One of the best parts about climbing mountains in winter is the solitude. The trails are quiet, the air is still, and it feels like the whole alpine world is just yours for a while. It’s a different kind of magic—more raw, more peaceful—and it’s something my dog Archer and I look forward to every year.
We’re out on the trails year-round, but from January through March, we start bringing out the reinforcements. Archer has a double coat, so he stays warmer than most short-haired dogs, but even he needs some extra help when the wind is howling across an exposed ridge or the temps drop well below zero.
That’s when the Voyagers winter coat really earns its place in our pack. It keeps him warm without getting in the way—he can still run, climb, scramble, and roll around in the snow without restriction. The wind protection is a game changer on those blustery days, and the visibility is a huge bonus when the world turns white or the fog rolls in.
The design makes it easy to layer over a harness or connect a rope if needed, but mostly, it just lets us stay out longer. Instead of rushing down the mountain because Archer’s cold, we get to linger—watching the clouds move, taking photos, sharing a snack, and drinking in the views.
Winter in the mountains isn’t for everyone, but for us, it’s where we find our rhythm. Fewer people, quieter trails, and the kind of stillness that stays with you long after you’re off the mountain.
