We spent some time exploring Vancouver Island and ended up near Strathcona Provincial Park near Cumberland. There was still A LOT of snow in the mountains in May! We found out when we got there our backpacking trip had become a winter camping ski trip! About 3 miles from our car, which was parked at the Alpine Resort Lodge Trail Head, was a frozen over lake which made for a beautiful camping spot. We camped overnight and did some skiing in the morning. Winter Camping requires some special tips to keep yourself comfortable! These include:
Change base layers after hiking/skiing travling is done for the day
Bring a tent base, as your warmth will melt the snow beneath you
Sleep with ski boots or hiking shoes underneath your sleeping bag or pad to help keep them warm(er)
Fill a water bottle with hot water to use as a small, personal heater
Food= fuel for the furnace, be sure to bring enough food to keep yourself fed and warm
We enjoyed the local resort for a skin up in the spring conditions. It was very windy at the top, but beautiful views.
