Explore With or Without Snowshoeing in Kelowna: Our Okanagan Winter Hiking Guide
One of the ways Kelownians love getting out and enjoying the fresh air is hiking, thanks to the rolling, gorgeous mountains surrounding us. And until mountain bike season is here, you can still get out and enjoy the trails on your own two feet. The secret? It’s all about the layers.
What to wear
Be aware of the weather forecast and plan the warmth of your layers accordingly. You’ll need:
Base layers
A moisture-wicking base layer to remove sweat from your skin as you go.
Socks
Warm, dry, moisture-wicking socks. Smartwool is a go-to for many thanks to their great design and quality materials.
Shoes
Comfortable, warm, water-resistant boots are a great bet. However, when the temps are a bit warmer out and if you have a good idea that the trail will be packed down, trail runners could also be an excellent choice. Use your judgment and make smart choices.
Gloves
Light gloves or a liner are great for when you’ve heated up, but keep a warm pair of mittens on hand (pun intended) when you stop moving and cool off.
Midlayer
This layer keeps you warm and should be easy to remove and packable enough to stow once you get warm from moving, like the Arc’teryx Atom Hoodie.
Shell
A winter jacket shell should be wind and water-resistant; for hiking, you may want to leave that bulky alpine ski jacket at home. Softshell jackets like you use for cross-country skiing are a great option when hiking in winter. The same goes for your lower half. Nordic pants make a great option to throw over your base layers and cut the wind.
Hat
Never leave home without a comfortable toque in the winter! This is Canada, after all.
Bag
A pack with enough space for you to stow layers as you remove them is essential. You’ll also want to fill it with plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Check out the 24L Dakine Heli Pro.
How to wear it
You might work up a sweat when hiking—but you must be careful to stay dry. If that happens, you’re in for a bad time. When you stop moving, cooling off will become a frigid chill if your layers are wet, making for a very bad time.
Similarly, if you don’t de-layer as your body temperature rises, you can get overheated fast (plus, the wet clothing).
Some rules of thumb:
Starting cold is better than starting warm. Your temperature will rise quickly.
If you start thinking that you might want to take a layer off soon—it’s time to take a layer off. The same goes for drinking water and snacking. If you’re already planning for it, you probably should do it now.
Where to go
There are tons of trails around the Kelowna area to explore as a winter hike. If you’re just starting out, some places to test the waters are:
Spion Kop
This series of trails in Lake Country offers a variety of easy-to-moderate hikes not far from home.
John’s Family Conservatory
Views of Okanagan and Lake and Kelowna plus the proximity to local wineries, make this area a real treat.
Knox Mountain
If you’re not biking it, you could be hiking it. Knox Mountain is close to town and makes a wonderful day out winter hiking.
Snowshoeing in Kelowna
Looking to strap on the ol’snowshoes and get exploring? Check out our beginner's guide to snowshoeing in Kelowna on the blog or our selection of snowshoes.
Quit dreaming, start doing. Our sports stores in Kelowna have everything you need to find your new sport. See what’s in store, then get out and enjoy the Fresh Air!
Share Post: