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Anton Krupicka and Jenn Shelton get out in the cold.
Running in the winter is a convenient break from skiing. Snow makes surfaces soft and forgiving, muffles sound in the forest and heightens the mountains’ beauty—everything looks better with a fresh layer of snow on it.
It’s challenging at times, but the rewards of crisp days on quiet trails make it easy to get out the door.
3 Top Tips
1.Use running in winter as a chance to slow down. It’s the off-season; lower your intensity and don’t be afraid to hike on uphills with soft footing.
2.Use poles! Poles are like four-wheel drive in deep snow, especially on uphill grades.
3.If you’re running heavily trafficked trails that get packed out and/or are icy, pull-on traction devices are indispensable. Unlike screws, you can carry them with you on the pavement for a comfortable run to the trailhead, and then put them on when the footing requires it. They’re surprisingly durable—don’t be afraid to keep them on for short stretches of dirt/rock.