10 Ideas For Protected Winter Mountaineering In Vancouver

Snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain. Picture: Vacation spot Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

With snow within the mountains, winter is a magical time to hike in Vancouver. However chilly climate and quick days imply you have to take some precautions. Comply with the following pointers for protected winter climbing.

Pack the Necessities

AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with important security and first support gear on each hike. Learn by means of the total checklist of kit on their web site for an awesome run-down on the issues you have to convey to have a protected and enjoyable hike.

Depart a Journey Plan

If you happen to get misplaced or harm, will anybody know to search for you? Depart a visit plan so somebody is aware of the place you’re going and when you’ll be again. Utilizing the AdventureSmart Journey Plan App makes it simple.

Examine the Climate Forecast

Close to sea stage, Vancouver’s winters are delicate with temperatures often between 3 and eight°C (37-47°F). Winter is pretty wet, however we even have loads of cloudy days and some days of gorgeous sunshine.

Nevertheless, winter within the mountains is quite a bit totally different. The temperature is often just under freezing and all that rain falls as snow. Use the climate forecast for a close-by ski resort to get a greater thought of how chilly and moist it is going to be at increased elevations.

Bundle Up

Chilly and moist circumstances are a actuality within the winter, even in good climate. Costume in layers with a heat base layer subsequent to your pores and skin, insulating layers within the center, and waterproof layers on the surface. Add or take away layers to regulate to altering temperatures.

Select clothes made from polyester, nylon, fleece, and wool. Keep away from cotton which absorbs water, which can make you chilly.

Put on Waterproof Footwear

Nobody likes moist ft. And when you add within the chilly temperatures of winter, moist ft may be harmful. Select waterproof climbing boots that can preserve out the rain and snow.

Deliver the Proper Gear

Whereas it not often snows at sea stage, Vancouver’s mountain trails are lined in snow and ice every winter. Examine path circumstances on park web sites, path apps, or social media earlier than you go to seek out out what to anticipate.

For packed snow and ice it would be best to convey a traction support equivalent to microspikes. They match over your sneakers to maintain from you slipping. In deep snow, convey snowshoes that will help you float over the snow fairly than sinking in.

Watch out for Avalanche Terrain

As soon as they’re lined in snow, summer season climbing trails can grow to be critical avalanche terrain. Go to Avalanche Canada to study extra about avalanche security.

If you happen to don’t have avalanche security coaching, follow patrolled snowshoe trails at ski areas. Or keep away from the snow altogether and hike close to sea stage.

Plan for Much less Daylight

The times are quick within the winter. In December, the solar can set as early as 4:15 p.m. Analysis how lengthy your hike will take and ensure to start out early sufficient to finish it properly earlier than darkish.

And all the time carry a flashlight or headlamp simply in case – the flashlight in your cellphone isn’t very brilliant and can run down your battery rapidly.

Deliver Water and Snacks

It’s simple to get dehydrated in winter as you might not need to drink as a lot when it’s chilly out. Deliver an insulated water bottle or Thermos to maintain your water from freezing. Higher but, convey tea, espresso, sizzling chocolate or soup.

And don’t neglect the snacks. Deliver meals that’s simple to eat on the go in case it’s too chilly to cease.

Hold Your Telephone Heat

The chilly can kill your cellphone’s battery. This can be a ache if you wish to use it to take images, and may be harmful for those who use it for navigation or have to name for assist.

Hold your cellphone near your physique in an inside pocket to maintain the battery heat. It’s a good suggestion to shut all apps you aren’t utilizing and put your cellphone in airplane mode to save lots of your battery life.

Vancouver Winter Mountaineering Concepts

If you wish to hike within the snow, try our checklist of beginner-friendly snowshoe trails. To skip the snow, hike near sea stage utilizing our picks for the finest snow-free hikes. Or dig into our Vancouver hike of the month archives to seek out much more hike suggestions.

By Taryn Eyton
Supply Inside Vancouver