Snow and cold weather camping is a great adventure, but very different from warm weather camping. In the warmer seasons, you try to stay dry and comfortable. In the Winter, staying warm means staying alive.

Give yourself plenty of time, everything takes twice as long in the snow.

Going uphill in skis or even snowshoes takes longer.
Your pack will be heavier.
You will want to rest more often.
Trails look different covered with snow.
You will spend more time with the map and compass.
You have to stamp down the tent site, and cooking area.
Skinny tent stakes don't work in snow, you have to bury snow anchors or deadmen.
Cooking takes longer because the food starts out much colder.
You need extra time (and fuel) to melt snow for drinking water.

Remember: Be prepared = Be Safe

Snow Camping Checklist

Clothing:

Regular underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool) Heavy wool pants from Army Surplus store
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Fleece or wool vest
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Long-sleeved wool shirts
Outer shell jacket (or insulated parka)
Gloves/mittens (fleece or wool) Mittens are warmer Glove liners
Outer shell pants (or insulated pants)
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Scarf
Face mask/balaclava

On Your Feet:

Hiking/Cross country boots/shoes Extra laces
Gaiters
Hiking/mountaineering socks
Wicking liner socks
Insulated camp booties

Shelter:

Tent Snow stakes, Deadmen, or Snow anchors Tie extra cords to stake-out points before you go.
Ground cloth
Sleeping pad (s)
Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack) Sleeping bag liner Waterproof sleeping bag cover

Travel:

Backpack
Skis, poles, boots
Snowshoes
Avalanche transceiver Avalanche cord
Compass and map of area (in waterproof case) Know how to use them!
Rope
Altimeter, GPS
Ice axe, crampons If you are crossing ice

Food:

Food high in fat and sugar You burn a lot of calories just staying warm Bring extra in case you get snowed in
Water bottles Camel pack or bota bottle Keep under your jacket so it doesn't freeze
Stove and plenty of fuel You aren't just cooking food, you are melting water
Candy bars or nuts Snacks to eat at bedtime
Matches/lighter Pack spares in different places
Cook set, dishes Big pot for melting snow
Water filter/purifier

Survival:

Matches/lighter Pack spares in different places
Small candle A fire can save your life.
First-aid kit
Headlamp or flashlight Bring extra batteries and bulbs - it gets dark early in Winter
Pocket knife
Snow shovel
Duct tape Wrap it around a water bottle

Personal Items:

Toilet paper
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm (with sun protection)
Binoculars
Repair/sewing kit
Field guides
100-foot accessory cord
Camera and film
Axe/saw
Notebook and pencil
Money
Cards, books
Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
Photo ID
Weather radio