Tips for Winter Hiking With Your Pup

The first thing people tell you when you move to New England is that winter is brutal. Obviously I didn’t grow up here, so I didn’t have the experience of shoveling for hours in the morning or having to walk to school in freezing temperatures. That might be why winter is such a beauty to me.

As someone who grew up without a single snowflake (except that one time Dallas turned into a winter wonderland), the winter season is a novelty to me each year. I keep wondering when I’ll turn bitter toward the season, but it hasn’t happened yet. Here’s why I think it hasn’t: I discovered winter activities.

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do, so I had to try it out in winter. Once I got a dog, I knew with the right measures, she’d be able to enjoy the outdoors too. Here is what works for us when we hit the trail:

Tip 1: Know your dog’s capabilities.

You know your pet best and know what they can handle. I never underestimate a dog’s ability given that most love being in the wild (and I’ve seen a Dachshund hike the same mountains my Aussie does), but obviously there are limits based on breed and size.

From a young age, my pup was conditioned to the trails. At three and four months she was trained on short, local hikes with little to no elevation gain. Slowly, she worked her way up. She can crush any mountain and elevation gain. It didn’t come as a surprise when she started to take on 4,000 footers in New Hampshire and New York. But we definitely didn’t venture off on one before we knew she was ready.

If you don’t have the White Mountains in your backyard, there are still ways for you to mimic an intense hike without the massive peaks. Here’s how:

Find a long trail, ideally with decent elevation gain. You can add difficulty in three ways: (1) do the trail twice (or more), (2) add a backpack to your dog’s back with water bottles inside, and (3) hike in various weather conditions or seasons.

Tip 2: Pick an appropriate hike.

Whether you’re starting off hiking with your dog, or you and your dog are more seasoned out there, the hike you pick is the most important decision you’ll make that day. If you aren’t capable of carrying your dog, or know that with their fur (or lack there of), they’ll be cold, pick a shorter hike where you can stay in control.

Of course you can never be too prepared for the mountains, but you can always aim to expect the unexpected.

Tip 3: Pack these necessities.

Even though dogs are wild animals and thrive out on the trail smelling all the smells, there are still steps to take to ensure your pup’s well-being is taken care of. I pack the following items for my dog and consider them necessities:

Dog first aid kit

You never know what your pup may step on or get into, so it’s best to have a first aid kit handy in case of emergencies, which are more common in the winter.

Backpack for her to carry

I have this backpack for Koah and it’s adjustable to her body. She’s had it from a young age and we conditioned her with an empty backpack, then slowly added weight evenly for her. It’s very easy to put on her and has a piece to attach a leash!

This comes particularly in handy for long, winter hikes when energy is expended and dogs need water and food. The perk of winter hiking is that there is usually a plethora of snow for dogs to eat to keep their bodies hydrated.

Collapsible food and water bowls

These foldable bowls are an absolute must. They are easy to wash and very lightweight. Tip: If your pup is picky, try to help the adjustment to these bowls by using them at home too. They are also great for travel!

Two towels

I don’t know about your dog, but it feels like mine actively seeks every opportunity on a hike to bring back as much dirt and mud as possible into my newly vacuumed car. If that sounds familiar, bring one towel for the post-hike mess. I love that my dog enjoys herself on a hike, but I try to clean

Dog food and treats

My dog rarely eats during a hike, so even though I pack food for her, she usually opts out. I bring treats to maintain training on the trail and provide her fuel in a more efficient way since she doesn’t eat on a hike otherwise.

Waste bags

Part of leaving no trace in the woods is picking up your pup’s waste. Always keep an extra bag or two on you (or in your pup’s pack).

Leash

As much as I love letting Koah run free in the woods, most trails require dogs to be leashed. Keep this in mind when passing other hikers on the trail.  

Personalized collar

Like I said before, expect the unexpected. You never know if your dog may get lost, or get loose from your leash. I purchased this collar and personalized it with my dog’s name and my phone number in case she ever gets away from me. Again, it has never happened to me, but it’s best to plan ahead.

Are you ready to take on the trails with your pup this winter? If you don’t have a furry friend, but still want to tackle the mountains in winter, explore my recommendations for gear below!

