Winter Camping & Travel Course

(A Guided by Adventure Learning Experience)

Overview

Winter changes everything — the landscape, the pace, and the way we prepare. This course is designed to help you step confidently into cold-weather travel, with the knowledge and skills to keep yourself safe, warm, and having fun.

Over the course of one classroom day, one field day, and one overnight, you’ll learn how to plan, pack, travel, and camp in winter conditions. We’ll cover essential safety topics, layering systems, snowshoe techniques, navigation, and how to create a comfortable winter camp.

This course is beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone curious about expanding their adventure season, preparing for backcountry travel, or simply learning how to enjoy the snow safely.

All instruction, guided snowshoeing, and group gear is included. This is a three part workshop. The first session will be held via zoom on Tuesday February 3rd at 6:30pm. The second day will be a field day (location TBA but within the south Okanagan) and held on February 8th from 9am – 3pm. The final portion will be an overnight winter camping trip again held in the South Okanagan – Saturday February 28th – Sunday February 29th.

Course Structure

Day 1 – Classroom Learning (short session either done in person or via zoom)

Location: Indoor session (with gear demos)
Focus: Preparation & Planning

• Welcome and introductions

• Understanding winter environments: cold management, weather awareness, and terrain

• Clothing & gear systems: how to layer effectively and choose the right winter kit

• Snowshoe and pole selection, fitting, and basic maintenance

• Navigation basics, trip planning, and group communication

• Packing for winter: what to bring (and what not to)

Hands-on demo: layering system, snowshoe fitting, and winter pack organization

Day 2 – Field Day

Location: Local trail or accessible backcountry area
Focus: Movement & Travel Skills

• On-trail snowshoeing techniques (flat, uphill, downhill, traversing)

• Route finding & terrain reading in snowy conditions

• Staying warm and dry while moving

• Recognizing and avoiding winter hazards (tree wells, overhanging snow, open water, avalanche awareness)

• Team travel, pacing, and group decision-making

• Winter cooking demo

Optional: Field practice with map and compass in snow-covered terrain

Day 3 – Winter Overnight

Location: Field-based winter camp
Focus: Campcraft & Confidence

• Site selection: wind protection, snow base, and safety

• Building and anchoring a snow camp

• Tent setup, ventilation, and insulation for cold nights

• Cooking in the cold: stove safety, melting snow, and meal prep

• Night warmth and comfort strategies

• Morning breakdown and gear management

• Group debrief, Q&A, and next steps

What You’ll Learn

• How to prepare for and plan winter trips

• Clothing and gear systems that actually work in cold conditions

• Basic snowshoe travel and route finding

• Winter camp setup and stove safety

• Recognizing and managing environmental hazards

• Confidence to extend your adventure season safely and sustainably

• Avalanche awareness

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for beginners and those who’ve done some hiking or camping but want to learn how to travel and camp safely in winter. No prior snowshoeing or camping experience required — just a sense of adventure and readiness to learn!

What’s Included

• 1 classroom session

• 1 field day

• 1 overnight winter camp

• Instruction from certified and experienced guides

• Group safety equipment and demonstration gear

Participants provide: personal clothing, footwear, snowshoes (rentals available), and personal camping gear.

Cost is $249 plus gst. TOTAL – $261.45 Please book by selecting ticket below and sending e transfer of payment to guidedbyadventurepg@gmail.com. If you would like to pay by credit card please email us the request and we will send you an invoice which you can pay via credit card through – processing fees will apply.