Survive Unexpected Winter Storms on the Trail With These 5 Expert Tips

The best way to survive a winter storm is to not get caught in one. True as that may be, however, it’s not a very useful tip when the snow has already started falling. As weather grows more unpredictable, getting stuck on the trail, even when you’ve dutifully checked the forecasts, could happen to any of us. The key to surviving is always being prepared for the worst by packing the 10 essentials and reading articles like this, even if you’re just planning to go on a day hike.

“If you ask me what’s the highest risk, it’s those short hikes because they’re the ones most people aren’t prepared for the longer term,” says Dan Wowak of Coalcracker Bushcraft, a wilderness school and YouTube channel based in Pennsylvania. “A two-mile hike can turn into a devastating emergency situation. You roll an ankle, a storm comes in, it gets dark, you have no equipment, and you don’t know what to do.”

We talked to Wowak and two other experienced hikers about what to do when bad weather rolls in with no warning. The first step: They all suggest packing the right things for winter, including an emergency shelter, communication device, extra layers, navigation, and a fire starter.

1. Stop and Evaluate

You might think that if you’re only a mile from the trailhead, you’re home free. But as snow starts to cover the trail and any tracks you may have left, you might as well be days away. “When you’re out and the weather is turning, you might be inclined to go faster,” says Danny Giovale, the founder of Kahtoola. “I would strongly suggest stopping for a sec.”

Knowing when to stop and wait out the storm will save you from precarious situations. Giovale and Wowak suggest considering how far you have left to go and the time of day. If the storm is moving in quickly and it’s getting dark, it’s best to stop and prioritize survival. Nighttime, Wowak says, is one of the worst times to travel because both visibility and temperatures are at their lowest. So if dusk approaches and you’re not prepared with the equipment and knowledge to travel in the dark, settle in to spend the night out there.

2. Set Up—or Find—Shelter

If you packed an emergency bivy or a tent, it’s crucial to set that up immediately to protect yourself from the elements, like snow, rain, and wind. Blocking the weather is going to prolong your survival timeline. “If you’re not dry, you’re in trouble really fast,” says Jon King, who hikes daily and sends the trail report for 10,000-footer San Jacinto Peak in California.

If you don’t have shelter, Giovale suggests looking for a cave or building your own in the snow. This, of course, requires prior knowledge, but the idea is to create a big pile of snow. Let it set up into a dome and then dig out a space for your body. Don’t forget to poke an air vent.

Then there are trails with man-made shelters, like on San Jacinto Peak, says King. Part of your preparation is knowing where these huts and structures are located in case you ever need them.

3. Keep Warm

As your hands grow cold, they become less functional. As your body loses heat, you become at risk for developing hypothermia and making rash decisions. In addition to a shelter, Giovale always brings a lightweight shell jacket with a hood, “one of the ounce-per-ounce most impactful pieces of gear,” he says. Staying as dry as possible with extra layers will keep you warm. Keep exercising and moving to stimulate blood flow to your fingers and toes.

Wowak also recommends building a fire. “Getting a campfire started is a very relaxing and primal thing that makes people feel safe in just about any situation,” he says. Some caveats apply: It’s harder to do in a torrential downpour than a snowstorm, and it’s not always advised in fire-prone areas or during a fire ban unless it’s a life-or-death situation.

Should you spend the night outside, make sure to insulate your body from the ground so you don’t lose body heat, he adds. A foam mat will work, but in lieu of that, so will pine boughs. In a pinch, you can sit on your backpack.

4. Stay Hydrated 

Ration your water reserves to stay hydrated, or use the campfire to melt snow and warm up a drink. Drinking cold water can drain your energy, Wowak says, so warm water is better.

Unless you brought snacks, you might start to feel hunger pangs. Hydration can help there, too. “Even if we don’t have a lot of food, if we were only planning on a day hike and a storm comes in and we’re stuck there, being hydrated will trick your body and you won’t feel as hungry because you’re full of fluid,” Wowak says.

5. Stay Positive

The worst thing you can do in any kind of survival scenario is dwell on the situation, Wowak says. Keep your mind engaged with survival tasks like making your camp bed, boiling water, organizing your gear, moving your toes and fingers, etcetera.

Giovale says to trust your prior training to get you through the storm.

“My experience with being in serious situations outside is that whatever you have learned or been exposed to you’ll probably remember,” he says.