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Learn to Winter Camp (2/28-3/1)
Learn to Winter Camp (2/28-3/1)

Learn to Winter Camp (2/28-3/1)

$ 309.00

 

Learn to Conquer the Cold!

Bonfires, hot food, gear, and decades of experience means we can make sure your winter camping experience is as comfortable as it is fun. We've been teaching how be comfortable and warm in the winter for many years and we're excited to share a weekend exploring a magical winter wonderland; snowshoeing, campfires, delicious food, star filled skies, warm & cozy sleeping bags, and great company with you.

On this trip, we'll spend a night in the woods in a tent, snow shelter, or lean-to, depending on the conditions and availability. We'll cover the basics of preparing for a winter trip, proper layering, the magic of hot water bottles in your sleeping bag, and have a great time along the way!

Hike stats

🥾 ~1 mile into camp, optional day hike of 4-5 miles
⛰️  minimal into camp, up to 1500' on optional day hike
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate

🥾Guide Notes: Perfect for your first camping, winter camping, or Catskill experience. On our optional hike, we'll aim to climb a winter peak required for Catskill 3500 Club membership

The Destination Backcountry Difference 

Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our decades of experience guiding and teaching translates to a more comfortable, enjoyable, an d safer experience for you. Our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others. 

A FULL weekend of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full 3 days of adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!

What's Included?

🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, hot, gourmet lunch with hot beverages and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs. 
🥾 We'll provide snowshoes, micro-spikes, or a combination of the two.

Schedule

Saturday, 2/28

6:30 - Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 - Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 - Rest Stop
~9:45 -
Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to Camp + Camp Setup
Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until Bedtime

Sunday, 3/1

7:00 - Hot Beverages & Oatmeal Available with Big Breakfast at 8:30am
10:00- 2:00 - Camp

-3:00 Arrival at trailhead + van heads back to NYC
~4:30 Rest Stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off
~3:00 -5:00 Camptime
~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until Bedtime

*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Our overnight trips are much more flexibile! Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic. 

What Do I Need to Bring With Me?

Must have - clothes
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes in layers, with added insulation. See How to Dress for Winter Adventure and Our Top 5 Tips for Winter Adventure
🥾 Footwear: Cozy winter boots, don't need to be hiking boots.

Must have - gear
🎒 Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt
💤 Sleeping bag, rated to at least 20F
🛏️ Sleeping pad
🍽️ Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup)
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🔦 Headlamp
🧣 Clothes: extra layers, top and bottom, 3 pairs of socks
⛺ Tent: We have a limited number of tents available to borrow. Please let us know if you would like to borrow a tent. There is also the option to sleep under a tarp shelter, which your guide can help build, or to sleep under the stars if conditions permit. If you are NOT planning on bringing a tent, please let us know your preferences from above.

❓ We're always happy to answer questions to help you prepare, just call, message, or email!

FAQs

What happens after I book my adventure? 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 final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.

More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.

 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.