Winter Family Fun

by Carl Heilman II

Winter is a season that is custom made for children. From snowballs, snow forts and sledding runs, to parallel ski tracks and lightly packed snowshoe trails, the winter snows provide for hours of varied fun for children of all ages. Winter is a natural part of the cycles of life in the North Country. It's much easier to find ways to enjoy the snow, than it is to try to hide from the brisk north winds.

Since both my wife Meg, and myself had enjoyed a variety of winter sports since childhood, it was easier for us to keep up with snowshoeing and skiing after both Carl and Greta were born. We did discover that introducing them to winter, and taking them along on our winter excursions wasn't as easy as we first anticipated. However, we have continued taking them both along on hikes in all seasons, and have found the rewards to considerably outweigh the difficulties. Carl and Greta have both been enthusiastic about outdoor adventures ever since they were able to voice an opinion, and now anxiously await each new trip out in the woods.

Most important for everyone in enjoying a winter outing is being properly prepared. We have found that there are three basic needs to keep in mind for everyone on the trip: keeping warm, taking along enough food and water, and having proper, quality equipment. Of these three, keeping warm is probably the most important. If you aren't warm, it is unlikely that you will have an enjoyable time, no matter how good your food and equipment is.

With the popularity of winter sports today, there is a pretty good variety of winter clothing available for children today. While there are different styles of insulated outerwear available for the downhillers, I prefer to dress our children in the more traditional layers suggested for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Up to about three years old, the kids are mostly just along for the ride and do little to keep themselves warmed up. Then, enough insulation must be provided to retain their own body warmth.

At those younger ages, we used one-piece snowsuits in addition to long johns, wool socks, mittens, and hat and scarf. For footwear we used fiberpile booties for infants, and boots with removable felt liners for toddlers. Our two generally traveled in a sled when they were little, so we also put a sleeping bag in the sled that could be wrapped around them for extra warmth. Also, remember to dress little ones so diapers can be changed with relative ease and minimal breeze!

Older children (from about four and up) should be dressed in the same layers that are recommended for adults. On the trail, older kids will tend to be at least as active as their parents, and often much more so, so they should definitely dress in layers. It is difficult to vent heat properly when wearing a one piece snow suit. Choose layers of wool, polypropylene, or other suitable man-made fabrics and pile.

I tend to recommend a wool/polypropylene mix for long johns. Avoid the use of cotton materials for any of the layers. Children can generate a quantity of heat in a hurry, but are also susceptible to rapid cooling. Cotton is comfortable as long as it is dry, but when it becomes wet with perspiration or melted snow, it becomes quite dangerous as it wicks away essential body heat.

Layers of clothes should include: long johns, wool socks, shirt and pants, sweater, parka and bib overalls, hat and scarf, mittens, and insulated boots. I suggest either a lightly insulated parka or a combination of a bunting jacket and windproof shell. Bib overalls help keep the undergarments dry as the kids get off the trail and jump and 'swim' through the snow.

A balaclava or ski mask is a good substitute for a hat and scarf. Also, we've found that mittens with a shell and removable liners are far superior to the commonly found versions with sewn-in linings. Be sure to carry an extra set of liners for those who just can't seem to keep their little hands out of the snow. Removable liners are also easier to dry out at home than the composite mitts.

The same is true with footwear. Boots with removable felt liners are available right down to toddler size. We've found them to be a really worthwhile investment and far superior to the typical lined winter boots. Besides being warmer and more comfortable, the felt liners are also easily removed for efficient drying at home or in camp.

Keeping your children comfortable in winter means not only knowing when to have them properly bundled up, but also knowing when to unbundle them. When our two were real little, we'd periodically check their cheeks and hands to make sure they were warm enough. We found that if any part of them got too chilled, they were quick to cry to let us know... As they grew older they were able to tell us if they were too hot or cold, but usually only if we asked. They're generally too wrapped up in the fun they're having to think about it. It's good to check on them often and thoroughly.

If they get too warm, their perspiration will begin to cool them down as it condenses and possibly freezes in the insulating layers. I'd rather have them stay slightly on the cool side with dry clothes, than see them get overheated and have wet clothes. After a couple times on the trail, you will probably all learn to regulate clothing efficiently. It is good to bring along enough extra clothes so there is a dry change of clothes for after the rolling around in the snow and building snowmen.

