Take a tip from the Tahoe pros

By Wendy Lautner, tahoe.com , wlautner@TahoeRenoOnline.com
February 26, 2008

Far from the carefree campfire cookouts of summer months, camping’s darker and more difficult sister – winter camping – is a lifetime experience not to be missed. However, while a sleeping bag and pad might be all that’s necessary for a night out in, say, July, a night outside in March is one that needs a high level of preparation.

The payoff is a side of Mother Nature few recreationalists ever see. You won’t have to fight the crowds, the shine of the stars and the moon above an endless sheet of white snow is an incredible sight and the stillness of the winter woods equals unparalleled clarity for the mind.

So, if you think you’re tough, follow along as our winter camping expert, Bill Jaskar, lead guide at Expeditions Kirkwood, gives you a taste of what winter camping is like. In addition to being a backcountry guide and educator, Jaskar’s four years of training in the US Marine Corps had him spending plenty of nights in the snow and it was there he developed his winter camping expertise.

Beware of the dangers
Avalanches are the sleeping giant danger of backcountry travel and winter camping. While everything may look quiet on the “Western Front,” it pays to be savvy about where the slide paths and safety zones are located. In general, avoid camping in “terrain traps” or pockets in the natural topography where sliding snow could pile up. Avoid areas with few or young trees in a vertical path as well. That could indicate slide activity. Secondly, “be aware of the danger of exposure to cold temperatures and wet clothing,” Jaskar said. “Extra dry clothing is key or at least a solid system for getting gear dry while the sun’s down is important.”

Sample checklist
Jaskar gives a list of basic items to put on the packing checklist before heading out: Extra socks, gloves, beanie, a sleeping bag rated for the forecasted nighttime lows and a bivouac (shelter). “The main thing is to be familiar with your gear before you head out,” Jaskar recommended. “There is a wide range of camping equipment that will make the experience as soft or hard as the individual desires. For instance, shelter might consist of a simple tarp or a four-season Bibler (tent).” Jaskar said he tends to go light on cooking utensils. “I bring my spoon, stove and my Leatherman – it always comes in handy. I pack Mountain House freeze dried food pouches, which cook right in the pouch with boiling water. I bring one for the morning and another for the evening. In between, it’s hot chocolate, Clif Bars and nuts.”

On building a snow cave
While Jaskar doesn’t recommend building a snow cave if you can avoid it – it’s labor intensive, time consuming and “usually leaves individuals tired, wet and cold” – he does give a few pointers for keeping the cave well ventilated if you choose to go that route. “Stack a backpack in front of the door to keep the elements out and the warmth in,” he said. In addition, make a hole with your probe through the ceiling or wall of the snow cave and “a candle is a great way to ensure you have adequate ventilation and oxygen flow, not to mention it provides additional heat.” On picking a placement for building a snow cave or emergency shelter, Jaskar said he “sticks to the trees and avoids the lowest elevation” if he can.

Learn more
Winter camping is not for the faint of heart and even the toughest cookies might find themselves in over their heads the first or second night out. To safely ease into the art, there’s no substitute for taking a winter camping/backcountry course. At Expeditions Kirkwood, backcountry students tour their camping site and learn proper shelter construction techniques. They practice efficient cooking methods and ways to keep the body warm in the backcountry. Everything is facilitated hands-on practice. For more information, or to book an upcoming winter camping or backcountry course at Expeditions Kirkwood, visit the website here.