Winter camping is the stylish way to experience winter in a new way. Those who plan cleverly enjoy comfort, freedom and often cheaper prices than in high season. Between snow-covered mountains and clear air, every morning becomes a special moment.
Why winter camping is appealing
Away from the main season, campers enjoy peace and quiet, more attractively priced pitches and a very unique atmosphere in a snowy landscape. Many places in Europe open specifically for winter campers and offer offers for those who want to spend time outdoors during the cold season. Anyone looking for winter sports, hikes in the snow or simply relaxation in a white landscape will find a special form of holiday with winter-proof camping.
The right place
Not every campsite can be used in winter, as camping.info emphasizes. It is essential to choose a campsite that is open all year round and offers suitable infrastructure such as heated sanitary facilities or drying rooms.
The location is also crucial: places in valleys are often more protected from the wind. In mountainous regions, however, it should be checked whether access roads are cleared. When choosing a parking space, care should be taken to ensure that the surface is stable. Wet or muddy surfaces are problematic during thaws.
Vehicle and isolation
When camping with a motorhome or caravan, robust insulation, good heating systems and frost-proof water pipes are mandatory. It is also advisable to use antifreeze and open the drain cock on uninsulated outdoor parts to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing.
Equipment and protection
When winter camping, a sleeping bag or mat must be designed for winter temperatures. The comfort temperature of the sleeping bag is particularly important. But it’s not just the sleeping clothes that should be adapted to the circumstances. The pegs for setting up a tent should also be suitable for snowy landscapes, for example steel pegs or snow hooks. If necessary, awning poles and additional bracing may be necessary.
A reliable heater such as electric or petroleum should be available as a heating option, camping.info continues. An awning can provide additional protection. Water for cooking should not come from gas-powered appliances, which fail at low temperatures. According to Obelink, petrol or petroleum burners are more suitable here.
Clothing and hygiene
Clothing should also be adapted to the weather conditions, which is why the so-called three-layer system (base layer, insulating layer, outer weather protection) is also essential for winter camping. According to camping.info, materials that wick away moisture are particularly important. This includes, among other things, merino wool.
If clothing does become damp, it is not advisable to store it in the bedroom as it can have a negative impact on the sleeping environment.
Safety in everyday life
In order to arrive safely at your location, winter tires and snow chains are mandatory for the towing vehicle. In addition, the roof should be regularly cleared of snow to avoid overloading and not endangering anyone while driving.
Once you have arrived at the site, the power cable should be laid in such a way that it is not damaged when clearing snow. When using heaters and operating vehicles, ventilation should be carried out afterwards to avoid condensation and mold formation, as it goes on to say.
Keep an eye on costs and budget
Although winter pitches are often cheaper than in the main season, the price ultimately depends on the services used. Many winter campsites offer saunas, heated facilities or other winter activities that add value but may also incur additional costs. As is often the case, early booking is advisable as well-located places are quickly booked out.
Editorial team finanzen.net
Image sources: Stone36 / Shutterstock.com, Welly Natanael Sinaga / Shutterstock.com