Planning a snowy winter engagement session in Colorado?
Here’s your guide to making the most of the season, what to expect, and how to prepare for those epic snowy photos.
Prepping for a Winter Hike with Style (and Safety)
A lot of Colorado’s winter locations require some sort of hiking, so it’s important to be prepared. If you’re trekking to a hidden trail in Breckenridge or exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your winter engagement session in Colorado:
Hiking Boots with Traction Spikes: Icy trails are pretty serious. Add traction spikes to your boots for extra grip and stability. Trust me, it’s a game-changer (I ordered mine last minute from Amazon).
Snowshoes for Deep Powder: If you’re trying to explore off a beaten path, snowshoes can make the trek easier (and more fun). They distribute your weight so you don’t sink into deep snow.
Layers, Layers, Layers: Start with base layers, add insulation (like a fleece or down jacket), and top it off with a waterproof outer layer. This keeps you warm without feeling to stiff.
Hand Warmers and Blankets: Pack hand warmers to tuck into your gloves and boots. A cozy blanket not only keeps you warm but also doubles as a prop!
Water or Electrolytes: Bring a small water bottle or electrolytes to stay hydrated at high altitude.
Sunscreen: Even in the cold, the high-altitude sun can be harsh.
Sunglasses: The sun reflects off the snow, so sunglasses are needed to see in some areas.
Tips for a Successful Winter Engagement Session
Start Early or Go Late: The light is best during golden hour, about an hour after sunrise or before sunset. In winter, that timing works in your favor since the sun rises later and sets earlier. But since there will probably be snow on the ground the snow acts like a natural light reflector so we can shoot in-between these times too.
Embrace the Cold: Yes, it will be chilly, but some of those candid moments happen when you’re bundled up together. Lean into it!
Plan for Weather Changes: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key. If a storm rolls in, it might mean rescheduling or getting a snowy session which I’m always down for.
Ready to Book Your Winter Engagement Session in Colorado?
If you’re thinking about a snowy engagement session in the mountains or cozy pictures closer to home, Colorado mountains in the winter will always guarantee beautiful engagement photos. I’m here to help you plan, prepare, and make the most of this incredible winter session.