Winter Camping 101
by Dick Jackson, Aspen Expeditions
The thought of camping in the snow at 12,000 feet in mid-winter provokes a sensitive reaction in nearly everyone. Why would one intentionally expose oneself to the discomforts of a cold, confined space for a long winter's night? Not likely for most.
But winter camping can be extremely comfortable and rewarding, and not necessarily as expensive as one might think.
Going lightweight often implies the use of the newest, state-of-the art assortment of high-tech designs and materials. However the 20-year-old expedition sleeping bag might still be man's best friend while you’re out there.
Ethics of environmental concerns notwithstanding, the choice of accommodation lies between a tent and in the snow. Whichever mode chosen, consider the challenge of several nights spent out in the cold, as most anyone could simply survive one night and call it quits. One really must have his or her act together to enjoy continuous time in the high mountains comfortably and safely.
Briefly addressing our accommodation using modern tent designs, the lightest choice is single-wall construction with waterproof/breathable fabric. Because of a dramatic temperature differential between inside and out (especially while cooking), a heavy frost buildup occurs on the interior walls. Good ventilation and a Goretex™ sleeping bag or bivy sac solve the problem of potentially getting wet.
However, the cold exterior temperature is not efficiently insulated against without a very warm sleeping bag and pad.
Luxury winter camping demands some effort to prepare for, but the benefits of digging a snow cave might be worth it. Should this basecamp suite be reserved for more than one night, then the following procedure is recommended for the energy and time required to dig it.
While scouting a site for your home in the snow, take care to avoid placing it in a potential avalanche run-out zone. Look for an obvious wind roll/drift with a lee side concavity to begin the entrance hole. It's important to measure the snowpack's overall thickness and density, usually using a full-length three-meter sectional probe.
Once convinced of sufficient snowpack height and density, leave the probe at a position to be ideally the center of the shelter. This is important later on when the entrance tunnel meets the probe, and thus our design remains centered in the mound of snow. Initially a hole is dug straight to the ground and then directly toward the pre-placed probe.
A great deal of work is required in this process of tunneling and removing snow in such confined space. It's necessary to strip down to only a super lightweight layer under Goretex™ shell clothing while digging, as one's body temperature soars and perspiration is a huge factor. A second person should constantly remove snow from the ever-expanding tunnel.
Finally, the center probe is reached and it's now time to excavate the interior into a dome-shaped cave with a flat floor as the sleeping shelf. The entrance tunnel might be several feet in length, so snow removal is the most difficult task. The sleeping shelf should ideally be slightly higher than the entrance, but this is not always possible.
Ventilation holes must be added using the probe or a ski pole, in addition to the entrance tunnel that provides sufficient airflow to the interior. Voila! ... home sweet dome.
Take care to add dry, warm layers after completing the shelter. A tarp or ground sheet is sufficient with sleeping pads for insulation. The predictable baseline temperature within the snowpack approaches 0° C/32° F, as the ground is a constant source of heat. Snow is incredibly insulating, and even sounds are almost totally absorbed. With a couple of candles, the lighting is sufficient and rather pleasing.
Candles also indicate that there is enough oxygen and ventilation in your snow cave. Do your cooking near the entrance tunnel or outside to avoid excessive fumes and deprivation of available oxygen. There is no question you will experience some claustrophobic overload, but normally this dissipates with the warmth and camaraderie of the moment.
Emergency snow shelters and bivouac situations could become a harsh reality someday. A quickly constructed igloo, snow slot, or tree well are enough for basic survival status, but that's a whole separate issue. Just keep in mind how a raging blizzard could push the wind-chill temperature well below 0° F, while inside a snow shelter it's likely to be 30° F or higher. Now, that's a nice thought.
OK, final hint for now ... about an hour before getting out to ski, place your ski boots in your sleeping bag with you. Wonder why … ?
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Dick Jackson is an IFMGA certified mountain guide and owner of Aspen Expeditions and Aspen Paragliding. Aspen Expeditions is an AIARE avalanche course provider with a full schedule of courses, tours, climbs and international expeditions. Find them at www.aspenexpeditions.com or toll free on 1-877-790-2777.