Getting Fit and improving life this Winter

What are the benefits of Winter Hiking?

After the whirlwind of the holidays, filled with delicious eggnog and irresistible Christmas cookies, I find myself regretting those extra fluffy inches that have magically appeared. All I want to do is be lazy and go into hibernation mode. But I know there’s a whole beautiful winter world waiting out there if I just get off the couch. Winter hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the colder months and take in the beauty of snowy landscapes. Not only does it offer stunning views, but it also provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. So, let’s explore the many perks of winter hiking and share some tips to help you make the most of your chilly adventures.

Physical Health Benefits

  1. Burn More Calories: The cold weather forces your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, which can lead to burning more calories compared to hiking in warmer weather.
  2. Strengthen Muscles: Walking on snow and uneven terrain engages different muscle groups, helping to build strength and improve balance.
  3. Boost Immunity: Regular physical activity, like hiking, can strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to winter colds and flu.

Mental Health Benefits

  1. Reduce Stress: Being in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  2. Improve Mood: Exposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve your overall mood.
  3. Increase Mindfulness: The quiet and serene environment of a winter landscape can enhance mindfulness and provide a sense of peace and tranquility.
Woman smiling after being on a Winter hike

Tips for Winter Hiking

  1. Dress in Layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to stay warm and dry. I’ll be doing another post on exactly how and what types of things to wear later, so stay tuned!
  2. Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. To keep your water from freezing, you could wear a CamelBak and keep it next to your body, or make sure to bring a wide-mouth bottle so you can still get water even if it freezes.
  3. Use Proper Footwear: Invest in good quality, waterproof hiking boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls. I believe that good quality socks are almost worth more than anything, but the key is staying DRY. You may also want to bring traction assistance like Yaktrax for added stability on icy surfaces.
  4. Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
  5. Bring Safety Gear: Carry essentials like a first aid kit and a fully charged phone. Download a map to your phone, but remember that phone batteries may drain faster in cold weather, so sometimes it’s better to also have a backup printed map if it’s an unfamiliar area. Always make sure to tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
family hiking in the snow

My Favorite Winter Adventure

One of my most memorable winter adventures was a solo hike and camp at the Crosscut Cabin in the Porcupine Mountains. The hike took place in mid-March around my birthday. I knew there was still some snow, but it was melting, so as the day approached, I was prepared to either ski, snowshoe, or hike in my boots depending on the conditions and forecast.

It ended up being a great adventure with a few unexpected twists, like getting lost and realizing that a pack gets a lot heavier as you go. Despite the challenges, I gained a LOT of confidence in my first real solo hike. Reaching the Crosscut Cabin felt like discovering a hidden gem in the wilderness. The rustic charm of the cabin, in the middle of nowhere, provided a cozy refuge from the cold. I spent the evening by the wood stove, enjoying the warmth and solitude, while an owl hooted outside.

Camping in the winter requires careful preparation, but the rewards are well worth it. The tranquility and solitude of the snowy wilderness offer a unique sense of peace and connection with nature. My solo hike and camp at the Crosscut Cabin reminded me of the beauty and resilience of the natural world, and the importance of taking time to immerse myself in it. It was also one of my first adventures that I filmed and put up on YouTube, so if you’re interested in seeing more, you can find it here.

Why Hike in Winter?

Winter hiking is not just a way to stay active during the colder months; it’s an opportunity to embrace the season’s unique beauty and reap incredible physical and mental health benefits. With the right preparation and mindset, you can transform the winter landscape into your personal playground. And remember, it doesn’t need to be a long epic quest—sometimes, just walking a few blocks before checking the mailbox can be a refreshing adventure. So, instead of hibernating this winter, bundle up, step outside, and discover the wonders of the snowy trails.

If you are looking for some great ideas of where to go, check out this blog post: how to find the best Winter Hiking in Upper Michigan

Stay Connected off the Trail

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please leave a comment below with your favorite ideas or tips. Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more adventures and updates:

And if you want to stay updated and never miss an article, enter your email address below to subscribe to the blog. Happy exploring!

Snowy boots with text reading get fit and improve your health with winter hiking

1 thought on “Getting Fit and improving life this Winter”

  1. I connected right away when I watched your content about that hike! I thought “look at this woman, if she can do this, so can I!” I was pretty new to being solo in the outdoors at this time, and watching you explore and adventure solo kinda gave me this deep boost of confidence. I’d love to get to this cabin for a winter escape. Are dogs allowed here? How difficult is it to make reservations?

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email

Want to keep up with our blog?

Get our most valuable tips right inside your inbox, once per month!

Related Posts