Winter Adventure

Winter Adventure At A Glance

Season: December 28 – March 31
Age: minimum 14 years of age (or 13 and in 8th grade)
Crew Size: 5-12 (including adult leadership)
Leadership: 2-4 adult leaders required per crew; can have all-adult crews
Registration: By crew

Fees (2024)

Daily Fee: $100 per person per day
Winter Trek: $600

Introduction

Cold-weather camping is the ultimate test of your ability to camp and travel in the backcountry and learn to live in harmony with the environment. Training in winter camping will prepare you to safely enjoy many winter adventures and to teach others to enjoy these unique experiences.

Participants in Winter Adventure learn to camp comfortably in cold weather, and enjoy Philmont’s beauty in a way few others have. Crews snowshoe to their camp, sleep in tents or snow shelters, and participate in a variety of activities. Offerings include cross country skiing, snow shelter building, and earning either Search and Rescue or Snow Sports merit badge.

Winter Adventure expeditions take place from late December through March, with discounted rates on holiday weekends and Spring Breaks. Opening weekend and holiday weekends fill up fast so register early!

Who May Participate?

Winter Adventure is open to crews of 5 to 12 participants accompanied by a Winter Adventure guide. Larger groups will be organized into multiple crews (please call for approval). A crew may be assembled from a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, Sea Scout ship, Varsity team, Exploring post or an adult group of Unit, District or Council committee members.

Crews must meet the following requirements:

All participants must be registered members of the BSA.
All participants must have completed the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record within the previous 12 months and meet physical condition requirements.
Youth participants must be at least 14 years of age OR 13 years of age and in the eighth grade at the time of participation.
Each group must have at least two adult advisors, both of whom must be over 21 years of age.
A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit attending serving female youth or female adult program participants.
Each group must have at least one member certified in CPR and First Aid (may be met by two separate people).

What Activities do Treks Include?

After completing the Winter Adventure orientation, crews work directly with trained guides to tailor an adventure that considers both weather and the interests of the group. All overnight adventures take place in the backcountry.

Program activities may include:

Quinzee (snow shelter) building
Snow and avalanche safety training
Snowshoeing
Sledding and snow tubing
Cross-country skiing
Snow sports merit badge
Search and Rescue merit badge

*Please note that availability of all programs may vary due to weather and space. Contact us for information about rates and availability.

Available Packages

A typical Winter Adventure trek lasts three days, scheduled over a weekend, but the length of the trek can be adjusted to fit the schedule of the group. Of course, shorter treks will have limited time for program activities.

Winter 7 Day Treks: Come explore the backcountry of Philmont on a winter 7 day backpacking program! Modeled after the summer 7 day program, crews will hike over 25 miles and enjoy the beauty of Philmont in the spring, complete a conservation project, and earn the arrowhead award at the end of the trek.
Casita Camping Package: This program allows for crews to camp in the comfort of backcountry cabins and still enjoy the variety of winter adventure programs during the day. Indoor programs, specialty meals, extra comfort and more are a part of this unique package.
Cold Weather Camping Program: Participants learn how to camp comfortably in the snow, and are able to participate in various winter activities. A fun adventure for Scouts new to winter camping, and for those with plenty of experience!
Downhill Skiing Package: Spend one or more days learning to ski or snowboard at a nearby partner ski resort (available through March 17), including a lesson and gear rental.
Cross Country Ski Package: Spend one or more days cross-country skiing at a local resort with trained instructors.

How to Register

Sessions are available from December 28 to March 31. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of $500/crew and a completed reservation form. The balance of fees is due upon arrival.

Call 575-376-2281 or email Philmont.camping@scouting.org to request a reservation form and determine when space is available.