The Mill City Times Interview: Verónica Jaralambides , Marketing Consultant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Article by Becky Fillinger

Verónica JaralambidesWe are fortunate in Minnesota to have so many beautiful state parks – with many options for winter recreation. We talked to Verónica Jaralambides, Marketing Consultant at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, for safety tips and suggestions of state parks to clear your mind and stretch your legs.

Q:  A lot of us will be looking to get outside and hike throughout the winter months for mental and physical fitness. Can you give us general tips for winter hiking? 

A:  Getting outside for a dose of fresh air and vitamin D, however small, is crucial during long winter months. As you point out, it has a major impact on mental health, as many studies have confirmed, and it’s a good way to stay active. Winter has its own charm, with a white blanket covering everything.

It’s no news that it can get very cold in Minnesota. My mantra? There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. The secret to a warm, happy outing? Layers, layers, layers. Avoid cotton at all costs, as it holds humidity and, if you’re wet, you’ll be cold. Ideally, you can get a hold of wool base layers: Wool helps regulate your body temperature, the same way it does for sheep. There are countless options out there and it’s no longer a challenge to find something good on a budget, with many brands and outdoors outfitters offering seconds or return items at significant discounts. Always carry a backpack so you have somewhere to put your clothes as you shed layers while hiking. When it’s very cold, I like to have hot pouches (available at most gas stations) that you can place in your gloves and socks. Mittens will keep you warmer than gloves, as your fingers will generate more heat if they are not separated. I typically carry my liner gloves in my pocket, in case I get too warm.

In your backpack you should also carry water, snacks, a flashlight, a map, and an emergency blanket. In short, pack to be out for the duration. What you have along and how well you dress are key to keeping you safe. Whatever the mishap, as long as you’re prepared, it won’t become an emergency. Here’s your basic safety gear and to-do list: 

- Whatever season you hike in, always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

- Stay hydrated to stay warm. Bring your own water, as most outdoors water spigots are shut down in the winter.

- Carry more snacks than you think you’ll need. Make sure you have plenty of calories. If you’re going on a longer hike, having an emergency meal and a way to cook it is also a good idea. Some energy bars freeze solid and become jaw breakers. Keep these in your pockets close to your body to keep them warm and also pack some food that will not freeze.

- Even if you don’t start late in the day, carry a flashlight or headlamp, should you find yourself out while dark.

- For the same reason, carry an emergency blanket.

- A map is only useful if you know how to use it and you know where you are at all times. Learn how to read it and make sure you pull it out often and compare with signage you see on trails. A lot of us are reliant on phones to tell us where we are. In the winter, electronics don’t hold a charge as well and you could find yourself without a reliable electronic map. You may also be out of service range, depending on where you are.

- If you have a small battery pack you can get to keep your phone charged, bring it along.

- If you don’t know the ice thickness, don’t venture on frozen water.

- Test your gear close to home, where you can get to safety.

.

Take into account slippery conditions, as well, especially after warm days when snow melt becomes ice on the cold ground. I find well-traveled trails to be a bit slick as well, and many times I choose to walk on the side, in the deeper snow. Which brings us to footwear. If you don’t know the conditions of the trails you’ll be hiking, just bring an alternative choice of footwear in the car. For instance, my winter hiking boots are great if I’m hiking on packed or plowed trails, and I like to have my winter boots if the snow is soft or I’m planning on treading through deep snow. Depending on the temperature and trail conditions, your regular hiking boots should work as long as you have warm non-cotton socks. Your footwear should be larger than your regular street shoe size: If your toes don’t have enough room, they will not get proper circulation and you’ll be colder. Ice cleats are also recommended for extra grip. It took me a while to master them as it didn’t come naturally, but the penguin walk helps a lot with balance.

For a lot of us with nine-to-fives, winter also means that the only chance to get out is in the dark. If this makes you uncomfortable, look for lit trails. Full moons on clear nights can be stunning and a good way to illuminate your way. Always have a headlamp along, but be mindful of light pollution—the brighter the lights, the less stars you and other hikers will see. Being able to stargaze before bedtime is another appeal of winter hiking. It can be intimidating to walk in the dark in an unknown area. If you let your eyes adjust to the darkness, you’ll see it’s not as dark. Keep an ear out for night creatures, like wolves howling. The quieter you are, the more you’ll notice.

On the Gateway State Trail

Minneopa State Park Falls

Q:  Road trips are not just for sunny summer days. I visited Frontenac State Park last week and hiked the Sand Point Trail. For winter hiking, what are some favorite trails within 1-2 hours of the Twin Cities? 

A:  First, make sure to check the latest recommendations from Gov. Walz about travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have a few state trails within the Twin Cities Metro Area, including the Gateway, Luce Line, and Minnesota Valley State Trail. Glacial Lakes, Sakatah Singing Hills, and Goodhue Pioneer State Trails are a short drive away, making them perfect destinations for day trips. Make sure to check mndnr.gov/trails to learn about trails conditions, specifically if they are groomed for other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Every state park has so many different things to offer and I love each of them for different reasons. Within a 2-hour drive of the Twin Cities Metro Area, you can visit Charles Lindberg or Mille Lacs Kathio State Parks, or travel south to Rice Lake, Flandrau or Minneopa State Parks. West of the cities you can visit Sibley, Lake Carlos, or Monson Lakes State Parks. Just like for state trails, check online ahead of time to get your winter map and check what trails are available for hiking.

You will need a permit for your visit to Minnesota state parks. Plan ahead and get it online at mndnr.gov! You can get a day permit for $7, or a year-round permit, good for 12 months, for $35. Your permit will give you access to all 75 Minnesota State Parks and recreation areas.

Hiking passport

Pro tip: You can join the Minnesota State Parks and Trails Hiking Club. The Hiking Club will take you on hikes at different state parks around the state looking for passwords. Once you locate the passwords, you’ll get rewards along the way, including patches and free nights of camping.

Q:  How can we stay up to date on state hiking trail news?

A:  Sign up for our Minnesota State Parks and Trails newsletter, the Trailblazer. You’ll receive the monthly newsletter with insider information to discover and enjoy new destinations and activities. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.