Be sure to carry enough food for your time out on the trail since brisk winter weather always seems to generate quite large 'little' appetites. Make several snack stops throughout the day in addition to good lunch to help keep hungry little ones from running out of energy on the trail. We try to avoid sugared foods which tend to provide a quick burst of energy that is followed by a quick drop in energy.

We like to take along dried fruits, crackers and cheese, and pretzels for the many snacks, and a good sandwich or two that they enjoy for their lunch. It's also easy to take along yogurt and other refrigerated foods since there is little problem keeping foods chilled. Sometimes it's even necessary to place some foods and fresh fruits near body heat so they won't freeze.

It is quite important to take along enough fluids to drink. Dehydration, a problem in itself can also lead to a more severe problem - hypothermia. In the winter, it is harder to recognize when you are thirsty, so it is important to drink water or juice often throughout the day. Also, packing something hot to drink in a good thermos can be a great picker-upper when you or the children get a bit tired or chilled.

When choosing outdoor gear to take the children along, be sure to select good, efficient equipment. With the right equipment, both you and your children can better enjoy your sport. Real young children can be bundled up and carried in a child's pack or skidded along in a sled. We found a backpack to be okay for one small child and two parents, but with two youngsters we decided it was much better to have a good sled. Also, a child in a pack may be comfortable while snowshoeing, but the winds from skiing at even a moderate pace are pretty nippy for a baby's tender face and might bring a quick end to an outing.

As children get to be a couple years old, the wind doesn't seem to be as much of a problem. A rigid harness sled with a cargo cover turned out to be the best solution to both the problem of the wind, and that of taking along two children. Not only could we fit in both children and our gear, but we also faced them backwards to keep the wind off their face while we skied. A sleek fiberglass or wood sled is both functional and efficient. The rigid aluminum poles keep the sled at a constant distance behind you with plenty of room for maneuvering skiis or snowshoes.

I find little drag from the sled, even with a good load in it. There is a pull, of course, when going uphill, so I use either my snowshoes, or skins on my skiis for the ascent. Still, I have found towing two kids and gear in the sled with a total weight of about 80 pounds is about as easy as trying to carry a 20 pounder on my back. The children also have much more freedom of movement and really enjoy the trip. Seats are available for some models of sleds, but we decided to use their car seats so we could face them backward and recline them when they were real small.

Greta took her first cross-country sled ride when she was three months old. For extra warmth on a chilly day we would snuggle the sleeping bag around both Carl and her, and zip up the cargo cover to near their necks. At that tender age they would tend to fall asleep after only a few minutes on the trail. By the time each of them were about two though they would stay awake much more of the time.

At three, Carl refused to sleep on the trail anymore and thoroughly enjoyed the best part ... 'going fast down the big hills!' Once they were older, we still took along the sled for a couple years to carry their extra gear and also to sometimes give them a needed break on the trail. After they are totally weaned from the sled, it becomes a very efficient way to carry in gear for a winter camping trip.

As your children get older, they will want to participate in the sport themselves. We started both Carl and Greta on the small bearpaw style Kitty Paws when they were about two years old, and they both handled them surprisingly well for short distances. Children can also start to master the kick and glide of cross country skiing at about the age of four. Though they ski for only a short distance, and walk much more than they glide, they have surprising agility and really enjoy their accomplishments. As they get older they grow naturally into the sports and soon handle the equipment with ease.

Though initially more expensive, good quality equipment will handle properly and efficiently, and will generally last through several children. It will also help a child to better appreciate the equipment and the sport. If it fits properly, both the children and the parents will have a much more enjoyable outing.

Snowshoes for youngsters should not be too large, and especially not too wide. I've had some 8 year-olds playing around on 11" by 63" Ojibwas - fun for a short while, but don't expect them to hike a mile on them! I suggest a pound of body weight per square inch of flotation per snowshoe. That means the 5.5" by 20" shoes are suitable for kids up to about 40 pounds. Kids from about age 4 and up can handle the 8" by 25" bearpaw styles until they need larger styles. Depending on how large they grow to be at maturity, they may never need shoes larger than that. A pair of my 8" by 25" Catpaws is all I ever use for practically all of the snowshoeing I do.

