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The Outside Guide to Winter

With the right gear, mindset, creativity, and some science-based hacks, you don’t have to just survive this winter, you can thrive. Here’s how to embrace the cold all season long.

Conquer the Cold

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It’s not just a momentary mood booster, but a reminder of what we’re capable of

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First, they don't just tolerate it—they love it

Keep the cold at bay with these 9 moves that you can do anytime, anywhere

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It's never too cold to ride outside. (Well, almost never.)

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It feels like you're wearing a pile of sleeping puppies, and the puppies are all dreaming about lambs

In March, Emily Ford became the first woman to complete Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail in winter. She’s also become an unintentional ambassador of the outdoor industry’s quest for inclusivity.

How To

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The gear and knowledge you need to stay comfortable overnight in the snow

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Stop trying to trick us, gear companies. We know a parka when we see one.

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Stay warm and get outside more during these colder months with smart gear picks

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A hot beverage can make the difference between enjoying yourself and freezing your ass off on a cold-weather adventure. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about how to use this humble and inexpensive game changer this season.

Megan Michelson

You could order a premade kit. Or you could get crafty and build your own hot box.

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From wind-resistant undies to traction devices, build a kit to brave the cold this season

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A few tips and tricks to keep you comfortable and your trailer in working order when the mercury drops and the snow starts to fall

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Lower your expectations, be kind to yourself, and always pack hot chocolate

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A well-packed ski bag can mean the difference between an epic holiday and trashed gear. Here's how to do it right.

Be Still

Delicious meals can make extreme circumstances feel a little friendlier. These recipes from a backcountry chef are a good place to start.

Megan Michelson

Stock your physical and digital library with these must-read and must-see works that capture the fun, danger, and beauty of the cold.

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Everything, that is, except your favorite drink of choice

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We'll never speak ill of hot cocoa, but sometimes it needs an adult upgrade, especially after heading back to work post-holiday

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Time to dust off that soup pot. These recipes—from veggie-centric to downright meaty—will have you feeling warm, full, and happy in no time.

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We asked local bartenders for their most famous recipes

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Because some days you just want to stay curled up on the sofa

Your New Winter Destination List

From Reykjavík to Minneapolis, winter isn’t just tolerated here, it’s celebrated

Megan Michelson

As locals get priced out of Aspen, Stowe, and Whistler, here are the places ski bums are heading to next

Megan Michelson

Load up the car to see snow-covered volcanoes, cool desert landscapes, and empty beaches without any of summer's big crowds

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A ski weekend doesn't have to involve spending hundreds of dollars a night on a fancy slopeside resort. These hostels offer cozy accommodations close to some of North America's best skiing.

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These 11 beloved destinations make for ideal cold-weather trips, from soaking in hot springs at Big Bend to cross-country skiing at Rocky Mountain

From unexpected snowstorms to below-freezing bathroom breaks, winter camping is a wild adventure. Some nights, you relish the hilarity of navigating tent poles with numb fingers. Other nights, you'd rather show up, sit back, and crack open a beer. If you're ready for the latter—a mix of chilly excursions and heated luxury—it's time to treat yourself at one of North America's best winter glamping sites. Here are our favorites.

With collective mega-passes, more direct flights, and super-dialed snow forecasts, it’s never been a better time to plan a destination ski trip. Our up-to-date guide has you covered for packing the most into a weekend getaway.

Megan Michelson

Our seven picks for cross-country-skiing trail networks that make for perfect, crowd-free winter outings

Megan Michelson

Why go out when you can stay here instead?

The professional skier and activist on her most beloved spots in and out of bounds

The six most doable ski descents in North America, according to pro skier Cody Townsend and ski mountaineer Noah Howell