Cozy Camping in a Winter Wonderland (2/15-17)
Learn how to build a snow shelter! Winter transforms the forest into a magical winter wonderland, with towering evergreens dusted in snow where every surface sparkles. Join us for a full weekend of winter adventure in the heard of the backcountry. Conditions permitting, we'll build snow shelters, the absolute warmest structure for winter camping. We'll also cover everything you need to know to prepare for a winter trip, including proper layering, the magic of a hot water bottle, proper nutrition—plus, we'll have a blast while doing it! -
Why we love this trip: There’s something truly magical about building and sleeping in a snow shelter—it’s a quintessential winter camping experience we eagerly await each year. With guidance from our expert guides, you’ll not only master this winter survival skill, but also gain the confidence to tackle winter camping on your own. This one-of-a-kind adventure is both practical and incredibly fun.
The Destination Backcountry difference: Think winter camping is cold and uncomfortable? Think again! With our expert tips and tricks, you’ll learn how to stay warm and cozy in even the chilliest conditions. From our snow shelters to a crackling campfire that’ll keep you toasty all weekend, we make sure your winter camping experience is as comfortable as it is fun.
Trip stats
- Distance: ~2-4 miles to our backcountry camp location (with additional hiking options for more adventurous campers)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate—perfect for first-time winter campers or seasoned explorers looking to refine their skills.
Most trips will depart at 6:30am near the Barclays Center and 7:00am near Grand Central. You will be notified in advance if departure times and locations differ for your trip.
Yes! Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead. During your overnight trip, we’ll provide healthy, gourmet meals for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. We pride ourselves on serving delicious dinners cooked from scratch in the backcountry. We often hear from our adventurers that they eat better in the outdoors than they do at home! We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
We will provide a detailed packing list based on conditions before your adventure. Below is a sample packing list:
- Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt)
- Sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees)
- Sleeping pad
- Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup)
- 2, 1-liter water bottles
- Headlamp
- Toiletry items: We suggest keeping toiletry items to a bare minimum. We'll have sanitation supplies (sanitizer, soap, toilet paper, etc).
- Sunglasses
- Clothes: wear a technical base layer/long johns and multiple layers of athletic, wicking, non-cotton material, in various weights. For example, over your bottom base layer, perhaps medium/heavy thermals with snow pants, adding fleece pants or similar if you chill easily. For your top, 1-2 medium weight insulating layers over your baselayer, with a windproof shell, adding fleece or other insulating layers as needed if you chill easily. A heavy parka can replace a few of these layers, but is not as versatile as multiple layers. You'll want mittens, gloves, scarf/balaclava, and 1-2 warm hats. Extra socks that are designed for cold weather hiking! You can read more about winter layering here.
- Footwear: you'll want well insulated, waterproof boots. Technical winter mountaineering boots aren't required. You can usually wear the same boots you would wear for snow in the city.
Your guides will provide all group gear (water filter, cooking gear, etc.). You do not need to spend much money on gear for our trips! We have gear available to borrow, and we have partnerships with local gear shops to provide reasonable rentals. We’re happy to answer questions and offer advice to ensure you have everything you need.
You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a suggested packing list, and more.
Visit our FAQ page here.
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