a popular winter sport. 

Skijoring

Speaking of your furry friends, skijoring is another fun winter sport to do with dogs, but it isn’t for beginners. Skijoring is a combination of dog sledding and cross country skiing. If you like skiing but hate doing all the work of moving yourself forward, your dog can help pull you forward. You do need a harness for you and your dog to get started, but if you already know how to cross country ski, and your dog loves snow, this can be a great new activity to try. 

Skijoring requires an active and enthusiastic dog who loves running and working hard in the snow. If your chihuahua hates to go out in the cold to use the bathroom, you may want to stick to classic cross country skiing this winter. 

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Full Speed Ahead

If you’re looking at this list and feel that you need more, check out the sports listed below. We would categorize these as being closer to the “extreme” (and maybe just bizarre) end of things.

  • Kite skiing
  • Ice yachting
  • Snow kayaking
  • Ice diving
  • Snow machining
  • Ice ballet

There’s something for everyone out there, as humans have become highly creative with what they can do when our world becomes blanketed in snow. 

5 Tips for Staying Warm on Any Winter Adventure
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5 Tips for Staying Warm on Any Winter Adventure

Hiking in winter can quickly turn south if you don’t head out prepared. Sometimes you feel warm and happy until you’re miles from your car and the deep, bone-crushing chill starts to settle down.

A successful winter camping trip, or any winter outdoor activities, rely upon staying warm. 

No matter the conditions, it’s possible to keep warm for a long time. You only need to know-how. Here are five time-proven tips for staying warm on any winter adventure. Happy snow days!

Best Winter Activities for Families in Colorado Springs

Get your body moving

One of the greatest fallacies of all time is that you can stay warm if you throw on the largest puffy jacket there is and sit still. The truth of the matter is that clothes don’t produce any level of heat. All they do is trap the heat your body produces.

The more you move, the more heat your body makes. 

During winter outdoor activities, your body becomes a furnace. You’re making the heat that will help to keep you warm. Plan a trip that will have your body constantly moving. You want to use all the energy you’ve stored over the holiday season and put it into productive, heat-blasting movement. 

The catch is, you must be careful with how intensely you move. Moving uphill quickly, or putting high cardio levels into your day, can soon lead to sweat. In the winter, sweat is no longer your friend; it is exactly the opposite. Getting wet will increase the speed at which your body enters hypothermia. So, keep your movement consistent, but pace yourself and stop before you start to break a sweat. 

“Be bold, start cold”

The way you dress is also incredibly important for winter hiking. It will always be tempting to start hiking in a puffy jacket and thick fleece pants.

Why not, right?

It’s cold out, so you may as well be warm. Unfortunately, this is one of the quickest paths towards making yourself drastically cold. 

Experienced hikers and winter campers like to say, “be bold, start cold.” What they mean is, if you start hiking with fewer layers, while a bit cold, you’ll quickly warm up and thank yourself for dealing with the cold for a short period. 

Starting cold will help you to manage the sweat situation. When you stop, remember that all of the heat will be quickly sucked from your body to the cold air around you. Have a jacket handy that can be tossed on as soon as you stop moving to help trap the heat. Before you get going again, throw that jacket back in your bag, and then can you start hiking again.

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

Eat… a lot

Every furnace needs a fuel source. The more you feed the furnace, the more heat it can produce. What we’re saying is, here is the perfect excuse to load up on as many calories as humanly possible while hiking. 

Foods with high fat and calorie counts are optimal for winter camping. Butter becomes your best friend. Extreme mountaineering trips rely on a hearty stash of butter worth every ounce that it adds to a pack. If you aren’t into eating butter without pause, try eating a spoonful of peanut butter before sleeping and reap the warmth and benefits. 

Do your best to take a break from any eating restrictions you may have while at home. Hiking in general demands that you eat far more than normal. Hiking in winter means doubling the daily calories, not worrying about sticking to your New Year’s resolution. This is where brownies become an acceptable and encouraged breakfast food.

Does Broadmoor Outfitters Run Tours in the Winter?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

The outdoors can quickly make you tired of hearing people tell you to drink water over and over. It seems to be the only solution to every problem you encounter. People are telling you to drink water to avoid overheating, drink water if you’re sick, drink water every time you breathe, and so on. That being said, if you want to stay warm, drink water.

The trickiest part of drinking water in the winter is wanting to. It seems counterintuitive to drink cold water while it’s cold outside and you want to stay warm. There are a couple of reasons why dehydration can be even more dangerous in the winter than normal temperatures. 

First, your blood relies on hydration to help move heat from your core out to your extremities. With less water in your system, it struggles to move heat around the body, resulting in cold fingers and toes that you may not even feel anymore. 

Not only do you need it to stay warm, but it’s also essential to drink water because you may not even realize that you’re getting dehydrated. Most people associate dehydration with sweating profusely. Contrary to popular belief, we lose most of the water in our bodies through breathing. In the winter, the steam that leaves your mouth is precious water quickly leaving the body.

One of the most helpful tricks to staying hydrated and warm is to bring a Thermos. It’s heavier, but it can often be a game-changer. Warm drinks like tea or hot chocolate will work to hydrate you and provide a separate heat source. It’s one of the few things that makes it easy to forget about weight. 

Guided Hikes

Bring extras

Extra socks, hats, and gloves should be in every winter camper’s backpack. These are some of the easiest pieces of gear to misplace or get wet. The moment your beanie is gone is the moment you start to lose a considerable percentage of heat. 

Having extras will allow you to keep warm and, more importantly, stay dry. If you get extremely cold feet, try changing socks halfway through the hike to get rid of all the sweat and cold that comes along with it.