Hiking in Snow: Gear, Tips & Preparation Guide for Winter Hike

Hiking in the snow offers a peaceful, magical experience, but it comes with unique challenges. Unlike summer hikes, winter hiking requires extra preparation and awareness due to icy trails, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable weather. Safety and the right gear are key to enjoying the adventure.

If you're new to snow hiking or looking to improve your skills, this guide will help you stay safe, warm, and enjoy the winter trails. From gear to essential tips, we've got you covered. 

What Is Snow Hiking Called?

When it comes to hiking in the snow, you might hear a variety of terms tossed around, and it can be a bit confusing. Is it snow hiking, winter hiking, snowshoeing, or something else? Let’s break down the most common terms and explain the differences.

Snow Hiking: Hiking on snow-covered trails, which may require snowshoes or just regular boots, depending on snow depth.

Winter Hiking: Hiking in cold weather, possibly with ice or snow, requiring appropriate gear.

Snowshoeing: Using snowshoes to hike on deep snow, preventing sinking.

Snow Trekking: General term for hiking in snow, with or without snowshoes.

Winter Backpacking: Multi-day hikes in winter, often requiring camping in snow.

Backcountry / Mountaineering in Winter: More technical, off-trail hiking in winter, with added risks like avalanches.

Hiking: Some people just call it hiking, even when snow is on the trail, especially on more manageable routes.

Is It Okay to Hike in the Snow?

Yes, hiking in the snow is perfectly fine and can be a beautiful experience. The peaceful snow-covered landscapes offer a unique adventure. However, it requires more preparation as snow can make trails slippery and harder to navigate. Be sure to have the right gear and be prepared for the challenges of snowy conditions.

Is Hiking in Snow Harder?

Yes, hiking in snow is more challenging. The snow adds resistance, making each step harder, especially in deep or loose snow. The cold can also stiffen muscles, and icy conditions make footing tricky. With proper gear like snowshoes or microspikes, it’s manageable, but expect a slower pace and more energy expenditure.

How Many Calories Does Hiking in Snow Burn?

Hiking in snow burns more calories than regular hiking. On average, you can burn 400 to 700 calories per hour, depending on snow conditions, terrain, and pace. Deep snow, heavy packs, or tough terrain can increase calorie burn, making it an excellent workout.

Winter Hiking for Beginners

If you’re new to winter or snow hiking, it's essential to start with simple, manageable trails and prioritize safety. Winter trails offer stunning views, but they are more demanding, so good preparation is key to staying safe and building confidence. Here’s a practical guide for beginners.

Choose a Beginner-Friendly Trail

Pick a route that is short and manageable (around 2–4 hours round-trip), well-traveled in winter with packed snow, and close to town for easier access. Trails with low avalanche risk—such as forests, lakes, or gentle slopes—are ideal. 

Trails you’re already familiar with from summer, especially those without steep sections, are also great choices.

Check Conditions Carefully

Winter conditions can change rapidly, so always check the trail conditions (snow depth, ice, packed surface), road and parking access (whether the roads are open, if chains or snow tires are needed, and if the parking is plowed), and the weather (temperature, wind chill, visibility, and snow forecast). 

It's also wise to look for recent trip reports for real-time insights. Rely on reliable sources like NOAA, Windy, or local ranger stations to get the latest updates.

Plan for Short Days and Slow Pace

Due to shorter daylight hours and slower travel on snow, it’s important to start early and expect to hike 30–50% slower than in summer. Set a firm turn-around time, for example, head back by 2 p.m., and always bring a fully charged headlamp to ensure you’re prepared in case the day runs longer than planned.

Share Your Plans

Before setting out, always tell someone where you're hiking, your planned route, who you're with, and when you expect to return. Let them know when they should alert authorities if you’re overdue. This simple “float plan” can be a crucial safety measure in case of an emergency.

