When you announce to your friends and fam that you’re camping in the snow there’s no doubt you’ll be on the end of some funny looks. The freezing temps are enough to keep even the most dedicated campers at bay, with many going into hibernation until Spring when the toasty weather returns. While it’s true that snow camping is a little trickier than regular camping, it’s not only reserved for the crazies among us, and with the right prep work you could be dodging snowballs at the campsite in no time at all! From the snow-covered mountain tops to the icy-flowing rivers, the alpine region presents unmatched beauty in bucket-loads! So, before you load up your fourbie, make sure you follow these tips to ensure you make the most of your snow camping experience.
1. Wear the right clothing
The kit you choose to bring along can either make or break your snow camping trip, so make sure that you gear up with the right stuff before heading for the hills. It pays to wear a few layers including a base-layer (thermals), an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece, and an outer layer that has the right amount of waterproofing and breathability. Although it might be tempting to wear that warm puffer jacket you’ve got at home, down jackets won’t be keeping you warm when wet and aren’t the best pick when camping out with frosty.
Expert Tip
Jackets with a waterproof/breathability rating of 10K/10K and above will keep you the most comfortable in the snow.
The accessories you bring along are also super important, helping protect your fingers and toes from the harsh bite of the cold. A pair of waterproof gloves with an adjustable wrist strap will keep the snow out and the heat in, while a pair of warm thermal socks will keep your feet nice and toasty. To keep your feet extra warm without the extra bulk, choose a pair of merino blend socks suitable for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. A beanie and a neck warmer are two other snow essentials that you shouldn’t leave home without.
Expert Tip
A pair of ‘hot hands’ heat warmers are another great addition to provide extra warmth.
Footwear is the last item on the list, and while it might be tempting to spray some waterproofing on your work boots and think ‘she’ll be ‘right’, there are better options on offer if you’ll be ankle deep in powder. A pair of waterproof winter boots or snow boots are the right choice for most campers, however if you plan to do a lot of walking, a pair of waterproof, mid hiking boots will be a better fit.
2. Choose the right sleeping bag
Sleeping Bag Range have one job, to trap your body heat in and keep you warm. With temperatures dropping below freezing in the snow, it’s important to pick a bag that is going to get the job done in icy conditions. Picking a sleeping bag might seem tricky with all the options that are out there, but it’s not rocket science. First things first, make sure you grab a hooded sleeping bag. A good amount of heat escapes through the top of our noggins, so having a hood to trap that heat in is a real good idea. Secondly, check out the temperature rating. A bag with a rating of -5 to -10 degrees is more than suitable for Australia's alpine conditions for most people. Keep in mind that these ratings are only a guide and that warm sleepers may be fine with a sleeping bag that has a higher rating.
3. Sleep tight with the right sleeping arrangement
There are plenty of great sleeping options for a trip away to the snow, with the main options being a roof-top tent, a swag or a ‘cot’. Each of these come with their own advantages but there are a number of things to keep in mind when setting up shop for the night.
A roof top tent is a cracker option for camping in the snow. They’ll keep you up high, far away from the cold, wet snow and provide protection from the wind and harsh conditions. They also have thick mattresses, ensuring that you have a comfortable night's sleep. The rooftop tent is an easy to set-up, all-in-one, comfortable sleeping solution for the snow.
The next option is the humble Swag Range. Swags are well suited for camping in the snow as their ripstop canvas construction helps keep the heat in, whilst moisture can escape from a number of mesh vents. Pop your swag on top of a stretcher and pull your awning out over the top and you’ve got yourself a set up even an eskimo would love.
It might shock you to hear that cots are not only for babies. Also known as a ‘stretcher shelter’ these beauties have an inbuilt stretcher that keeps you elevated. They are a great option that will allow you to cut back on the amount of kit you bring along with you, saving room for other essentials, such as warm clothing and blankets.
Sleeping in a regular tent can be a good option, but only if camping below the snow line. If camping above the snow line, a four-season tent hiking tent would be a much better option. Hiking tents are great as they pack up into a very small package, yet when camping with the car this isn’t a huge advantage, and a swag, cot or roof-top-tent represent better options. If you do choose to sleep in a tent, create some separation between you and the ground by placing some rubber matting underneath your sleeping area, with a ground sheet or tarp underneath that.
