Outdoors
There’s nothing like heading out into the winter wilderness on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The mountains are silent, thanks to the hush of snow. You can hear yourself think.
If it’s a sunny day, the light will be luminous, if it’s not, perhaps the snow will fall—softening the landscape, drawing one’s attention to the details close at hand. Solitude is easy to find.
And I love watching the alpenglow ignite the peaks as the sun goes down, turning the sky purple and pink before it yields to a panoply of glittering stars.
To fully experience the literally breathtaking beauty of the season, you have to spend the night.
Snow camping can be comfortable - and inspiring - with a few basic techniques.
First off, dress for success. The key to staying warm is layering. Go easy on the layers on the journey in. A common mistake is to wear too much and get your duds wet with sweat as you climb snow-covered slopes. Bring a base layer in your pack. It’s essential to have dry stuff to change into when you get to camp. And bring lots of clothes, more than you think you’ll need. My rule of thumb is six layers when the sun goes down, topped with a big, puffy down jacket.
Dig in: When you choose your camping spot, excavate a platform for your tent. Some folks like making igloos or snow caves, but these are time-consuming and laborious pursuits and interfere with the important work of gazing at the winter landscape. By digging out a few feet, you’ll create a wind barrier that will help keep you warm as you sleep.
Years ago, I began experimenting with a “winter fireplace.” Here’s how it works: strap the aluminum ash catcher from a Weber barbecue grill onto your pack (it weighs almost nothing). Distribute Dura-Flame logs to the members of your party. When you get to camp, excavate a circular pit in the snow, leaving a snow pedestal in the middle. Place the ash catcher on this pedestal and light the Dura-Flame logs on top of it. You can sit around the fire, feet in the “pit.” As the evening progresses, the pedestal will melt down from face level to feet-level. It’s a joy to sit beside the fire on a cold, clear night. And the Dura-Flame logs burn down to almost nothing. In the morning you can empty the ash catcher into a plastic bag and pack it out—no trace!
Lastly, use body heat. When you turn in, be sure to tuck a water bag into your sleeping bag. This will ensure some liquid refreshment in the morning. Put your boots in a plastic bag or stuff sack and keep them close to you as you sleep. Boots left in the vestibule will be unpleasant in the morning.
The reward for your efforts will be a night to remember beneath the crystalline heavens, followed by the majesty of a pastel-colored sunrise. Savor these things and carry them in your heart. They will brighten the dark days of winter yet to come.
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