Learn to Winter Camp in a Winter Wonderland (3/8-9)
Master the art of winter camping and stay safe and warm! Winter camping is a whole new adventure, and we're here to teach you how to prepare properly and enjoy a night in the winter forest. On this trip, learn how to build a warm and toasty campfire—and keep it going day and night, ensuring a warm place to rest and recover throughout our trip. We’ll walk you through common winter camping challenges—like what to do if your water filter freezes or how to prepare a winter menu that keeps you energized and full. Enjoy the magic of sleeping in a snowy glen filled with towering trees covered in a blanket of snow. If the conditions are right, we’ll even teach you how to build snow shelters, the absolute warmest and most efficient structures for winter camping.
Why we love this trip: Winter camping is a rewarding outdoor experience, but requires the right skills to stay safe and comfortable. That’s where we come in. Our expert guides will show you everything you need to know, a welcoming and encouraging environment, so you’ll feel empowered and confident every step of the way.
The Destination Backcountry difference: Yes, you can stay warm and comfortable on a winter camping trip! We’ll share all our best tips and tricks for staying warm, safe, and comfortable in the winter wilderness. A roaring campfire will be your constant companion, keeping you warm while we swap stories and enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape.
Trip stats
- Distance: ~2–4 miles to our backcountry camp location
- Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate—perfect for first-timers or seasoned adventurers looking to refine their winter 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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