Man cross country skiing
Featured Outdoor Activities Washington

Mount Rainier winter safety tips

Caption: Even covered in snow, Mount Rainier offers many recreation opportunities. NPS Photo

Mount Rainier National Park is getting ready to transform into a winter wonderland. It’s important to remember conditions at the mountain can change rapidly. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and recreate responsibly. Here are a few practical tips to help you prepare for winter recreation.

1. Check the weather and dress accordingly. The visitor center at Paradise is closed. There are restrooms open however they are not heated. You’ll want to be prepared to be outdoors and/or plan to warm up in your vehicle.

2. The gate at Longmire may open late, or close early depending on weather conditions. Mount Rainier National Park posts the status of the Longmire gate (which opens the Road to Paradise) via their Twitter account. (You do not need a Twitter account to view the information).

3. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (November 1 – May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel-drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions.

Winter 10 Essentials

Backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and campers should be equipped to survive nights out if whiteout conditions prevent travel. Carry the Winter 10 Essentials and know how to use them:

  1. Shovel (dig a snow cave)
  2. Full Length Insulated Sleeping Pad
  3. Stove and Fuel (melt water)
  4. Heat Packs
  5. Goggles and Wool/Pile Hat
  6. Gloves (base/mid/shell layers)
  7. Avalanche Transceiver
  8. Avalanche Probe
  9. Ability to assess mountain weather and avalanche hazards
  10. Map, compass & GPS (with extra batteries)

Hypothermia

When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. A combination of cold weather, wet snow, and wind can easily rob a person of essential body heat. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness and death.

To Prevent Hypothermia:

-wear appropriate clothing including wool or synthetics like polypropylene (never cotton!) to help retain body heat when clothing gets wet

-wear adequate wind and rain protection

-wear waterproof boots

-eat frequently

-avoid exhaustion

-seek shelter

Shelters

Snow caves, tents, and igloos can provide shelter from the elements, but be sure your shelter has adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Maintain good ventilation while cooking, as cooking in a shelter will consume oxygen rapidly. To maintain adequate ventilation during snowy, windy conditions, you will need to go outside to dig out your tent or clear igloo vents. Collapse igloos and snow caves after use.