When temperatures dip, snow falls, and winds bluster, getting outside can be more than a little daunting. Sure, a warm bed sounds cozy, and staying indoors might be comfortable—but there’s nothing like the thrill of a winter adventure. Get outside in a smart way and you’ll enjoy the beauty of the season, the magic of warm breath in cold air, and you’ll feel like an absolute badass when you’re through.
Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder, looking for a little motivation, or a cold-weather hiking newbie hoping to venture out for the first time this season, we’ve gathered expert advice on how to make winter outdoor activities enjoyable and safe.
“I think it's imperative that we get outside during the colder, darker months in order to breathe fresh air and maintain our physical and mental health,” says Lindsey Richter, founder of Ladies AllRide. “If we know we'll be comfortable during the adventure we are more inclined to get out and get after it!” When it comes to comfort, dressing for success is key—and one of the first and most important steps is having a naturally temperature-regulating fiber like Merino next to the skin. But more on that later…
Here are 11 ways to make winter adventures more enjoyable from women who love to get outside in a deep freeze.
1. Stay hydrated — even in freezing temps.
“I tend to forget to drink water when it's cold out, but it's super important to keep the hydration game strong so the body can perform!” says Richter who recommends using an insulating water bottle filled with warm water or herbal tea.
She carries a bottle in her backpack when adventuring through the Colorado backcountry on her splitboard. “From the top of the chairlift, we strap our boards and skis to our backpacks and hike up ridgelines with a guide to get good powder,” Richter says. “It is exhilarating, challenging, and glorious in the most beautiful way.”
2. Keep those toes cozy.
“Toe warmers! Swear by them!” says Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. She likes to stuff them in her boots while cross-country shoeshowing in Lake Tahoe. “So gorgeous and an extremely satisfying and rigorous whole body workout!” she says.
3. Get some traction to avoid slippage.
“The best tool I've found to help me run uninterrupted by slips and spills is a pair of ice chains or traction cleats for your shoes,” says Sasha Wolff, founder of Still I Run. “They've been a game changer because I don't have to wait for the sidewalks to get plowed before getting my run in!”
She says her most memorable winter adventure was a half marathon on Groundhogs Day in West Michigan. “I felt like such a rockstar running a half marathon in the dead of winter while it was snowing all around me.
4. Prioritize comfort
Jessica of @therockymountainmom enjoys snow hiking and backcountry snowboarding around Frisco, CO. She says, “My best tip for winter adventures is staying comfortable and warm.” Jessica recommends soft fabrics like Merino wool against your body and sizing up for outwear “so you don’t feel suffocated.”
5. Follow the three layer rule.
“You won’t have fun if you’re cold and you won’t be cold if you follow the three layer rule,” says Trish of @stayoutside.trish who likes to hike year round with her toddler through the British Columbia wilderness. The first layer should be a sweat-wicking baselayer (like a Merino wool tank or long-sleeve), the midlayer should be insulating and warm (a Merino hoodie might do the trick), and the outer layer should be windproof and waterproof.
6. Don’t forget your underwear!
Don’t forget one of the most essential layers for comfort: your Performance Innerwear! Being prepared for winter conditions starts with your undergarments, says Nomi of @nomiyaffa who remembers spending the first day of 2024 exploring trails and gliding on frozen lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. “My go-to for winter layers are wool products, which are moisture-wicking, insulating, and odor resistant. Dressing smartly is essential for enjoying winter outdoor adventures to the fullest!”
7. Plan a post-adventure treat.
“For motivation, I like to plan a cozy treat afterward like heading to a brewery or soaking in a hot spring. It makes braving the cold even more worth it,” says Kim of @idahoadventuremom whose go-to winter adventures are snowshoeing and spending time at her family’s off-grid yurts.
8. Pack a car kit in case of emergency.
“I make sure my car is decked out with a safety kit for winter that includes a blankie, extra food and water, maps, flares, and chains,” says Renee' of @wildoregongirl. She says she also checks road cameras and trail closures ahead of time so she can get outside regularly during the long Pacific Northwest winters.
9. Keep safety top of mind.
In winter, the elements add an extra challenge, so practicing outdoor safety protocol is even more important. “Let a friend or family know where you’re going,” says Mariah of @mariahh.adventures. “Things can look a lot different on the trail when covered in snow.” The Oregon-based hiker also recommends packing the 10 essentials: fire starter, water, first aid kit, snacks, navigation, headlamp, sun protection, knife, emergency shelter, and extra clothes.
10. Plan ahead.
“Be intentional with planning winter adventures,” recommends Katie of @katieayame. “As the cold weather sets in, I find myself wanting to hibernate.” She says without a firm plan, it’s easy to put off an outdoor adventure. “Setting specific dates for snowboarding or winter hikes helps me stick to those plans.”
11. Bring a friend.
Adventures are always more fun with a buddy in tow! Alenka Mali, professional snowboarder, BASE jumper, and climber, says, "Enjoy the outdoors with people you trust! Having good and open communication, being on similar levels and being ok with turning around if something feels off."
12. Why not pack some cocoa?
“For my kids, the biggest encouragement to get them to join me on outdoor winter adventures is always bringing along hot cocoa in a thermos!” says Payton Reed of @mommapey11. “There’s just nothing like sipping on a warm mug of hot cocoa while surrounded by a magical snowy forest!” Of course, this trick works just as well for grownups, too! Reed says that her favorite winter activity is finding a good solid lake ice skate. “I’m looking forward to my 3-year-old starting to learn this year!” she says.
What’s your favorite trick for getting outside when the cold wind blows? We’d love to be inspired by you! Let us know by dropping us a line at info@branwyn.com or @branwynofficial on Instagram.
