Deep snow outing. Preparation is everything!

Photo credit: Alain Fleury

With the snowfall forecast this weekend across the province, a deep-snow outing is a pleasant and challenging activity. What could be more enjoyable than a beautiful climb followed by a fire at the summit (while respecting safety and social distancing rules)? However, proper preparation is essential. Here, you'll discover the ABCs of an exciting and stimulating outing when properly prepared.

Clothing: Stay dry = stay warm:

When you're out in deep snow, the chances of you staying in your vehicle for the entire activity are practically zero. That's why the right clothing is important. It can't be stressed enough, but a good pair of insulated and waterproof boots is essential. Since you'll most likely have to go outside, an extra pair of boots is a plus. I would add that 1 or 2 extra pairs of socks also help keep your feet dry. Merino wool socks will retain warmth without sweating or odor.

Layering is a must when trail riding since you frequently transition from warm to cold environments, sometimes in a matter of moments. Layering consists of a base layer, a mid layer, and a shell.

The base layer's role is to keep you dry by wicking away moisture. A wool base layer is an excellent choice. Some polyester materials will have a similar effect if you don't like the feel of wool against your skin.

The mid-layer should allow for the extraction of perspiration. Synthetic fiber clothing allows for good extraction of perspiration and dries quickly.

The shell will protect you against bad weather (wind, rain, snow, etc.)

Bring a spare set and, above all, avoid cotton! Cotton, once wet, offers no insulation.

Snow pants are also worth considering. Personally, I don't like driving in snow pants, which I find slippery. Gaiters are a great alternative and prevent water from getting inside your boots and socks.

The bottom line is that to have a pleasant day, you should dress the same way you would if you were going to spend a day skiing, snowmobiling, or hiking.

Among other items of clothing to consider, here is a non-exhaustive list

· More than one pair of gloves

· A good pair of sunglasses (the reflection from the white snow can be very intense)

· Warm blankets

· Snowshoes (Reaching a tree to secure a winch cable in deep snow can be a real challenge sometimes, and snowshoes are incredibly useful)

Since I like to encourage Quebec companies as much as possible, I will leave a link to a few companies that offer this type of protection. I have no connection whatsoever with these companies; this is simply an example.

Equipment:

Now that we're sure we'll stay dry, we need to plan for equipment that will help us get out of trouble. Remember, a successful exit is one where we get stuck. First of all, a winch. The famous Winch! When exiting in deep snow, the winch is essential. The slippery and snowy road increases the risk of getting stuck. Most members of the convoy must have a winch because it's more than likely that we'll need it. Tow straps are also necessary. Very practical for quick extrication, they can also be used as an extension when the winch cable isn't long enough. Choose a kinetic strap; it generates a lot of energy. Tree-saver straps are also important to avoid damaging a tree if you have to hang on to it.

Another item to prioritize is differential locks. The traction provided by locking the differentials will allow you to progress much deeper and will improve the experience. We're not talking about snow depths of 3-4 cm, but rather 30 cm and more. That said, a locked differential without good driving technique will provide no advantage. We'll look at the different approaches later.

A compressor is also an important component. To improve traction in snow, lowering tire pressure is essential. In this sense, the compressor is an almost essential accessory.

Other equipment includes a snow shovel, traction aids (traction board), and a chainsaw, which can be very useful. Imagine that everything is clear during your ascent, and when you return, a large branch has fallen. The chainsaw will ensure your return.

Driving techniques:

We're well dressed and well equipped, and now it's time to get down to business. To make the most of your day in deep snow, you need to know how to adapt your riding technique to the situation.

Safety first: Even if sometimes we feel like being reckless, we must always practice our favorite activity safely. In deep snow conditions, the convoy should leave a distance of 60 meters (200 feet) between each vehicle. Furthermore, it is often mentioned but it is strongly recommended to never leave alone and to always advise where we are going and what time we plan to return. When I was younger, my mother often told me "just come back and you won't have any problems." In case of trouble, stay with your vehicle. Sometimes it is easy to get lost and you will be harder to find in this case, in addition to exposing yourself to the outside elements which can diminish your abilities.

In deep snow, lowering the tire pressure will result in a completely different driving experience. A soft tire increases traction and grip in the snow. As mentioned in the tire pressure article, with beadlock wheels, you can lower the pressure in your tires almost as low as you want. Again, we're talking about deep snow. For non-beadlock wheels, you can lower it around 8-10 psi. The cooler outside temperature and the speed at which you're traveling ensure that you won't cause friction inside the wheel. Also, remember not to turn too hard to avoid the tire coming off the rim.

There are two driving techniques that are preferred for this type of excursion: the first is to drive at a good pace and let the vehicle's energy do its work. So when the vehicle stops moving, you back up, gain momentum, and continue.

The other technique is to drive very slowly and let the tires work and pull. This technique allows for better control and minimizes bogging. Often, a combination of the two techniques is used. The most important thing is to never spin the wheels on the spot. You'll only get stuck deeper and create no traction.

Driving in deep snow brings its share of challenges, and being well-prepared allows you to make the most of this most enjoyable experience. The views are incredible in winter, and winter driving offers a pleasant experience. Finally, always carry sufficient water and food in case of unforeseen events. Take advantage of the snowfall in the coming days to have fun in complete safety.

Here are some links to products sold or produced by Quebec companies.

Clothes

https://fr.orage.com

https://garneau.com/ca_fr/guetres-robson-mt3-1483174

https://chlorophylle.com/fr/accueil

For your equipment or accessories, do not hesitate to contact us