by Blake herzog
We’ve finally made it to winter, the star of Prescott’s revered four-season climate, and as many of us know there’s no reason to curb our quintessential outdoor activity — hiking — when our temps drop into the 40s and below.
It can be more enjoyable, and in some ways safer, than trekking in baked-boulder-strewn canyons during the height of summer. Read on to learn about the benefits of winter hikes and how to do them safely.
More calories burned
Studies have found winter temperatures do cause people to expend more energy just to stay warmer by turning unhealthy “white fat” into “brown fat” that’s more efficient at burning calories.
Enhanced endurance
Any kind of exercise creates heat, which the body must counteract in hot or humid weather to keep your internal temperature from overheating. Since this isn’t a concern in cold weather your body has more energy to keep you moving, so you can keep up your pace longer and elongate your workout time.
Gentler on your joints
Walking on snow, even when it’s compacted, is easier on your joints than most other surfaces. This can hike up your fitness so you’re in better shape for spring and summer treks.
Fights the SAD
Seasonal affective disorder slows down many people in the winter due to less exposure to light and sun, but spending time in whatever sunlight is available in the winter months has clear benefits for counteracting the winter blues, not to mention helping vitamin D levels.
The bright side
If you’re not a winter person, getting out and hiking in the winter teaches you that it doesn’t have to mean the end of your outdoor existence. The right clothes, fuel and training can help you discover the pleasure of bracing winter breezes, the beauty and fun factor of snow and the full-body workout of ice skating, among other winter treats.
Simply getting outside will help you acclimate to the cold.
Right Time of the Year
Hiking is one of many activities that tends to be moved to the back burner once autumn’s crispness morphs into winter’s chill and ice, but it doesn’t need to be and you’re missing a lot when you do.
The reduced number of tourists adds to the deep peace you find in nature while leaving more space for wildlife to come out and play, all while the frost eliminates most of the bugs you must contend with during hotter times of the year.
You need to take precautions to hike during winter, but that’s true no matter the season. There are always tradeoffs — needing to bundle up means you don’t need to wear as much sunscreen because most of your skin is covered, for example.
Here are some cold-weather hiking tips from the American Hiking Society so you can experience those breathtaking snowcapped horizons.
Don’t toss the sunscreen
Winter hikers still need to think about the sun’s glare reflecting off white snow, along with the fact that its UV rays don’t switch off when the weather grows cold.
Dress in layers
Wear several layers you can peel off or put on when you stop and go on the trail. Your base layer should be a wicking fabric that will pull your sweat away from the skin. Excess moisture that isn’t allowed to escape can freeze and cause hypothermia.
Wear a hat
Our heads are filled with oxygen-carrying capillaries that fuel our brains and consume one-third of the body’s energy. During the colder months it is important to keep your head covered to maintain brain function and not lose precious body heat. You may want to bring a warmer/heavier hat to wear during rest periods.
Keep your water bottle warm
To keep water from freezing, keep your water bottle on the inside of your jacket — properly sealed, of course.
Be prepared for shorter days
Get a good idea of the usable daylight hours before going hiking. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
