Winter Hiking… Yea you read that right. Winter hiking can be absolutely magical… but it can also be downright miserable. It all comes down to being prepared, ensuring you have adequate gear, and researching the conditions. I hope this guide and my shared experiences will help you plan and pack essentials for getting out hiking in the winter.  Just like hiking in other seasons winter hiking is proven to have many health benefits too, ranging from physical, emotional and or mental relief that come from being in the great outdoors. Its still mind-blowing to me that so many people hate the winter. “Oh, my more snow in the forecast” and “oh the bloody snow I’m sick of it” how many times have you heard that? or even said it yourself? Just because its winter time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on being outdoors and stay cooped up in the house.  Why turn your home into a jail cell?  Remember when you were a child and you seen the fresh snow falling, and you got so excited to go out and play?  And we all said those famous four words when it was time to come inside “Just five more minutes”. Why let that free spirited excitement fade once you got older? I’m no outdoor recreation professional or in tremendous physical shape, but I am and enthusiast about hiking and the outdoors. With a passion for getting not only myself but other people outside I hope this write up inspires you to get outside and enjoy the winter. Some people have to come to the understanding we are not bears so why y’all hibernating? A fresh blanket of snow is natures blank canvas, your footprints are its art. After a fresh batch of snow my husband and I love nothing more than adventuring in the path behind our house to explore and take in all the beauty of winter. Of course, our huskies Blaze & Balor are tagging along for the fun. The smell of pine trees covered in snow, the sound of snow crunching beneath your feet, the fresh crisp air on your lungs, the slight tingle of cold on your nose. Makes you feel alive.  Its truly remarkable the transformation that takes place from fall to winter. The landscape itself is like something from another world. A never-ending view of fluffy white, like you are walking on natures duvet. Animal tracks dot the landscape, where are they going? Where are they coming from? The forest is alive so why would you stay at home and miss this? I personally find winter hiking more challenging than I do other times of the year. The cold air, trudging through the snow, (thank God for my snow shoes) and the harsher conditions I find it more exhausting. BUT more rewarding. Its not only a personal goal to reach my destination but it’s also a reminder to how far I’ve come since starting this journey. Once you reach your destination the struggle and exhaustion is forgotten. The tranquility of silence as your cold breath dancing in front of you, the way your mind starts to reset and you’re are just living in this peaceful moment.  It’s a freedom and calming I can’t explain. There is more then the beauty of the outdoors to your winter hike, you have to be prepared. To get the most out of your winter hiking experience it’s a MUST to keep yourself warm and dry! Here are few helpful tips I follow when venturing out in the winter. Wear layers: Layering is a three-part system that includes a base layer that keeps perspiration away from your skin,  a mid layer that insulates you from the cold and a shell layer that keeps wind and moisture out. Getting wet on a cold day can possibly lead to hypothermia. Say no to cotton: When cotton gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, which can leave you feeling damp, cold and uncomfortable. Synthetic and wool layers dry much.  Personal I wear my wool socks and mitts whenever I'm in the woods. Cover your skin: Any skin that is exposed to freezing temperatures and cold wind is prone to frostbite. Have communication: When hiking or anytime you are adventuring alone, please remember to have some sort of communication in case of emergencies. Walking Poles: If my hike takes me on a trail with hills or any type of incline, I like to have a good pair of walking poles to help keep my balance on uneven terrain. Now Get Your There And Have Some Winter Fun!