Three tips on staying warm at altitude

Sure, spring may be here for good now (or, maybe not) but it’s still dipping into the 30s in the mountains after dark, and we all know how fast the wind and precip can cause temperatures to plummet at altitude.

Here are three tips from Colorado Mountain School guide Mike Soucy to help you stay warm and enjoy the days — and the nights — out in the high country as your winter adventures turn into spring adventures and spring into summer.

1.     Hold What You’ve Got

It’s easier to stay warm than it is to get warm. On days like yesterday, my puffy jacket lives on top of my pack. When I stop for a rest or a snack, it’s the first thing to go on, along with a warm hat. You start to cool down as soon as you stop moving, so layer up and keep the heat in!

2.     Stoke the Furnace

Cold calls for calories and hydration. Remember that proper hydration is essential to supplying fuel and energy to body parts to facilitate heat production. Once the cold weather rolls around, I replace one of my water bottles with a thermos of hot tea. Be careful with bladder systems, as they tend to freeze. I also eat higher calorie food in the winter. Time to ditch the lettuce and cucumber sandwich, it’s P.B. and Nutella season!

3.     Keep Your Digits Warm

Cold fingers are probably the most common problem while out on cold days. The screaming barfies are not a mandatory rite of passage. One mistake that I see occurs when people take their gloves off to complete a task. Dropping your gloves in the snow at your feet immediately makes them cold (see tip #1). Now you are stuck stuffing your hands in icy gloves. Whenever you take off your gloves, stuff them in your coat and keep the heat! Toes are more difficult as they are generally immobile in your boots. Proper fitting insulated boots and clean, dry socks are the ticket. Consider shake n’ warm heaters if you have trouble with circulation.

Mike Soucy is an IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide with Colorado Mountain School.