Ode to Winter

01 - 28 - 2024 // Asheville, NC



Finding Wonderland


Not so long ago, I was strictly a 3-season hiker. I wasn't fond of the cold. I didn't have good gear. I didn't even have proper hiking boots. But I loved being outside. Once after a cold snap in late fall hike I encountered my first frozen waterfall. I was enchanted. My 3-season hiking days were over.


Now, winter is my favorite season. Since snowfall of any depth is rare in Asheville, I stalk weather forecasts, cross-reference apps and chase winter along the North Carolina/Tennessee border and celebrate single degree temperatures because I know they mean frozen waterfalls, glittering high balds and stunning pastel sunrises. So here's to winter, and the gear that makes it safely possible.

A snow encrusted tree glows against a clear blue sky.
Snow covered Appalachian Trail along the North Carolina - Tennesssee border leading to a dark blue cloudy sky.
A golden sky creates the background for this snowy scene of evergreen trees and mountain ridges
A snow-dusted fence on a cloudy day atop Max Patch.
Two frosted trees atop Roan Mountain with a pastel alpenglow sky at dawn
Image of a wintery hiking trail feauring trees, grasses and a cloudy sky.
A rosy pink glow haloes a snow dusted mountain in this winter landscape photograph.
Snow covered rocks frame Rock Creek Falls in this long exposure photograph
Close up of a young pine branch frosted with snow
A snow-kissed balsam tree in front of a cloudy deep blue winter sky.