My Winter Hiking Gear Must-Haves

One of my first hikes toward my NH 48 goal. This was the summit of Mt. Tecumseh. What I loved about it is the view you get when you’re standing atop several feet of snow! I hiked this same mountain the following summer and it’s a noticeable difference without the added snow height boost.

I love the winter. And that’s saying something as a gal born and raised in Texas. It snowed once growing up and my brother and I went all out. We built an igloo (it’s surprisingly warm inside!). Sneak a peek at high school me below loving the couple days at home we had with the famous Texas snowfall in 2010.

The highest recorded snowfall, still to this day in Texas, was that year with 11-12 inches.

Since then, I knew I wanted to live in a place with season. It took me a few years (alright it took six), but I made it to New England. Ironically, I’ve lived here for six years now and can’t see myself anywhere else.

As much as I love hiking in the fall and taking in the views, winter truly warms my heart. The solitude of the trails. The easily accessible parking. The lack of sweating trekking up. Snow-capped mountain peaks for miles. Honestly, even a stroll on a local trail with no views offers the same solace I yearn for because of the trees wearing white sweaters along every step I take.

Over the years, I’ve gotten bolder and more confident in my winter hiking abilities. It started with short hikes and grew into longer, 4000-footers ones. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes (hiking with a friend who wears glasses and having her glasses break halfway up a trail – sorry Victoria!), and definitely froze my butt off one too many times.

The icy summit of Camel’s Hump in Vermont.

Nonetheless, winter is a beauty if you give her a chance. Here are my gear must haves if you’re wanting to avoid some of the harsh icy parts that winter comes with:

1. Layer on the layers.

It is always easier to take layers off, than add them on. I avoid cotton because once you sweat or take a dive or slip into the snow, you’ll be wet. A feeling you’ll grow to despise on longer hikes.

I strongly recommend the following:

• Fleece-lined leggings (or pants!)

• Tank/short sleeve shirt

• Long-sleeve shirt on top (ideally thermal)

• Warm jacket with a hood

• Thick socks

• Another pair of socks when the first gets soaked (trust me)

• Winter gloves

• Ear warmer headband (or a hat!)

• Neck warmer you’d wear skiing (works well for hiking and runny noses too!)

I usually warm up pretty well on a hike once the elevation gain kicks in. I also carry a backpack large enough to fit in the long-sleeve or jacket I have on when I’m overheated and take it off.

2. Get a good grip with microspikes.

Think of these like gnarly spikes for your hiking boots to dig deep into ice and snow to give you a better grip. I bought mine at a small outdoorsy store in Burlington, Vermont over four years ago, but they’re at any outdoors store, and of course, Amazon for convenience.

These microspikes saved me on the summit of Mt. Moosilaukee. Everyone always boasts incredible views from this mountain, but my experience was a tad different. My trooper of a father came to visit and I took him up this mountain in April for his first 4ker. Naturally, we were met with a white-out and wild winds.

3. Get the gaiters.

I remember one of my first hikes in the Whites. A male hiker passed me by with his poles and with it being summer, he was wearing shorts. As I stared at the ground to watch my own steps, I noticed he had these odd-looking socks covering his ankles.

I asked him what was on his ankles. He informed me they were gaiters and help keep dirt and small rocks from getting into his boots. I was stunned – this man was a genius! That night after my hike, I googled “gators,” as a true Southerner would.

Naturally, all my results came up showing the alligators in the wild and in the suburbs of Florida. Something was off. I retyped, “winter gators for hiking” and Google lovingly corrected this English teacher with “gaiters.” These are intended for winter use and I was so pumped to no longer have ice ball clumps on my socks. It’s tiring (and super cold) when you have to constantly bend down and remove these rock hard clusters of ice off your socks. Only to have them rejoin your socks for the ride up the mountain minutes later.

Then, I looked at the price of gaiters. As much as I love hiking, it’s not a cheap hobby if you’re embracing it in all four seasons. Winter hiking isn’t a joke. It took me a few years after learning about gaiters to finally invest in them. These are the ones I purchased from EMS.

