Winter Survival Weekend – 2 Day

Event Description

Colorado is notorious for its snow, downhill and back country skiing. It is also notorious for its sudden flash storms and blizzards that commonly catch the unsuspecting outdoor adventurer off guard. Many have died in Colorado because we have blue skies in the morning but by midday, a vicious storm has rolled in before an unaware hiker has time to react. Even the most experienced of hikers have become trapped in Colorado’s snow storms. Colorado may not have the largest amount of constant cumulative snow, but will be the type of weather conditions a typical outdoorsman will find himself in during the winter. You will not get the convenience of a 12 foot snow drift to build your winter palace.

Surviving in the extreme cold is mostly about staying warm, keeping your body temperature up and getting out of the elements. The traditional survival techniques do not always apply, due to the cold and wet surroundings. This course will teach you how to build snow and primitive shelters that will allow you to ride out a storm and how to build a fire to keep you warm in frigid temperatures. We will discuss the dangers of hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, and snow blindness and ways to prevent them.

Avalanche danger in Colorado is very high and a frequent killer of man, so we will go over what to look for to keep you out of harms way when you are traversing through the back country.

What to expect​

In this 2 day class, we will teach you the basics of cold weather survival so that you will be able to spend the night out in the wilderness. Your key survival tactics will be to stay warm and dry so we will primarily focus on fire and shelter during these two days.

Skills taught will include

• Proper gear/clothing selection for cold weather
• Hypothermia wrap
• Primitive shelters and snow shelters (snow pending)
• Primitive and Modern fire starting methods in a cold environment
• Use of snow as water
• Full Length Body Fire and the All Night Fire

Accommodations

A large 21 person military tent with winter liner is provided for a community tent during class hours and may be used for sleeping at night. Tent is complete with 2 wood burning stoves and a cot for each student. This is a shared tent for all students that wish to use it.

Food and Water

Water will be provided but you will need to provide your own food of your choice. We recommend quick field expedient meals such as freeze dried meals or MRE’s. They can quickly be made at our primitive camps and won’t slow down the learning process. You can also purchase food locally once you get here. Grocery Stores and several local eateries are within a reasonable driving distance.

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Length

2 days/1 overnight

Minimum Recommended Equipment

Bring cold weather clothing, a good sleeping bag (0 degree sleeping bag or better)  and an all season tent. Sunscreen and UV protective sunglasses. A collapsible snow shovel is recommended but not necessary.

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We will not provide you with any gear, so please come prepared. Fixed blade knife preferable a mora style knife, folding saw, paracord, overnight camping gear, winter sleeping bag and a small backpack. Check Recommended Items List for more details!

​Shelter

You may sleep in a tent you bring, in your vehicle, in a primitive shelter or share one of our military tents which have wood burning stoves inside.

​Clothing Required

Warm outdoor clothing, warm gloves and hat, winter boots and wool socks. Layers are important in Colorado. You will want a water whicking base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof breathable outer shell. Check out our Clothes Layering Basics if you are unsure of what to wear.