Winter blues? Not on our watch. While you may be dreaming of outdoor adventures in warm weather, we’re here to convince you that hiking isn’t just for the summertime.
Swap out the heat and crowds of summer for an epic winter hike, from the snow-dusted canyons of Bryce Canyon National Park to the dunes of Jordan’s deserts. Picture: crisp air, quiet trails and clear paths as you snowshoe through the Canadian Rockies or take on North Africa’s towering summits. Forget sitting around all winter and let’s get you outdoors – the best way to experience all that winter nature has to offer is to be in it.
Desert treks in cooler months
Wave goodbye to summer’s sizzling traffic jams and say hello to switchbacks without the gridlock.
Whether you’re trekking through canyons or across open sands, winter hikes in arid lands provide a contrast to summer’s overbearing heat.
Winter turns Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks into frosty wonderlands where even the hoodoos get a snowy makeover. With winter’s chill, you can comfortably hike through red rock country and take on the iconic trails of the Grand Canyon, all while learning from Navajo guides and soaking up Indigenous wisdom along the way.
With cooler weather on your side, it’s the best time to tackle Utah’s crazy rock formations without melting into a puddle of sweat – because suffering in the heat is so last summer.
Trek in the desert this winter
Historic hikes in winter
Explore ancient trails with fewer travellers on a winter hike to your bucket list places. Take on a challenging trek high in the Andes, following in the footsteps of the Inca. In the Middle East, the ancient trails and dramatic dunes of Jordan come alive in the cooler months with a quiet, reflective stroll through time—minus the usual foot traffic.
Who said adventure was just a summer thing?
Snowcapped summits
Winter hiking flips the script on the world’s most legendary landscapes, turning sweaty and sluggish summer trails into frosty, crowd-free adventures. Imagine trekking through the crisp air of North Africa’s highest mountain range, ascending towering peaks surrounded by snow-covered scenery and witnessing views that will leave you breathless (literally).
Hiking in conditions when the weather can shift may be daunting, but our experienced local leaders are expertly trained for winter hikes, and what better way to experience a place than to learn from someone who lives there?
Trade your flip-flops for snowshoes in the Canadian Rockies as you crunch across the Icefields Parkway and trek through Jasper National Park. Nothing says “winter wonderland” quite like a hike through frozen forests with the northern lights dancing overhead.
We’ll bring the expertise, you just bring yourself
Organising a wintertime adventure can be difficult on your own. “Winter logistics are different and often more complex,” says Radek Nowak, Intrepid’s Walking & Trekking Product Manager. “There are fewer public transport connections, mountain roads can be closed or blocked and many local hotels close for the low season.” That’s where Intrepid comes in. We have an extensive network of experts, which makes it easier for us to navigate those circumstances.
You don’t even have to have expert gear or years of hiking experience to sign up (though a base fitness level certainly helps). Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our experienced local leaders are on hand to help make your trip as safe and seamless as possible, from renting the necessary equipment to monitoring weather conditions and safety hazards, helping you attach and practise walking with snowshoes or crampons and organising the best refuel food (winter hiking really does take it out of you). Intrepid will even help you with your packing list.
And when the long, cold hiking days finish, all that’s left to do is find a warm spot, snuggle in and get cosy. “Having a glass of mulled wine in front of a fire after a long hiking day is a dream,” says Radek. ”And don’t forget about a good dinner to refuel and restore all the energy used, as tomorrow, another beautiful hiking day awaits.”
Keen to put your best food forward? Check out our full range of Hiking & Snowshoeing Tours & Holidays.
