Winter Tent Camping

Many so-called "outdoorsmen" only consider themselves outdoor goers during warmer weather. However, winter camping can be rather enjoyable if you are properly prepared and know what to expect. The first and most important part of winter camping is selecting a location. Make sure others know where you will be and when to expect your return.

I prefer to camp in snow caves, an igloo, or the Backcountry Secrets Tipi when winter camping. These shelters provide the most insulation from chilly nights. However, if you must sleep in a tent, here are some suggestions to consider:

1. Be familiar with local laws and regulations for tent camping.
2. Wind may play a factor. Tops of ridges are wide open to wind storms. These storms may blow equipment around the camp, knock tents over, or make drifts around your vehicles.
3. Do not camp in the bottom of a valley. Cold air settles downward and the bottom of a valley is the coldest place you can camp.
4. Look for branches overhead if you are camping in a wooded area. Branches may easily break under the weight of snow and cause injury or even death.
5. Look for threats of avalanche in the area. Sometimes small cornices can be broken off of nearby drifts to reduce the threat of an avalanche.
6. When possible point the front of your tent downhill and facing east or south. This helps protect you from wind coming off of a mountain and gives you the most sunlight exposure. If you can't position the door out of the wind, consider building a snow wall to block the wind in front of your tent.
7. If the ground is not level, you can use shovels or skis and the snow to level a place for your tent.
8. If the snow is deep enough, dig a hole about 2-3 feet deep in front of your tent. This will allow you to sit up to put on and take off your boots.
9. Pack snow as far up the side of the tent as possible. Snow will act as insulation and keep you a couple of degrees warmer inside the tent.
10. Bring a thick sleeping pad if possible. A thick sleeping pad will insulate you from the cold ground. Next to bringing a beanie cap or other warm hat, a thick sleeping pad is probably one of the best ways to stay warm during the night.