There are several varieties of waxless skiis available for children. Some use a special boot that fits special ski bindings, while others use standard ski boots. We found the special boots and bindings to be the best for young children. The boots were high, like winter boots, and the kids could stay warm and dry while playing in the snow when they took a break from skiing. Most any good mountaineering shop can help you fit your child with proper skiis. Good second-hand equipment is also sometimes available.

It's a good idea to practice around home with new equipment before heading to the hills. This helps to gradually break in both the parents and the children. Babies tend to adapt pretty well, but by the time they hit the two stage, it's often helpful to prime them so they know what to expect. We'd often show slides or pictures of previous trips they had enjoyed to get them looking forward to the next trip.

We'd also let them play with their equipment around home so they'd be familiar with it on an outing. When choosing a trail to take them on with the sled, we often chose moderate trails that were fairly level or uphill on the way in. That way we could snowshoe the uphill on the way in, and then have a nice ski down on the way out.

Getting out often and playing with them in the snow helps a lot, too. A few winters back, we built an igloo in the backyard from congealed snow the plow had pushed out of the driveway. Carl, who at 4 already loved camping out no matter what the conditions were, slept with me in it for two nights. We couldn't convince Greta though, no matter how hard we tried. She firmly decided, even after reading some bedtime books in it that, "Me no seep in igooo, me seep in mine bed!"

Once you become comfortable with taking the children out in winter, then you might want to try some winter camping. If the youngsters are already adept at three-season camping and they really enjoy the snow, there is little difficulty in adapting to camping in the snow. It does help to choose your weather carefully so you can avoid the extreme cold. Choosing some of the milder winter weather also means that you won't have to buy a lot of new equipment since most good three season equipment will suffice for moderate winter conditions.

Pick a quality, roomy, and sturdy self-standing tent. Instead of buying a thick, limited purpose winter bag, doubling up a three season bag with a summer bag gives the needed insulation for moderately cold winter nights. Also, boot and mitten liners can be put in between the two bags at night to dry out. Good thick foam pads, at least 1 inch thick, and good quality down or fiberfill sleeping bags help make the long winter nights comfortable.

For extra comfort at night, and for fresh water in the morning, put a tightly sealed canteen of warm water by your feet. In the morning, with a good gasoline stove just outside the tent door, you can cook and serve 'breakfast in bed'. Pack high-calorie foods and plenty of carbohydrates since winter weather really burns them up!.

Over the years, we've encountered few problems with the children enjoying the trip. Snow seems to provide instant entertainment for children of all ages ... whether it is a 40 year old who has never seen snow before, or an 8 year old who has seen it every winter. Every hill is the start of a new adventure whether on a sled or skiis, or snowshoes. Imagination is the only limit to the design of a snowman, which can be a project for the whole family. Snowballs are everywhere, and if nothing else you can just roll around in it and have a good time!

As important as it is to keep the children happy, it is also good to take some precautions so the parents stay happy, too. While there are some advantages to winter hiking, there is also more preparation. It is a good idea to pack the night before so that it is easier to leave in the morning at a reasonable time. And, don't feel defeated if it seems best to turn back early.

The important thought to remember is to have an enjoyable outing so everyone will want to go again next time. With real young ones, start out early and time the trips with naps in mind. Also, be sure that you are in good physical condition yourself and can handle whatever emergency might arise.

If you are not accustomed to taking your children out at all, I suggest starting family expeditions during the summer months and continuing them into the Fall and then Winter. Start small on shorter hikes of maybe only an hour or so, and then work up to longer outings gradually as the family becomes accustomed to longer distances. It is also good to get out by yourselves a bit and scout out new areas before taking the children along.

Because of extra gear and the colder weather, winter hiking is definitely more demanding than summer hiking, but the rewards are immense and far reaching. While you are enjoying more family togetherness and sharing new experiences, the children are growing richer in many ways. By providing my children with a sense of awareness and enjoyment of the outdoors in all seasons, I hope they will grow to appreciate the full meaning of wilderness and be able to pass that appreciation along to their own children...