How to Keep Motivated Hiking During the Colder Weather

Okay, let’s be real—when the temps drop and the wind bites, it’s a whole lot easier to stay curled up in a blanket with hot chocolate than it is to lace up your boots. But hiking in colder weather? Honestly, it can be some of the most rewarding time on the trails. Crisp air, fewer crowds, and a kind of calm you don’t get in the summer rush. The trick is just finding the motivation to actually get out there. Here’s how I keep myself moving when the couch starts whispering my name.

1. Layer up like a pro

Cold weather hiking is 80% mindset and 20% knowing how not to freeze your butt off. If you’re warm and dry, you’ll actually want to keep going. Layering is key: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle, and a windproof outer shell. Gloves, a hat, and good socks? Non-negotiable. It’s way easier to stay motivated when you’re not shivering.

2. Make it an event, not a chore

Summer hikes are all about the adventure. Winter hikes? They can feel like work unless you hype them up. Bring a thermos of hot tea or cocoa, plan a scenic lookout for your snack break, or turn it into a “sunrise mission.” Giving yourself something fun to look forward to makes it easier to push through the chill.

3. Set smaller goals

When it’s cold, a 15 km trek might sound like punishment. Instead, aim for shorter, punchier hikes. Even a quick loop through a nearby conservation area gets you moving, gets the blood pumping, and gives you that “I did something today” feeling without the frostbite commitment.

4. Use the buddy system

Dragging yourself outside when it’s grey and chilly? Tough. Dragging yourself outside because your friend is waiting in the parking lot? Much easier. Hiking partners aren’t just good for safety—they’re built-in motivation. Plus, laughing at each other’s frozen-nose faces is half the fun.

5. Romanticize it

Seriously. Put on some upbeat music while you pack your bag, treat yourself to a new toque, or think of your hike as a mini polar expedition. There’s something pretty magical about crunching through snow, seeing your breath in the air, and knowing you’re doing something most people are skipping because of the cold.

6. Remember the payoff

Cold-weather hikes give you that deep, soul-level satisfaction when you come back. Hot shower, cozy socks, and maybe that hot chocolate you skipped earlier? It hits different after you’ve spent a few hours outside moving. Sometimes I go just for that feeling.

So yeah, the colder months make it harder to find motivation, but once you get yourself out there, you realize it’s worth it. Fewer bugs, gorgeous frosty views, and that smug sense of accomplishment when you pass someone complaining about the weather. Bundle up, step outside, and remind yourself: cozy feels a whole lot cozier after you’ve earned it.