Winter Bivouac: Our Tips for a Memorable Night in the Snow
It's winter, and we want to enjoy the snow and the winter landscapes. What better way to do that than to spend a night in the snow? Under the full moon, for example! Whether you're heading out on skis or snowshoes, here’s a little preview of what you need to know before you embark on your adventure! ❄️
Packing Your Bag for a Winter Bivouac 🎒
First, let’s talk gear! A winter bivouac requires a bit more equipment and preparation than a summer one. You absolutely must take into account the weather conditions and the snow, which can shatter all your dreams of a warm night in your sleeping bag under the stars!
What Should You Pack for a Successful Winter Bivouac?
- A good sleeping pad: Either foam or inflatable, but definitely suitable for winter (R value ⩾ 3).
- A suitable sleeping bag: With a recommended comfort temperature of at least -5°C; -10°C and lower is even better. :)
- A thermos (0.5 to 1L): To always have a hot drink available if you start to feel cold. ☕
- A complete change of clothes: Underwear, long-sleeve shirt, warm merino leggings, comfortable pants, 2 pairs of warm socks, and clogs or something similar to wear around your bivouac. 👕👖
- A small first-aid kit: Including sunscreen, adhesive bandages for small and large scrapes, blister plasters, some toilet paper, your personal medications, and hand warmers. 💊
- A headlamp: 💡
- 2 spare pairs of gloves: 🧤
- Energy bars or equivalents: 🍫
- Your avalanche safety gear: (transceiver, shovel, probe) ⛑️
- Your stove: Along with a gas cartridge (check that it has enough for your adventure), collapsible cookware, fork-spoon, and knife. 🍽️
Of course, as with any mountain outing, you should also bring your sunglasses, a beanie (even two: one for the day and another to keep dry in your bag for the night), your down jacket, and your hardshell jacket.
t's so beautiful! Imagine yourself comfortably settled in your sleeping bag, surrounded by snowy landscapes, with the snow sparkling under the moonlight. The tranquility of the mountains in winter offers a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're gazing at the stars or admiring the snow-capped peaks, a bivouac in the snow is a true invitation to serenity and wonder. So, are you ready to experience this memorable winter adventure? ❄️🌙
Preparing Your Trip 🗺️
Now that you have everything you need to head out, it’s time to plan your outing carefully.
You know the drill—it all happens on Whympr! Whether you already have a destination in mind or you’re open to surprises, your adventure is surely among the 100,000 routes listed in the app. The distance and elevation data will help you choose the loop that suits you best, and you'll have the latest updates thanks to other users!
Don’t forget to check the weather and the BERA on the app 😉. Also, take a look at the wind conditions and the perceived temperatures.
The weather will influence your decision to sleep under a tent or under the stars. In either case, try to choose your bivouac spot before you leave by studying the map to find a flat area, preferably with a view for a breathtaking wake-up.
Setting Up Your Winter Bivouac ⛺
Sleeping on the snow requires a bit of organization. We recommend arriving at your bivouac spot at least 1.5 hours before sunset to prepare your area. Have you found the perfect location? It’s sheltered from the wind, far from avalanche risks, and facing east to catch the first rays of sunshine in the morning? Then the first step is to set up camp. On hard snow, there’s little to no work required, but on soft snow, make sure to pack down the snow with your skis or snowshoes to create a flat and comfortable surface.
For a Night Under the Tent ⛺
Set up your tent as you usually would. The difference with summer bivouacs is the anchoring. You’ll need to bring longer stakes than usual to secure your tent properly, and make sure to pack snow on top of them. You can also use your trekking poles or skis, driving them deep into the snow, especially if it’s soft.
For a Night Under the Stars 🌌
Use your shovel to dig out a flat area and build a small wall around it to protect yourself from the wind. You can lay down a reusable emergency blanket to protect your sleeping pad and insulate your sleeping bag from the snow, providing you with extra comfort by keeping out the cold and moisture. More than when you're in a tent, a hat is essential for a night under the stars. Body heat escapes through your head, so be sure to pull up your hood and tighten the collar of your sleeping bag.
Keep in mind that you'll feel warmer if you take off your pants and down jacket, but keep your socks on and wear a dry t-shirt to avoid getting cold from moisture. All that’s left is to choose the flavor of your soup or freeze-dried meal 🍲, and you’ll be ready to go! We hope these tips help you enjoy a fantastic winter bivouac!!
