Snow Camp - January 23-25, 2026

Imagine being comfortable camping during the winter... That's what Snow Camp is all about...Learning about how to be comfortable and have amazing experiences in the northwoods winter.

When we put the word out about Snow Camp on Facebook someone replied; "You'd have to pay ME to do that! LOL". We get the joke, but unfortunately this is how so many people think about spending time outside in the winter. Most people run from their car to the store to work and back home, being outside as little as possible.

"Know More, Fear Less"

When we take the time to learn how to be safe & comfortable in the cold we no longer fear winter, and this opens up all kinds of opportunities to explore the cool (pun intended) things about it.

• Fire making in the cold & wet

• Awareness and Tracking (SO good in the snow)

• Sleeping warm in any temperature

• Bushcraft for Winter Travel

• Physiology and how we stay warm

• Cooking great camp food, including BAKING over a fire

• Wilderness First Aid

• Dressing for all activities (without breaking the bank)

• Signal fires, making water, survival tips and more...

But I get cold easy...

Snow Camp has a heated lodge for our basecamp. At any time you can head indoors to warm up, dry out, and grab a hot drink. We don't know what the temps will be and wanted to make this event accessible for everyone. You can sleep indoors, in a heated hot tent, in your own shelter, or in a snow cave. All will be covered.

Many of our courses focus on survival and bushcraft. Opposite of 'naked and afraid' our aim is to make sure you are well prepared and confident.

I mentioned food... winter camping keeps food cold, and so allows us the ability to bring and cook gourmet meals! You've never eaten like this on a summer backpacking trip:)

You'll have the chance to build your own snow shelter and sleep in it, or take a sauna and sleep in the heated lodge. Stay active all day, or bring a book and take a few hour break, or go for a solo walk in the silent white.

Signal Fire

We will travel by snowshoe to find materials for building a signal fire, pile up snow to build snow caves, and make a snow 'quarry' to cut snow blocks from that can be used to build snow walls and Igloo type structures.

We'll also have indoor time for reading up on winter, so feel free to bring your knitting! We'll have several hours at night when it's either hang out by the fire time, or stay inside and work on your projects. We'll have wood and knives available to carve a spoon or other camping tool.

Our Outdoor Kitchen

Snow Camp 2026 - January 23-25 - Friday arrive between 9-10am - Sunday depart by 3pm

Friday - 10am -> Foundations - Physiology & Clothing. Shelter types. Water. Tools (knives, hatchets, saws, etc). Fire making if time. Sleeping in the cold basics. Sleep outside if you like.

Saturday - Application - All about fire. Snow shelters. Cooking. Winter snowshoe hike (tracking, plants, etc) Nature awareness. Sauna available after dinner. Sleep in your own shelter or hot tent. (Optional)

Sunday - Winter kits, knots, signal fires and more survival stuff, carving utensils, sleds and whatever else comes up. Lunch will be our last meal.

To Register: $325 Includes instruction, food, and classroom tools including snowshoes. Snow Camp registration closes 30 days prior to the event unless we still have openings.

Register Now or Email us with questions. You can also call 715-953-2223 and leave a message.

The Details & FAQs...

Who is this for?

Anyone with an interest in winter travel, natural history, camping and survival.

We have a warm indoor lodge for sleeping and classroom space. No matter how cold it is outside you can always warm up. We'll be inside and outside depending upon the group and the weather. No matter what, it will be fun with safety always front and center.

Past participants have said that 3 days was too short, (So much to do!) but also said being outside for more than 3 days would have been pretty intense. You are always welcome to take a break to be inside and read a book or take a nap. Snow Camp happens each year, so if you miss something this time, come back the next!

When and where will we meet?

Between 9am and 10am on Friday. 22475 Hwy 13 Cornucopia WI is our shop location. Please meet here and we'll travel to camp once everyone has arrived. Coffee and Cocoa available. Please eat a good high calorie breakfast prior to arrival.

What do I need to bring and prepare for?

• Check out the Packing List. This is not exhaustive. The key is lots of layers and ability to 'bulk' up. Many clothing companies advertise fancy winter gear, most of it is hype. The keys are DRY and BULK. Layering allows you to put on and take off as needed. If you are sitting around think sleeping bag thickness. If chopping firewood it might be sweater thick. It's all about how much heat your body can produce via your metabolism.

• Toilet - We will have an outdoor privy. That means you'll be sitting on a seat at whatever temperature it is outside.

• Sleeping

  • Sleeping Bag - Whether sleeping inside, outside, or a mix, you will need to prepare for it. I use a double bag system. My inner bag is rated to 30f, and the outer bag is rated to 0f. This makes it so if it is a warmer night I might get away with one or the other, while if the temps drop to -30f I can still sleep.

  • Sleeping Pad - The best winter sleeping pad is closed cell foam. They are bulky but better (and safer) than a pad that relies upon blowing up with air. You don't want your pad to pop! If your pad is too thin it doesn't matter how thick your sleeping pad is, you will be cold. Ideally bring TWO foam pads or at least one foam and one air for comfort. You can also use a wool blanket as a pad if you have one available.

• Day to day - The packing list covers a lot of this, but the main point is to bring lots of layers and make sure that you have a layer for every part of your body no matter what you are doing. For example, maybe you are working with a knife to cut up sausage for lunch. You need a pair of gloves that will provide dexterity in addition to your puffy warm gloves. You will want a neck gaiter or scarf. You will want glasses or goggles that cover your eyes sun protection AND cold. (Ski goggles are great)