FACT: Winter back country use has increased 27% in national parks over the past ten years, while summer use has only increased 7%.
Winter is a wonderful time to experience the back country. Many find that winter offers solitude, scenic beauty, and a chance to hone back country skills. With winter use on the rise,users and land managers are beginning to witness more winter recreation-related impacts such as user conflicts, inappropriate human waste disposal, vegetation damage and significant impacts on wildlife. As a growing number of skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, telemarkers venture out in winter for day or overnight trips, the need to practice Leave No Trace winter techniques is now greater than ever.
Fortunately, many of the usual concerns about the impacts of three-season back country use are of little concern in winter. Although growing, the visitor numbers are lower than those of other seasons, and soil and vegetation are covered under a thick covering of snow which greatly helps to minimize impacts. By following the Leave No Trace winter use principles, back country users can help to ensure protection of resources and the quality of winter experiences.