Can you tell I’m hiding the coldness of frigid feet behind this smile on a hike to bag Mt. Tom, Field, and Willey? Gaiters would’ve came in handy as the ice clumped on.

4. Heat the hands (and toes!)

Hot Hands are a brilliant invention. I mentioned gloves and warm socks earlier, but that doesn’t always cut it. I buy my Hot Hands in bulk at Costco so I’m never without a pack on those chilly days. You open the pack, shake them up, and that’s it!

Tip: When you place them in your boot to warm your toes, make sure you place it between your sock and shoe. They are very warm and shouldn’t touch your actual skin!

If you’re environmentally conscious (which I’m starting to look at more after staying in a sustainable tiny home last weekend in Vermont), REI came out with a biodegradable version of Hot Hands. Check them out here. Once you’re done embracing their warmth, you can cut the warmers open and compost the minerals on the inside. The packs themselves will still need to be thrown away.

Do you feel ready to walk into the wintery woods? What other gear items do you think are a must? Let me know!

A Beginner’s Guide to Skiing

There are so many reasons not to ski. It’s expensive. It’s tough. It’s overwhelming to think about where to begin. All great reasons to try it out, right? By now you know I love the mountains and winter, so it was only a matter of time before I tried out a winter activity outside of hiking that includes my favorite things: great views, high adrenaline, and a good challenge.

I’ve only gone skiing four times in the last five years, so I’m still very much a beginner. Here’s my guide for beginner skiers (with the hope that you start skiing with paying less and enjoying more):

1. Look Local.

My first couple times skiing, I joined a friend to a popular ski destination in Vermont. The trip was essentially a hefty cost on my end to ski the bunny hill (for beginners). Heads up, there are bunny hills at every ski mountain and each time I practice on them to get what little “ski legs” I have up and moving again.

What I wish I had done is find a local ski mountain instead as I was starting out. It’s way more affordable! A nearby mountain for me cost $30 for the ski lift pass and $35 for equipment (skis, boots, and poles). It’s still a pricey way to spend an afternoon, but way better for your budget than the fancy spots.

2. Build your equipment bank.

The first time I skied, I rented (or borrowed) everything. I borrowed pants from a friend, paid $10 to rent a helmet, and wore an old winter jacket. I lucked out one snowy day that I opted out of renting goggles, but actually needed them. A ski lift operator gave me a hand-me-down pair for free. You’ll notice that skiing can get expensive, swiftly. The first time you do it, try to borrow attire from a friend and rent any remaining equipment. If you find you enjoy skiing, then begin building your equipment bank.

It takes some patience, but wait for the season to end. I purchased incredible ski pants at Eastern Mountain Sports for a fraction of the actual cost (solely because it was the end of the ski season). The following year, I purchased a helmet at Costco for $60. Each year I add to my equipment so the cost is never outrageously high for me as I continue to get into skiing.

Another tip: ski mountains and ski shops often have goodies on sale at the end of the season as well, not just adventure stores like EMS. Be on the lookout at the end of March and pre-season around September for bargain buys!

3. Know your direction. Going up the ski lift is all fun until you have to immediately hop off and are unsure of which way to go. Obviously going the wrong way can be disastrous. There are three types of trails for skiing: green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds. These are always clearly labeled on ski mountain maps and at the top of the lift.

If you’re ever uncertain, there is always an operator at the bottom of the lift before you get on that you could ask, as well as inside the lift at the top. It’s way better to clarify your direction than to end up going down a black diamond when you aren’t ready. For context, I’ve only gone down greens and I still have a great time.

Aim to do your research in advance as well. Every ski mountain has trail maps on their websites that you can download or screenshot to your phone.

4. Enjoy the learning. As someone who tried skiing in their early 20s, I was intimidated by the toddlers tackling the black diamond trails while I took on the bunny slope for the fifth consecutive time. I’m serious, it’s impressive what kids can do. They’re fearless!

Once I stopped fearing what would happen if I fell, my arms flailing reduced and I remembered the procedure for how to stop. I love that no matter what age you are, you can continue growing. Even if it means falling a time, or two.

Let me know if you’ve ever tried skiing! If you have, what tips would you give others just starting out?