Introduction to Winter Camping
Winter camping can be a fun filled adventure. The solitude and silence of a moon lit night on a crisp clear February night can provide beauty and awareness about the outdoors during the season that seems least appreciated to outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, without proper preparation and respect for what a Maine winter might deliver, it could turn into a not so happy experience. This course will provide information about the skills to maximize your winter camping experience.
Trip Details
Class Size : Min 3 – Max 8
Destination : Cabins, yurts, lean-tos throughout the greater Portland.
Locations: MidCoast Conservancy – Hidden Valley NatureCenterEgypt Road, Jefferson, Maine
HVNC is a non-profit community supported organization with over 1000 acres of diverse habitat, terrain, three shelters, and over 20 miles of trails. HVNC is dedicated to providing nature-based educational and recreational opportunities to the community throughout the year.
Prior to the start of the course you will receive a detailed gear list. Maine Path & Paddle Guides will supplement you gear if requested. Upon arrival, we will review all your gear to ensure that everyone has proper gear.
We will snow shoe or ski into the HVNC yurt and spend Friday afternoon and evening learning winter skills and then spend Friday night in the yurt. The yurt has a woodstove and is a very comfortable, warm winter shelter. Saturday we will spend the majority of the day outside. You will build a snow shelter and have the opportunity to spend the night out if you choose.
- Topics Covered include:
- Winter Trip Planning – destinations, weather, group dynamics, special considerations
- Winter Clothing – layering, staying dry, staying warm
- Winter Safety – hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, winter hygiene, winter wise
- Winter Travel – snow shoeing, x-country skiing, sleds, gear, route planning
- Winter Shelter – tents, Quinzees (snow shelters), thermal shelters, cabins
- Winter Food – food preparation, food, water, and energy requirements for winter
Meals Provided: Sat Lunch-Dinner / Sun Breakfast