When people hear about winter camping, they often ask, "Isn't it cold?" And indeed, it is cold.
But despite that, there's a certain appeal to going camping in winter.
I believe that once you've experienced winter camping, you'll gain confidence as a true camping enthusiast.
This time, I'd like to introduce you to its charm.
The Appeal of Winter Camping
Silence
While there are fewer people around, when snow accumulates, the sound is absorbed by the snow, creating an even more serene atmosphere.
This makes winter the perfect season to go camping and avoid crowds.
Warmth of a Bonfire
You can really feel the warmth of a bonfire.
In summer, bonfires are mainly for cooking or ambiance, but in winter, the warmth deeply penetrates you. The sound of crackling firewood in the silence is indescribably heartwarming.
Stars Shine More Clearly Than in Summer
In the dry, clear winter air, the starry sky appears exceptionally beautiful.
The sheer beauty and abundance of stars can even make it difficult to find Orion, which is usually easy to spot (it's one of the constellations that are relatively easy to find, with its three stars lined up in the southern sky).
Adult Pleasures
For adults, the pleasure of winter camping often involves alcoholic beverages in the evening.
Even if you're usually a beer-only camper, how about warming up some sake over the bonfire?
Grilling dried squid over the bonfire and having shochu with hot water is also a great option.
For something a little more elegant, mulled wine is also recommended.
For those who don't drink alcohol, coffee or cocoa are also excellent choices.
When solo camping, it's enjoyable to place a cup at the corner of the bonfire to warm up your drink while reading by the lantern light.
Children's Fun
Children absolutely love winter camping with snow.
I myself still remember, even as an adult, wearing ski gear with my siblings, building igloos, sledding, and joyfully rolling around in the snow.
Since clothes often get wet, it's wise to bring plenty of changes and prepare well with heating equipment.
If you're camping with children, a campsite near a hot spring is convenient.
There's an abundance of snow there to play with, unlike the snowballs forcibly made from snow accumulated on fences during school commutes.
While building igloos might be challenging with little snow, you can still make snowmen even with a small accumulation.
Making things with snow will foster children's imagination and be a valuable experience.
See how big you can make a snowball with your whole body, then stack two when it's at its limit.
If you don't do it right, it will break. If you can't lift it (it often becomes too heavy even for adults), you can place them side by side to make a reclining snowman.
Don't forget to get some charcoal and vegetables for the face, and use fallen branches for the arms.
