Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your hiking season has to end!
Before I started hiking throughout the winter, I’ll admit, the idea of cold-weather hiking intimidated me. What would I wear? Where would I go? What gear would I need?
If you’ve ever asked yourself those same questions, this guide is for you. I’m breaking down how I prepare for hiking in the winter, everything from training and nutrition to layering systems, trail planning and mindset.
Let’s get into it.
Why Hike in the Winter?
Fun fact about me: I struggle during the winter. It’s my least favorite season. It’s cold, dark and wet, and that combination used to make me feel completely unmotivated to get outside.
So instead of dreading it, I decided to get ahead of the winter blues by preparing for next year’s backpacking season NOW, instead of waiting until spring.
That meant learning how to be comfortable and confident with hiking throughout the winter.
In the middle of October, I signed up for a 6-week physical and nutritional challenge at my gym. My commitments included:
- 4 days a week of strength and conditioning
- Getting 10,000 steps a day
- Following a nutrition plan
- Drinking more water
- Taking myself on a weekly training hike
My goal wasn’t just to “get through” the challenge. It was to build strong habits before winter officially hit, so that staying active and confident on the trail would feel automatic all season long.
By training now, I’m setting myself up to hike safely and confidently all winter and when spring rolls around, I won’t be starting from scratch.
Training and Fitness for Winter Hiking
Before starting any new training or fitness program, always check with your doctor and a certified fitness professional.
After getting the green light from my doctor, I worked with a personal trainer to create a program tailored to my winter hiking goals. Here’s what my weekly routine looks like:
- 4 days a week: Strength and conditioning focused on my glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core – the muscles that keep me strong and stable on slippery trails.
- 2 days a week: Yoga. I love the 26&2 style: 26 postures, 2 breathing exercises in a heated room. Yoga improves balance, flexibility and recovery.
- 1 day a week: A training hike with my pack, hiking at least 5 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. This simulates real trail conditions and helps me manage pack weight and pacing.
- Every day: I aim for 10,000 steps, tracked with my Fitbit. It keeps me accountable and helps me monitor sleep and recovery.
The key to winter hiking prep is consistency. By showing up regularly, even when it’s dark, cold or rainy out, I’m training my body and my mind to handle tough trail conditions.
This consistency builds physical strength, endurance and the confidence to hit the trail safely all winter long.
Winter Hiking Nutrition Tips
Let’s talk about one of the biggest game-changers in my winter hiking prep: nutrition.
When it’s cold and gloomy, motivation tends to dip and I’ve found that what I eat has a huge impact on my energy levels, mood and recovery.
As part of my training challenge, I’ve been planning my meals each week to avoid last-minute decisions or skipped meals. Each weekend, I:
- Plan and prep healthy meals ahead of time
- Keep meals simple: lean proteins, complex carbs, colorful veggies and healthy fats
- Prep grab-and-go snacks for hikes or gym days like cottage cheese, apples with almond butter or string cheese with almonds
I also track my food and water intake using an app to make sure I’m hitting my nutrition goals.
Since dialing in my nutrition, I’ve noticed a huge difference. I have more energy, faster recovery and no more afternoon crashes.
And yes, hydration still matters in winter. Cold weather can trick you into thinking you’re not sweating, but you’re still losing fluids. I make it a goal to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when I’m not thirsty.
By fueling my body intentionally now, I feel stronger, more energized and ready to take on any winter trail.
Essential Winter Hiking Gear
Winter hiking is all about layering smart.
When I start a winter hike, I follow the rule: “Be bold, start cold.” That means I’ll usually start hiking in just my moisture-wicking base layers. This keeps me from overheating and sweating too early, something you definitely want to avoid in cold weather.
Once I stop for a break or reach the summit, I’ll throw on:
- A warm mid-layer (like a fleece hoodie or lightweight puffy)
- A beanie and gloves if it’s especially cold
- A waterproof outer shell if it’s raining or snowing
For footwear, I wear waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, paired with warm socks and one of my favorite cold-weather hacks: Hot Sockees, a $14 Amazon find that keeps my toes toasty!
If it’s muddy or snowy, I’ll wear gaiters to keep my feet dry. For traction, I bring trekking poles and microspikes in case the trail gets icy.
And of course, I never hike without the 10 Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
- Sun protection
- Insulation
- Illumination (headlamp)
- First aid
- Fire starter
- Repair tools
- Food
- Water
- Emergency shelter
Plus, my personal “11th Essential”: a hot drink. Whether it’s tea, cocoa, soup or bone broth, a thermos of something warm makes every winter hike better.
Choosing the Right Trail for Winter
Once my gear’s ready, the next question is always: “Where do I go?”
In winter, I stick to familiar trails close to home, ones that are safe and manageable in cold, dark or icy conditions. Knowing the route helps me focus on the hike itself, not on navigation stress.
I look for trails with moderate distance, reasonable elevation gain and safe terrain. I check recent trail reports on AllTrails and NOAA weather forecasts before heading out.
If conditions aren’t ideal, I’ll pivot to a safer alternative.
The goal isn’t to push limits. It’s to build confidence and consistency. The more positive winter hiking experiences you have, the more excited you’ll be to get outside, no matter how chilly it is.
Mindset and Confidence for Winter Hiking
Winter hiking can feel intimidating…and that’s okay. The cold, the darkness and the unpredictability can mess with your motivation.
But confidence comes from preparation. The more you train, plan and practice, the less likely you are to talk yourself out of going.
Here are a few mindset tricks I use:
- Visualize success. Before a hike, I picture the trail, the weather and how I’ll handle any challenges.
- Stay flexible. Confidence isn’t about forcing yourself through unsafe conditions. It’s about making smart decisions while still showing up.
- Celebrate small wins. Every winter hike, every training session, every consistent week builds momentum and that momentum builds lasting confidence.
Winter hiking isn’t just about physical strength. It’s about building the mental resilience to trust yourself and enjoy the trail, no matter the season.
Final Thoughts
When you combine the right gear, preparation, nutrition, training and mindset, winter hiking doesn’t have to feel intimidating.
It can actually be fun, empowering and energizing.
And the best part? The habits and confidence you build now will carry into every hike you do next spring and beyond.
If you want step-by-step guidance for planning your next hiking or backpacking adventure, everything from gear checklists to mindset and safety tips, that’s exactly what I teach inside The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.
👉 Click here to learn more and apply to join the program.
Now I’d love to hear from you: How do you prepare for winter hiking?
Share your favorite winter hiking tips or goals for the season in the comments below!