VAndersen
VAndersen
Story and Photos by Vicki Hoefling Andersen High on Adventure, January 2018
Photo by Ron Andersen
Snow-clad mountains and the recreational opportunities they offer draw many enthusiasts into a winter world that stimulates and delights. But to the unwary it can be a harbinger of misery leaving you vulnerable to a potentially hostile environment. With some basic knowledge of what to look for and how to handle unforeseen situations, you can reduce your stress and enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Start Prepared
Be sure you’ve packed the appropriate equipment. Take extra clothing including gloves and socks, sunglasses or goggles, and food and water. Let someone know where you will park, your planned route and destination, and the estimated time of return. And let this person know when you have returned!
Create a survival kit (see footnote), know how to use its contents, and take it with you faithfully on every trip. Better to have equipment you might not use than be caught in a bad situation and lack some small necessity that might have made the difference. Stuff your pockets to the max, carry it in a fanny pack or back pack, stuff the trunk or saddle/tank bag of your snowmobile. Just be sure to have it.
