What’s Your Winter Adventure?

We love seeing everyone getting outdoors for safe and accessible hiking fun, but we know that winter weather can make that tricky. With regular snowstorms and a few more months left in the Vermont winter, we’ve compiled expert advice, trail suggestions, and virtual workshops to set you up for success on your next hike through the snow. Check out more winter hiking and camping resources below.

If you’re more comfortable with hibernating until the end of mud season, we understand that too. Our virtual speaker series is in full swing, and we’re excited to hear from climate change expert and activist Bill McKibben this week. At GMC, we know the impacts of climate change already affect how we plan for trail upkeep, and will continue to do so. We hope you’ll join us for this special report, “Climate Fight: A Report from the Front.”

We’re so grateful for all of your support, and can’t wait to see you during one of our free workshops.

Happy (snowy) Trails,

GMC staff

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Everything You Need for Winter Hiking and Camping

Bonus: Join an Intro Workshop this Week

Our hiking season doesn’t end with the arrival of snow and ice, but winter weather does make safety a bit trickier. New to braving the trail in winter? These free, virtual workshops will set you up for success:

• Intro to Winter Hiking will cover proper layering, footwear, what to pack, and what to know when planning for cold, snowy, windy, or otherwise challenging hiking conditions. Tues., February 16, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom; register here. 
• In Winter Camping 101, we’ll cover best practices for setting camp, finding water, cooking, and staying warm all night. Wed., February 17, 7 p.m. on Zoom; register here. 

Explore our Winter Hiking Guide for tips on how to layer, what to pack, where to park, and safety planning. Lastly, check our trail suggestions (more below) before leaving for the trailhead. 

Visit our blog for winter camping do’s and don’ts and safety tips from Search and Rescue. You can also learn about temperature inversions, which (fair warning) will inspire more early-morning hikes.

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HikeVT this Winter: Trail Suggestions for Every Season & Skill Level

Think you’ve explored all of Vermont’s best trails? Check out HikeVT for suggestions based on mileage, season, location, and ability level. We’ve also included maps and COVID-19 regulations to keep you safe. 

This month, we’ve highlighted easier- and moderate-level winter hikes, which include Spruce Peak, Beane Trail, and Airport Lookout. You can also browse our suggested day hikes, summer and fall favorites, and kid-friendly sections for inspiration. Let us know about your hike! Tag @greenmountainclub and #HikeVT to share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram. Happy hiking!

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Coming Up: Climate Report with Bill McKibben

Join us this Thursday at 7 p.m. to hear environmental activist Bill McKibben‘s “The Climate Fight: A Report from the Front.” McKibben is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and cofounder of 350.org, an international climate campaign active in 188 countries. His 1988 publication, The End of Nature, was the first book to warn us about global warming. 

Register here for this free, virtual program. Thanks to the GMC Bread Loaf Section for arranging such an influential speaker on this important topic. While we miss seeing you all in person, virtual events let us reach more outdoor enthusiasts, and we don’t have to worry about icy roads derailing an event. Please invite your friends and family — near or far — to tune in. 

Additional upcoming James P. Taylor Outdoor Adventure Speaker events include:

• Trekking the Mount Everest Region: Thurs., February 25
• The Vermont African Heritage Trail: Thurs., March 4.
• 50 Years of Caretaking on Stratton Mountain: Thurs., March 25

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Long Trail Guide Available via Amazon Kindle

Find the 28th edition of GMC’s Long Trail Guide through the Amazon Kindle app. The eBook provides all the same great content, including detailed trail descriptions, easy-to-read maps, mileage tables, and trailhead locations. Visit our online store for more information and guidebooks, or purchase your Kindle edition (Amazon; $19.95). 

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Catch up with GMC

Read our latest blog posts.
Undercast Obsession
Reflections at Wheeler Pond
Winter Camping Do’s & Don’ts
Winter Hiking Safety Tips

Find recordings of past events.
Paddling the Mississippi
Bread Loaf Section Annual Meeting
Sailing & Hiking in Patagonia
Awe, Community, & the Outdoors