By Dallin Saurey

REXBURG, Idaho—I remember taking a winter camping class from Brigham Young University-Idaho professor Scott Wood. We went camping by Lion’s Head and snowshoed across the Idaho/Montana border from Island Park into camp. A few people used their telemark skis to ski into camp. I remember camping with my class, exclusively. There were no other people around. We went sliding down the mountain and it was great fun. We helped our professor make a snow cave and slept in it for the night. I was cold was because my clothes were wet. I probably should have changed my clothes.

Here are some tips you can take to make your first winter camping experience a success.

To make a private/warm changing area, lay a tarp or blanket on the snow, pack it down, and suspend a long blanket on a rope or horizontal tree branch over your ground cloth. Change wet clothes first and wet socks last. Sometimes, a sheet with a high thread count can keep your heat in just as well. Line your sleeping bag with it and wear a hat to keep your head warm.

I remember feeling so much peace and quiet, which was very enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits to winter camping as I see it:

  • You can escape big crowds. If you are late, you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect spot.
  • Reduced fees because of little traffic to national parks or other camp sites. Sometimes they will even let you camp for free.
  • You don’t have to worry about mosquitos or bugs.
  • You can go ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing. Practice your igloo building skills or make an ice cave.
  • You will be able to enjoy the stars more (a different star system) since the sky is usually clear. You will appreciate the universe more.
  • It brings people closer because winter camping is cold.
  • Winter usually brings animals closer because they are less perceptive, so you can see them. There is also a hunting season, when they are less active during winter. You will be able to spot their tracks in the snow more.
  • When you go camping in the winter, it can increase your endurance and help you get used to colder temperatures.

https://bigfamilylittleadventures.co.uk/10-benefits-of-winter-camping (clickable link for more ideas)