Winter Wonders on Public Lands: Preparation Tips and Resources for Safe Visits

Winter transforms public lands into serene, snow-covered havens, offering unique opportunities for activities like snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and quiet hikes. At Not One Acre, we encourage exploring these spaces responsibly to protect them year-round. With fewer crowds and stunning contrasts, winter visits require extra preparation for safety and minimal impact. This post covers essential tips for gearing up, plus resources on packing out waste to align with Leave No Trace principles. Let's ensure not one acre is compromised, even in the cold!

Why Visit Public Lands in Winter?

National parks and public lands shine in winter with benefits like solitude, cooler temps for active pursuits, and enhanced wildlife sightings (e.g., animals tracking in snow). Places like Yellowstone or Great Smoky Mountains offer winter-only experiences, such as cross-country skiing or frozen waterfall views, with less competition for spots. Just remember, some areas may have seasonal closures, so planning is key.

Essential Preparation Tips for Winter Visits

Winter conditions demand foresight to handle cold, snow, and shorter days. Here's how to stay safe and prepared:

• Research and Plan Ahead: Check Park websites for closures, road conditions, and required permits. Add an extra travel day in case of weather delays, especially if flying. Use apps for real-time alerts.
• Dress in Layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells. Don't forget gloves, hats, waterproof boots, and traction devices like microspikes for icy trails. 
• Pack Emergency Essentials: Include a first-aid kit, emergency blanket, headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, and high-energy snacks. For vehicles, carry chains, a shovel, and jumper cables.
• Wildlife and Weather Awareness: Animals may be more visible but stressed in winter—keep distance. Monitor forecasts for avalanches or blizzards and inform someone of your itinerary. 
• Navigation and Gear Testing: Test equipment beforehand and carry offline maps since cell service may be spotty in remote areas.

Pack Out Resources and Tips for Winter

In winter, snow can hide waste, making Leave No Trace even more crucial to prevent springtime pollution. Always pack out what you pack in, including food scraps, wax from skis, and solid human waste where facilities aren't available.

• Trash and Litter: Use durable bags to carry out all garbage. Avoid burning items, as residues linger.
• Human Waste: Pack it out in sealed bags or use wag bags; bury only if deep snow allows, but packing out is preferred in winter.
• Minimize Impact: Camp on snow or durable surfaces, and use established sites to avoid damaging vegetation under snow.

Useful Resources for Winter Visits and Pack Out Tips

Dive deeper with these reliable links:

• NPS Winter Season Safety – Focus on hazards and preparation.
• NPCA Winter Park Tips – Planning advice for national parks.
• Leave No Trace Winter Recreation – Pack out and waste disposal guidelines.
• Backpacking Light LNT Winter Practices – Detailed tips for low-impact winter outings. 
• Mountaineers LNT in Winter – Safety and ethics for cold-weather adventures.
• NPS Seven Principles of Leave No Trace – Core guidelines, including waste disposal. 

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