6 Tips for Planning a Midwinter Trip

As winter blankets the land in a glistening coat of frost and snow, the call to venture into the cold, crisp weather for a midwinter adventure is undeniable. With smaller crowds and serene landscapes, the early months are some of our favorite times to get outside and explore nature’s beauty. In this guide, we extend a warm invitation to review tips for planning a perfect midwinter getaway!

1. Monitor weather and road conditions

First things first - always be sure to check weather forecasts for your journey! Winter time may bring us magical landscapes, but it also brings us rain, snow, high winds, freezing temps, and shorter daylight hours. As your trip nears, you’ll want to monitor weather conditions and road conditions. Keep an eye out for any road closures or requirements (such as tire chains for snowy roads) by checking your local department of transportation website and local news.

2. Pack winter-appropriate clothing and gear

Winter looks and feels drastically different depending on where you are in the world. If you’re headed for the snow, you’ll likely want to pack waterproof outerwear, scarves, beanies, gloves, thick socks, thermal tops and bottoms, and warm, cozy jackets like our Yellowstone Geysers High Pile Fleece Winter Jacket!

However, maybe you’re planning a trip to the coast, in which case some great items to bring along would be windbreakers, hats, supportive shoes, and layers for varying temperatures. No matter where you’re off adventuring this winter though, be sure to stash some sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm in your bag too!

3. Research destination information

Don’t know where to visit in the middle of winter? Don’t fret! There are many National Parks that are particularly wonderful to visit in the winter time! Just to name a few, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Parks make great options due to their picturesque views and abundance of winter-friendly recreational activities.

Your options, however, are certainly not limited to those three places - try searching for a new state park, national park, or any place that you’ve yet to explore! When doing your research and planning, keep in mind that certain campgrounds, rec trails, or areas of parks may be closed depending on the season.

4. Plan winter-friendly activities

Once you’ve got your destination locked in, it’s time to start planning some fun activities to get outside and make the most of the midwinter charm! Embrace the snow with activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, or even making a snowman.

If snow isn’t on the forecast for your trip, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, or trail running are perfect for keeping warm in chilly environments. Whether you're looking for peaceful moments in nature or exhilarating snow-filled thrills, planning outdoor activities ahead of time ensures a fun and memorable midwinter getaway.

5. Support local businesses

While on your midwinter trip, consider supporting local businesses during your time away from home. From cozy cafes serving delicious hot chocolate to family-run ski shops, local businesses play a vital role in shaping the character and community of a destination.

Your patronage to independent businesses helps sustain the local economy and support the people who call the area home. Shopping, dining, and staying at locally-owned establishments gives you an opportunity to engage with the local culture and community.

Embrace the chance to discover hidden gems, make meaningful connections, and enrich your own experience while contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of the places you visit - just one of the many ways we can leave it better than we found it!

6. Emergency preparedness

Last but abosolutely not least - prioritize your emergency preparedness to ensure a safe and happy trip. Winter weather can be unpredictable, and being prepared is not something to overlook. When packing up the car with your cozy clothes and winter gear, be sure to pack:

• a well-stocked first aid kit
• emergency food and water
• flashlights and batteries
• portable phone chargers
• a multi-tool
• blankets (such as our easily-packable Acadia Waves Fleece Throw)

Aside from what you can physically bring, it's essential to familiarize yourself with an area’s emergency protocols and local emergency phone numbers. By taking proactive steps to be prepared for emergencies, you can mitigate risks and enjoy a worry-free and fun-filled midwinter adventure!