Winters at Alaska’s Denali National Park are incredibly harsh with super limited daylight and temperatures can plunge to a frigid -40 degrees but they continue to operate year round.
The park’s 6 million acres is bisected by one ribbon of road that runs 92 miles long. Denali Park Road typically closes at Mile 3 for several of the harshest winter months but the hearty park rangers that work at Denali still have to work outside to accommodate all the cross country skiers, snow bikers and snowshoers that enjoy exploring the rugged wilderness as the mercury drops.
As you might imagine, Denali’s park rangers are experts at bundling up and they recently shared some tips on how to dress for the bitter cold. If you’re worried about having fun in the cold remember the old Norwegian saying “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which means “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
It’s been chilly here in Interior Alaska, so our rangers have some tips to share on how to bundle up for colder weather.
Working in dressing order:
Base Layers: They wick moisture away while keeping you warm and dry. Synthetic or wool works best!
Insulating Layers: Adding loose layers of down, fleece and wool can help trap body heat. Each layer of fabric, creates air pockets insulating your core from the cold.
Outer Layer: A weatherproof layer acts like a barrier keeping the warm in while protecting you from wet and windy conditions.
Accessories: Protecting your extremities with hats, gloves, and scarves helps to keep the heat in and buffering your skin from the cold wind.
Footwear: Insulated boots with a weatherproof finish help keep your feet warm and dry. Socks should be made from wool or similar materials similar to base layers.
Ranger Pro Tip:
– Add insulating layers and accessories to increase the heat
– Try not to sweat
– Tight isn’t always right
– When it’s icy or intense, the indoors makes sense
Sometimes, it’s just too cold to be outside for long periods of time and staying indoors is the safest option. We ALWAYS encourage planning ahead by checking the weather, knowing your limits and bundling up with the basics.
