How to Hike in the Winter

Description

Interested in winter hiking but don’t know where to start? Come check out our intro to winter hiking program! Tuesday, Feb. 18th from 1:00-4:00pm we will meet at the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) and then carpool to Cotton Mountain to learn all about winter hiking. This program is meant to give beginners an overview of winter hiking gear, resources, and tips and tricks for exploring trails in the snow. We will start at the SLA where we will go over winter gear and traction. From there we will drive over to the Cotton Mountain trailhead, assess conditions, and start hiking. Participants should come prepared with winter layers (baselayers, insulating layers, and a waterproof shell), winter hiking boots (waterproof), a backpack, sunglasses, hat/gloves, food, water, and any other winter gear they may have. Check out the SLA’s winter hiking checklist at the bottom of the page for additional gear to bring. The SLA has microspikes and snowshoes for use or participants can bring personal traction devices. Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) AmeriCorps member, Miranda Fisher, will be leading this 1.3 mile out and back hike. The trail is steep in some places which will allow for participants to get a feel for different winter conditions. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by adults. This event is free, but registration is required. For more information, or to sign up for this Guided Hike, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly (603-968-7336). The SLA also offers other Guided Hikes and Adventure Ecology programs year round so be sure to check those out! These free programs are open to the public and cover a variety of nature and conservation related topics. These programs are presented by the LRCC AmeriCorps members at the SLA who perform important conservation work in support of the Association’s mission. The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.