Shelter
A sound shelter will keep you warm and dry. Begin by looking for a natural shelter like a cave or rock overhang. If a natural shelter is not available you must dig a snow cave or build a shelter by leaning branches against a rock or tree. Cover the branches with ground material to keep the weather outside.
Fire
Find dry materials and build a fire close to your shelter. Use dry tinder and dry materials to build the fire and use it to stay warm.
Water
Drinking water is necessary to survive. It may be cold but you will constantly be losing water and dehydrating. Put snow in a pot or find a concave object in which snow can be melted. Use the fire to melt the snow and drink as much water as possible.
Food
Food is difficult to find in a winter survival situation. You can chew on pine or fir needles for vitamins while you wait for help to arrive. If you are going to be stranded for a long time you must build deadfalls and chase game with a spear.
Expert Insight
If you become lost and find yourself in a survival situation, do not move. Stop where you are and wait for help to arrive. Before you set out, you should tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Article Written By Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.