Gear and Clothing Prep

Be sure to bring and wear key items like layered clothing (avoid cotton as it retains moisture and stays cold), a hat, gloves (with a spare pair), traction devices like microspikes (especially if there’s ice), and a headlamp with a full battery. Layering your clothing helps you avoid overheating and sweating early on, and allows you to adjust for changing temperatures as you hike.

Day-of-Hike Tips

Start earlier than you would in summer, and make sure to adjust your layers at the trailhead to avoid sweating. Stick to your turn-around time and don’t push farther if it’s getting late. If conditions worsen or you begin to feel uncertain, it’s always better to turn back rather than continue further. Winter conditions can deteriorate quickly, and it’s important to prioritize your safety.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid:

• Wearing cotton, which can make you cold and uncomfortable when wet
  
  
• Over-dressing and sweating, which can lead to hypothermia
  
  
• Ignoring weather or trail warnings, which can lead to dangerous conditions
  
  
• Relying solely on your phone for navigation, which may not work in remote areas
  
  
• Continuing when unsure—remember, turning back is always the safer choice.

What Do You Need for Hiking in the Snow? 

Snow hiking doesn’t mean you need a mountaineer’s closet full of gear. But you do need a few smart essentials to stay warm, dry, and safe.

Must-haves (for almost any snow hike):

• Proper cold-weather layering (no cotton)
  
  
• Waterproof hiking boots
  
  
• Warm hat, gloves, and backup gloves
  
  
• Microspikes (if there’s any chance of ice)
  
  
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  
  
• Navigation: map + app + power bank
  
  
• Headlamp, even for daytime hikes
  
  
• Extra food, water, and dry socks
  
  
• Emergency bivvy or space blanket
  
  

Nice-to-haves (depending on conditions):

• Snowshoes (for deep, soft snow)
  
  
• Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
  
  
• Insulated winter boots
  
  
• Hand and foot warmers
  
  
• Sit pad and a hot drink in a thermos

Hiking in Cold Weather Outfit: How to Layer Your Clothing

Layering is the essential strategy for staying warm, dry, and comfortable during cold-weather hikes. Unlike in summer, your clothing system must both retain body heat and effectively manage moisture from sweat. A proper layering system allows you to adapt to changing intensity and conditions seamlessly.

1. Base Layer: Moisture Management

Function: Wicks sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.

Material: Always choose wool (especially merino) or synthetic fabrics (like polyester). These materials retain insulating properties even when damp and dry quickly.

Key Rule: Avoid cotton entirely, as it traps moisture and rapidly conducts heat away from your body, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

2. Mid Layer: Insulation

Function: Traps body heat to keep you warm.

Material: A fleece jacket or a light puffy jacket (with down or synthetic insulation) are ideal choices.

Selection: Opt for a puffy for maximum warmth in colder conditions, or a fleece for a lighter, more breathable option during high-output activities.

3. Shell Layer: Protection

Function: Shields you from wind, rain, and snow, preventing your insulating layers from getting wet and losing effectiveness.

Material: A waterproof and windproof jacket (e.g., made with Gore-Tex or similar fabric) is essential. Look for features like pit zips for ventilation.

For Legs: While thermal base layers and quick-drying hiking pants are often sufficient, add waterproof shell pants in wet, snowy, or windy conditions.

If you’re looking for examples of jackets that work well in snowy conditions, two from Alpargali fit different needs:

The Aerogel Graphene Puffer Jacket is built with lightweight aerogel and graphene insulation that offers a surprising amount of warmth without adding bulk. These materials, originally inspired by space technology, are excellent for trapping heat, even when temperatures shift unexpectedly. It’s perfect for a range of cold weather, from -40°C to +10°C, making it versatile enough for various types of winter hikes, while the Teflon™-coated fabric resists light snow and moisture.