4. Save yourself some digging and grab a portable toilet
Although the tried and tested shovel does the trick over the warmer months, when camping in the snow it pays to spend a little extra and go for a toilet that keeps you high and dry! Thetford have a range of ‘Porta Potti’s’ that are comfortable, clean and easy to use. Porta potty toilets such as these function with the help of a couple of additives, that break down waste and eliminate odour. They can be emptied into either a regular toilet, or at a designated dump point. Other options include bucket systems that have a seat built into the lid such as the Elemental Thunder Down toilet. These can be used with or without plastic waste bags. Wanderer also offers a fold out option that uses a plastic waste bag, which is a great option if you’re short on space.
5. Use the toilet before bed
On the topic of toilets, it’s important that you don’t go to bed without using one. We’re no scientists but we’ve been told that when our bladders are full, our bodies expend energy keeping our excess fluids warm. After using the loo our bodies can use that energy to keep our whole body warm, meaning that you’ll stay cosy throughout the night. Even if you don’t need to go, make it a habit to use the toilet before bed every night when camping in the snow.
6. Don’t stop snacking!
Our bodies use a lot of energy keeping us warm, so it’s important to stay fueled up with snacks that are high in energy. Dried fruit, nuts, jellybeans, and other sugary snacks are essential when camping in the snow and will allow you to keep warm no matter the conditions. Right before bed is a great time to get high-energy snacks in, so when it's time to bunker down, take a handful of your favourite high-energy snack to bed with you.
7. Leave the gas burner at home
Canister gas burners are the perfect companion for most of the year. Lightweight, easy to use and inexpensive, they can do everything from boiling up a billy to frying a few snags. The cold weather however is not their best friend and in the snow you’ll find it hard to not only get ‘em started, but also to stay lit. You can try to keep your gas canisters out of the cold, but the flame will eventually begin to fade out as the gas canister cools down. Your best option is to look to other options, such as hiking stoves, fuel burners, or the trusty bush telly - your campfire. Cooking on the campfire is a great experience. You can put together a stew over the coals in a cast iron pot or combine your favourite fillings in a jaffle. If you’re lost for ideas why not start here with an Aussie Reuben jaffle recipe from our good mates at Shank Brothers BBQ. Even if you’re not cooking on the campfire, make sure you bring some dry firewood with you, as it can be hard to come by (and illegal to take in National Parks).
8. Prepare your car
Whether you’re planning on doing some tough off-roading, or just planning to snuggle up around the fire on the foothills of Mt Buller, it’s important that you make sure your car is ready for the trip you have planned. Alpine diesel is essential for all those with a diesel engine, particularly for extended trips. You can get it from most servos in the alpine region and it ensures that vital components don’t freeze over. Alternatively, you can add antifreeze to regular diesel. Snow chains aren’t only a handy addition, but depending on where you’re headed, carrying them could be mandatory.
If you’re planning on going 4-wheel driving then you’ll need to ensure you have all the right recovery gear, and pick tracks that match your car's ability as well as your experience level. It might pay to travel with someone that has local experience if you’re heading up to the alpine country for the first time. Make sure you either have a winch fitted to your car, or travel in a convoy.
9. Pick your spots to suit your gear
No matter what gear you own, a camping trip in or near the snow is always possible. For those who don’t own a 4-wheel drive it’s a good idea to play it safe and camp below the snowline, at the foothills of one of the many beautiful mountains across the Alpine region. Areas such as Mansfield, Omeo and Bright are super accessible and are on the tamer side, while the New South Wales Snowy Mountains hold many campsites suitable for a 2wd vehicle.
For those with a 4-wheel drive vehicle there are a number of areas in the Vic High-Country region that provide challenging tracks and more secluded campsites. The area around Jamieson is home to a number of peaks with Mount Terrible, Mt Selma and Mt Matlock all providing reliable snow driving and plenty of camping options over the winter months. Just keep in mind that there are a handful of tracks that close up between June and November, so check the Parks Victoria website before you leave home.
10. Enjoy!
It can be so easy to get bogged down in all the different things to remember for a snow camping trip that we forget the most important thing of all, which is to have fun! Whilst there is a lot to remember, as long as you have the right gear and camp within your means, we reckon you’re well on your way to having a ripper time camping in the snow. The Australian Alps will have your jaw dragging along the ground, being some of the most beautiful country we have on offer. So, save Santa the headache and give the North Pole a miss, we have our own winter wonderland waiting at our doorstep, ready to be explored.