Our desire to hibernate and stay at home, feeling cozy in the middle of winter, is well expected. A brisk hike in the cool, fresh air is the perfect remedy for being cooped up indoors.

The winter season is usually bleak, peaceful, and breathtaking. There might be fewer people on the trail, which means you could see more wildlife. Additionally, according to Dr. Stuart Harris, head of Massachusetts General Hospital's Division of Wilderness Medicine, it's a fantastic chance to interact with the changing seasons and the living world around us. However, he points out that a multi-mile hike in difficult, icy conditions is very different from hiking in warm weather and calls for careful attention to safety and health. Before you go winter hiking, be aware of the following:

Before going on winter hiking, always put safety first.

When hiking in the winter, you need a totally different strategy, which is different from hiking during the summer season, and this is because the terrain is a little harder. However, it allows us to fully engage with the living environment around us. It is a part of our long history.

Prioritizing safety is very important, especially when traveling with people of varying ages and skill levels, such as elderly relatives or young children. For everyone to have fun and stay safe, it's important to have the right equipment and mindset.

How to Plan and Prepare for Winter Hikes

Make sure you are well-prepared ahead of time, particularly if you will be going with individuals of varying levels of fitness. Carefully prepare your itinerary.

Elderly or very young people are more susceptible to freezing temperatures, and hiking in the winter can be more physically demanding. Winter conditions can be harder on the heart than a perfectly-temperatured day," explains Harris. Consider the physical limitations of each member of your group and allow them to guide your actions. The goal of the exercise is to have fun, not to punish yourself.

Before setting out for hiking:

Dr. Harris suggests that you plan your route in terms of knowing the distance, height, and route. You should also review the local forecast for the hiking area and consider factors like wind speed and chill. The weather can change drastically in an hour, especially at higher elevations, so be aware of what to expect in terms of temperature and precipitation.

Make sure you know if you'll have access to emergency cell coverage if anything goes wrong.

Never go hiking without sharing your plans with someone. This is extremely important. If you are missing something or have an injury that affects you during your hike, the team can give you an idea of where to start looking. Fill out trailhead registers so park rangers will also know you're on the trail in case of an emergency.

What to wear to a winter hike

To prevent hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature, or frostbite, be ready for harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, or even freezing temperatures.

Put on layers of clothing. It is preferable to wear multiple thin layers of clothing rather than one thick one. In direct sunlight, remove a layer when you're feeling hot. Wear layers that insulate and shield you from wind and moisture (a waterproof jacket). Dr. Harris says, "As they say, it's not bad weather—it's just inappropriate clothing." Fill a daypack or rucksack with a few additional thermal clothes. I never go on a hike without bringing appropriate clothing to adjust to the changing conditions.

Protect your head, hands, and feet. You must wear a pair of gloves or mittens, a hat, a thick pair of gloves or mittens, and two pairs of socks. Bring dry spares. Boots should be waterproof and have a rugged, grippy sole.

Wear sunscreen. Do you know that you can still get a sunburn in winter, especially in places where the sun's glare reflects off the snow?

Carry necessities with you to ensure safety.

More food and drink. Hiking in the winter requires a lot more energy and burns a lot more calories than hiking in the summer. Carry nutrient-packed snacks like granola bars and vegetables, which frequently include almonds, raisins, and dried fruit, to supply the necessary calories, fat, and protein. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for maintaining a normal core temperature. Bonus points if, in case you're cold, you bring a warm beverage in a thermos to warm you from the inside out.

Carry a first-aid kit. It's a good idea to use bandages for trail cuts and scrapes and heat-reflecting blankets for people who appear hypothermic. Hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above freezing. Keep an eye out for symptoms like shaking, disorientation, fatigue, or slurred speech, and get treatment right away.

Light source. Plan your hike to avoid being on the trail after dark. However, in case you get stuck, pack a light source. A flashlight or headlamp is pretty useful if you're hiking anywhere, says Harris.

A phone, map, compass, or GPS device plus extra batteries are a must. Avoid using your phone for GPS tracking; make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need to get in touch with someone right away. It is important to have the technology and skill set to be able to navigate on- or off-trail and that you have a means of outside communication, especially if you're in a large, mixed group.

Winter hiking can be fun and healthy, but be careful and prepare before hand while taking the above into consideration.