Safety Rules of Winter Camping
1. Do not go winter camping unless you have adequate equipment and provisions and are in good physical condition. You and your gear need to be ready for this difficult form of camping.
2. Never light a fire inside a tent unless the tent has been specifically designed for fire and you know for sure that it is designed for fire. Most tents are not designed for this purpose, though some, like a tepee are.
3. Do not go winter camping alone. Instead, use the buddy system. Frequently check your buddy for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
4. Don’t arrive after dark. Allow plenty of time to set up camp before it gets dark, especially if you plan to build a snow shelter on site. Setting up tents in the snow is a little tougher.
5. Check the weather forecast and what the current conditions are first. Remember the weather can get worse.
6. Always keep a responsible someone outside your group aware of your itinerary including where you are going and by what route and when you are coming back. Than stick to your plans or update your contact with the new information. If something goes wrong a search party needs to know where to look. How tragic if something bad happens and the search party is looking in the wrong place for you?
7. Get a permit when camping in the back country and register with the ranger.
8. Wear a brightly colored outer layer so that you can be easily seen by other members of your party. Winter camping is not the time to blend into your surroundings. This becomes even more essential if a snow storm blows in.
9. Do not overestimate the capabilities of your group. Be realistic and practical.
10. Do not underestimate the dangers of winter conditions. Be safe!
11. Use common sense at all times.
