10 Days of Ski Touring & Winter Camping : The Ultimate Guide to Ski Expeditions with Heidi Nixon

Ski de randonnée et camping d’hiver : 10 jours en autonomie dans les Tetons avec Heidi Nixon

Winter is changing. More unpredictable, more erratic—it’s shaped by the shifting climate, gradually redefining our seasons. For us, passionate skiers, this is just another reason to embrace it while it lasts. And what better way to celebrate winter than by spending 10 days outdoors, sleeping in the snow, in the middle of January?

This article recounts a winter camping adventure, a total immersion in the heart of the snowy mountains. I’ll share the itinerary, the challenges faced, and the essential gear that helped me survive and ski in extreme conditions. This journey took place in the Teton Mountains, on the border of Idaho and Wyoming, at the height of winter, as part of an expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a non-profit organization that runs outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Preparation: Planning for Survival in the Winter Wilderness

Winter camping is demanding and requires meticulous preparation. Before setting off, we spent three full days gathering our gear, preparing food, and analyzing our route. This was also the perfect time to get to know the team, as none of us had met before.

Food Planning for a Winter Expedition

Each day, we needed to consume approximately 2.3 lbs (1 kg) of food per person. In frigid temperatures, the body burns a significant number of calories just to stay warm, making it crucial to maintain a high energy intake. Our meals were designed to be high-calorie and easy to eat, consisting of:

  • Energy bars and Pop-Tarts for quick carbs,
  • Peanut butter and nuts for essential fats and protein,
  • Freeze meals to maximize calorie intake while keeping our packs light.


The Expedition: Crossing the Tetons and Setting Up Base Camp


 

We started the journey with two days of skiing while pulling sleds loaded with about 60 lbs (27 kg) of gear. This area is known for its deep snow and bitter cold, making it the perfect setting to test our winter survival skills.

Once we reached our destination, we established our base camp:

  • Building a snow kitchen: We sculpted tables and benches out of snow, created a fire pit for cooking, and organized a storage space for food.
  • Constructing our shelters: Instead of using tents, we opted for snow caves, which are much more effective at retaining heat.

Skiing and Learning Alpine Survival Skills

From our camp, we explored the surrounding terrain, summiting a local peak and making the most of the incredible powder skiing. Alongside this, we underwent avalanche safety training, practiced backcountry rescue techniques, and honed our winter camping ski

Snow Caves: The Ultimate Winter Shelter

Sleeping under the snow might sound extreme, but snow caves are by far the warmest and most comfortable option for winter camping. While they require significant effort and time to build, once completed, they provide exceptional insulation, keeping temperatures around 0°C (32°F) even when it's -25°C (-13°F) outside.

How to Build a Snow Cave

  1. Pile up a large mound of snow, about 250 cm (8 feet) high, packing it down gradually to help it harden.
  2. Let it set for a few hours or overnight to allow the snow to consolidate.
  3. Dig the entrance, ideally slightly downhill, to let cold air escape and make excavation easier.
  4. Carve the interior into a dome shape, ensuring the roof is rounded to prevent condensation buildup.

Excavating a snow cave takes several hours and requires intense physical effort. Wearing waterproof Gore-Tex layers is essential to stay dry during the process.


Why Try Winter Camping?

Spending multiple nights sleeping under the snow in the dead of winter might seem crazy, but for ski and adventure enthusiasts, it's an unforgettable experience. A winter expedition like this helps you:

  • Understand and manage your gear in extreme conditions,
  • Develop true backcountry self-sufficiency,
  • Explore remote locations where few skiers venture,
  • Build mental and physical endurance by facing the challenges of cold and isolation.

WINTER SKI CAMPING LIST: ESSENTIAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT

SKI / SNOWBOARD

  • Avalanche rescue gear + day pack
  • Backcountry ski/splitboard touring gear
  • A pulk (sled) to haul gear + a duffel bag for storage, or a large backpack
  • First aid/repair kit

NAVIGATION

  • Paper map
  • Downloaded map on phone (Gaia, CalTopo, or OnX)

CAMP

  • Lighter, matches, fire starter
  • Headlamp, twinkle lights, spare batteries
  • Foam mat for sitting/standing on

CLOTHING

  • Wool baselayers (top & bottom)
  • 2x mid-layers (top & bottom)
  • 2x large insulated layers (top & bottom)
  • Hats
  • Socks!
  • Spare gloves, including thin liner gloves for cooking
  • Sunglasses

SLEEPING GEAR

  • -20°C (-4°F) sleeping bag
  • Lightweight tent/shelter (like the Black Diamond Mid)
  • Nalgene bottles filled with hot water
  • Sacred socks that stay in your sleeping bag at all times
  • All extra layers stuffed into the sleeping bag to prevent freezing

COOKING

  • 2 lbs (1 kg) of food per person, per day, plus plenty of snacks
  • Bowl, spoon, spatula, pot grips
  • MSR Whisperlite stove
  • Plenty of fuel
  • Pot and pan (Fry Bake is the best type of lightweight cast iron)

HYGIENE & BACKCOUNTRY CLEANLINESS

  • Small water bottle filled with warm water for a backcountry bidet (requires practice but eliminates the need for TP!)
  • Bandana or pee rag (like the Kula Cloth)
  • Soap (keep it on your person to prevent freezing)
  • Hand sanitizer

Ready to Take on the Challenge of Winter Camping?

If you dream of a fully immersive mountain experience, winter camping in the backcountry is a challenge that will test even the most dedicated skiers. Proper preparation and the right equipment are the keys to fully enjoying this adventure.

Back to Blog