Snow camping

[easyman]

I've been in the UK just a few months. Nostalgic for the outdoors activities i did in the states. Any ideas about where to show camp this winter?

Google Avimore?

I've just come back from North Yorkshire, it was awesome .....-10 when we got up this morning!

Highly highly highly unlikely we'll ever do it, but just out of interest - please tell me about this snow camping. Is it as freezing as I would imagine?

Just take every duvet and sleeping bag that you possess, you will be incredibly snug and it is so invigorating to wake up with the cold on your face and a fresh blanket of snow. Sigh. Will never get DH snow camping!

Ooh I don't know if I'll survive it, but I'm itching to try winter camping at least once. Might see if I can persuade dh to try it once - I'm definitely not doing it on my own! Will do it close to home - or rather close to a good b&b!

Aviemore is good - lots to do, and lots of places to escape to. Camped there one New Year in a fairly wooded campsite so it felt sheltered.

Lakes also good but some campsites will close for the season. There's always wild camping though.

Down jacket. Essential. Plus lots of insulation for your groundsheet (at a push newspaper will do)

Thanks! Will google up these spots.

@MisSalLaneous: dressing in layers is esential 1) insulated undies 2) fleece pants and jacket 3) waterproof shell and pants. Cover the ground with a tarp to keep the tent bottom off the snow and if the tent has wings that extend out over it, it gives you sort of a dry entryway to store your boots when you take them off and you don´t get your feet wet or track snow inside. A down sleeping bag is a must and a foam or inflatable sleeping pad, too. Outside the tent, you can even dig a little pit off to one side with a bench to sit on... it´s a sort of kitchen area. It´s really a blast.

Thanks very much both of you (and OP, sorry for hijacking your thread, but I take it you're interested in this too, so hope ok).

I would love to try it once - after this morning's snow here (London), I suspect dh might take some persuading though! (I blame it all on him, really I'm a bit scared too, but would love to try it at least once.)

No worries missal, this way we all get the info we need! And don't be scared-good advice, a mountaineering book And planning And you'll love it

MisSalLaneous You really need a tent that has all in one construction and it is advisable that it has a double entrance - I think

I did it when I was in my teens in Finland, the coldest and most uncomfortable four days I ever spent, yet it was an amazing experience which one day I will repeat, although the pull of a hotel spa is far greater when planning holidays lol

we regularly snow camp in a tent I got from ebay second hand for 30 quid .... it is a outdoor revolution star camper 3 and it has done us fine.

I wouldn't camp in anything without a sewn in groundsheet and less than 3000hh although when it is really cold you will find the ice forms on both sides of the canvas in any case.

Last weekend the tent froze so hard that when we left, we removed the poles and pegs and the tent stayed standing!

Hmm, between the "most uncomfortable four days" and "ice forms on both sides of the canvas" I feel myself chickening out!

I think if I ever do go, it'll be with a woodburning stove in the bell tent. I will keep an eye on Ebay in case I ever see a good one going for nice price. Don't think I'll survive without it!

Last winter persuaded my father to let me take his pride and joy - his 30ft motor home - to Italy

The day after we arrived at the ski resort switched off all the lights and heaters and went off skiing. After skiing went to dinner, met some friends, went back to their apartment and returned to the van unable to get in as all the doors froze.

After a short fight and help from some Italians in temperatures below 20C I managed to get in to find everything frozen. Heaters on full blast the van defrosted quickly and went to bed

Next morning found the water tank had burst!

Going again tomorrow

Oooh, so jealous by all this talk of snow camping.

We spent the last 3 winters in Alaska with my husband's job. Now back in Surrey which just isn't the same. LOL.

Snow camping over there usually involved staying in a wilderness yurt, with wood burning stove in the middle of nowhere. You would cross country ski in, towing kids & gear on sleds. No bears around, as they would all be hibernating for winter, but you had to keep an eye out for Moose which could be just as dangerous.

Proper warm kit essential. Both kids had serious Patagonia thermals & fleeces & -20deg snow suits, gloves and snow boots.

I miss it !!!!!!!