For a more rugged winter hike where you might encounter harsher conditions, the Alparagli Puffer Pro provides added durability and warmth. It features a combination of ET bionic down for lightweight warmth and aerogel fibers that lock in heat while remaining breathable. The Dermizax® waterproof membrane ensures you stay dry in wet conditions, with its high water resistance and breathability making it ideal for snowy and windy environments.

Essential Accessories

Do not neglect your extremities, as they are most vulnerable to the cold.

• Head: A warm hat (wool or fleece). A neck gaiter or balaclava provides extra face and neck protection.
• Hands: Waterproof gloves, with backup liner gloves as a spare.
• Feet: Gaiters are highly recommended to keep snow out of your boots in deep snow.

Key Layering Tips:

• Start your hike feeling slightly cool to prevent excessive sweating once you warm up.
• Adjust layers proactively: Remove your shell or mid-layer during strenuous uphill sections and add them back during breaks or descents.
• The goal is to stay "comfortably warm, not sweaty." Moisture management is the most critical factor for staying warm in the cold.

Winter Hiking Footwear: Boots, Spikes & Snowshoes

Navigating snowy trails requires the right footwear and traction for the conditions. Here’s when to use each.

When to Use Snowshoes

Snowshoes are essential in deep, soft snow to prevent sinking. They’re best for post-holing, breaking trail after fresh snow, or on powdery routes. Snowshoes are unnecessary on well-packed trails, shallow snow, or short, icy hikes. For technique: take shorter, wider steps, use trekking poles for balance, and avoid stomping through ski tracks.

Do You Need Spikes to Hike in Snow?

Short answer: most of the time, yes—bring them. Microspikes are ideal for icy trails, especially on packed snow, steep sections, or surfaces hardened by freeze-thaw cycles. They’re not as effective in deep snow (where snowshoes are better) or on flat terrain with fresh snow. For most hikers, microspikes balance grip and convenience, while crampons are for steeper, icier routes.

Is It Okay to Wear Hiking Boots in Snow?

Yes, standard hiking boots work in mild snow for short hikes on packed trails. For deeper snow, wet conditions, or cold temperatures, upgrade to insulated, waterproof winter boots. Add gaiters, waterproofing spray, and wool socks for extra protection.

With the right footwear and accessories, you can tackle most winter conditions without a full gear overhaul.

Is It Safe to Walk While It’s Snowing?

Walking in light snow is generally safe, but safety depends on conditions.

Key Risks & Response

Visibility: Turn back immediately if visibility drops and you lose the trail. Blizzards with whiteout conditions are dangerous.

Hypothermia & Frostbite: Watch for confusion, slurred speech, numbness, or pale skin. Prevent them by layering clothes, staying dry, and eating high-energy food. Seek help if symptoms appear.

Ice: Hidden ice under snow causes slips.

Avalanches: Check forecasts. Avoid steep slopes after heavy snow.

Tree Wells & Postholing: Stay clear of deep snow near tree trunks. Use snowshoes to avoid sinking.

Essential Winter Techniques

Hydration & Nutrition: You dehydrate faster in cold weather. Drink regularly, even if not thirsty, using an insulated bottle to prevent freezing. Choose snacks that won't freeze solid, like nuts and jerky.

Pacing: Pace yourself to stay "comfortably warm, not sweaty." Sweating dampens clothes and leads to rapid heat loss.

The Golden Rule: Be prepared to turn back. Winter conditions are unforgiving. The willingness to abandon your plan when risks arise is the most critical safety skill.

The right gear makes all the difference when you’re venturing into the snow. Whether it’s the crunch of fresh powder beneath your boots or the calm of a winter landscape, being prepared means you can focus on what truly matters: the adventure.

At Alpargali, we design jackets that combine the latest technologies—like aerogel and graphene—to keep you warm without the bulk. Lightweight, breathable, and incredibly effective at keeping you comfortable, our jackets are built for the outdoors.

Don’t let the cold stop you. Explore our insulated jackets and get ready for your next winter hike with confidence.

Warmth, performance, and adventure await.