Winter Camping Seminar

Learn the systems, mindset, and skills to thrive in the cold.

Our Winter Camping Seminar is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and field-tested skills to travel, live, and sleep comfortably in a snow-covered mountain environment. This hands-on program blends field instruction, practical demonstrations, and real experience camping overnight in winter conditions.

Whether you’re preparing for ski mountaineering objectives, multi-day backcountry tours, or simply want to extend your backcountry comfort zone, this course provides the foundation to make winter camping efficient, safe, and enjoyable.

Price: $295.00

Dates:

Skills Covered

Trip Planning & Preparation

  • Reading weather forecasts and understanding mountain microclimates

  • Selecting suitable terrain for overnight winter travel and camp locations

  • Packing systems for efficiency and balance (what to bring vs. what to leave behind)

  • Layering strategies and personal heat management

  • Understanding group dynamics and communication in cold environments

Campcraft & Shelter Systems

  • Site selection: assessing avalanche risk, wind exposure, and snowpack stability

  • Setting up winter tents, snow platforms, and guyline anchors

  • Constructing snow shelters (quinzee, trench, or snow wall)

  • Digging and maintaining cold-weather latrines

  • Creating efficient snow kitchens for group cooking and melting snow

Snow & Cold Management

  • Body heat regulation: layering, moisture control, and venting techniques

  • Sleeping warm: insulation systems, vapor barriers, and sleep hygiene

  • Cooking in cold conditions and managing stove performance

  • Fuel planning and snow melting ratios

  • Managing condensation inside tents and shelters

  • Goals

    • Learn the basics of winter camp setup

    • Understand cold-weather layering and gear systems

    • Practice safe stove use and snow-melting techniques

    • Build confidence living outside in winter conditions

    Outcomes

    • Set up a functional winter camp independently

    • Stay warm and dry using proper clothing systems

    • Safely cook and manage hot water in cold environments

    • Manage personal comfort and risk during winter overnights

  • Day 1

    • Meet at trailhead and gear review

    • Travel to campsite

    • Build winter camp and shelter

    • Stove use, snow melting, and evening camp skills

    Day 2

    • Morning camp breakdown

    • Travel back to trailhead

    • Course debrief and wrap-up

  • Prerequisites

    • Able to travel on snow for several hours

    • Basic fitness for carrying an overnight pack

    • Winter clothing and overnight gear required

    • Comfortable being outdoors in cold conditions

    • No prior winter camping experience needed

  • Included:

    • Friendly AMGA trained guides.

    • Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.

    • Group rescue gear, first aid, GPS.

    • Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.

    • 4 season tents

    • Stoves

    • Fuel

    • Pots & pans

    • Water storage & treatment

    Not Included:

    • Food/Snacks/Meals

    • Transportation

    • Guide Gratuities

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Basic Itinerary

Day 1 — Foundations & Camp Setup

  • Morning orientation, gear review, and packing strategies

  • Field travel to winter camp location

  • Camp setup: site selection, shelter construction, and snow kitchen building

  • Evening cooking, stove management, and night systems for warmth and safety

Day 2 — Refinement & Skill Integration

  • Morning camp routines: snow melting, layering, and efficient packing

  • On-snow lessons: navigation, avalanche awareness, and weather observation

  • Break down camp and practice Leave No Trace principles

  • Course debrief and discussion of next-step objectives (multi-day tours, mountaineering trips, etc.)