Skydiving In Winter: Pro Tips On What To Wear & How To Do It Right
As temperatures drop and frost blankets the ground, what are the thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts of the world doing? Skydiving in winter, that’s what! Wait … Can you skydive in the winter? Absolutely! Here at Skydive Cross Keys, we jump almost year-round (we only close in January to take a little time off!). Why? We’re awesome (and we love skydiving).
If you’re wondering, “Should I go skydiving in winter?” We’re here to give you all the reassurance you need to gear up and get up there!
Can You Go Skydiving In The Winter?
Yes, it is possible to skydive in the winter, and many dropzones remain open despite chilly temps, which makes skydiving the perfect holiday present – gift certificates can be used at any time!
Wearing proper winter gear, like warm jumpsuits and gloves, allows skydivers to prioritize safety and still have fun while jumping in the cold. Soaring through the crystalline skies in the midst of winter is a unique experience that we think everyone should try at least once.
Is It Ever Too Cold To Skydive?
Yes, it can get too nippy to comfortably jump. Safety is our #1 priority and we will never jump in unsafe conditions, including if we deem it too cold. The temperature drops about three degrees Farenheit for every one thousand feet gained.
We typically jump from 13,500 feet. So, if it’s 32°F on the ground, it’ll be about -8.5°F at 13,500 feet up in the sky – brrrr!
Another factor to consider before jumping in shivery weather is windchill. Sometimes, a cool day can seem pretty enjoyable until a frosty breeze blows in. Imagine the windchill at 120 mph in freefall! BUT, despite the brisk temps, skydiving in the winter is totally doable with proper preparation.
Can You Get Frostbite Skydiving?
Well … we’ll never say never. But the chances are slim. Frostbite occurs when your extremities are exposed to absolutely frigid temps for extended amounts of time. The freefall portion of a skydive lasts about one minute, with the time under the parachute being around five minutes. At this rate, and while wearing appropriate clothing, frostbite is very unlikely.
When skydiving in cooler temps, people can get frostnip. This is much milder and typically happens on areas that are exposed, like cheeks or ears, causing them to temporarily turn rosy.
What To Wear While Skydiving In Winter
Skydive wear varies between seasons, and dressing for success is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable skydive! Here’s our top tips for what to wear while soaring the winter skies:
Layers.
It’s time to break out the long underwear! Dressing in layers allows you to stay comfortable on the ground and in the sky.
Gloves.
Bring a pair (or two) of gloves! We suggest something that allows full dexterity, such as Neff pipe gloves. In the cold, skydivers also wear latex gloves underneath to shield their fingers from the wind.
Socks (and shoes!).
We recommend some warm, wooly socks, and we require closed-toe shoes. Incorporate windproof materials where practical (e.g. leather rather than fabric shoes).
Neck gaiter.
A neck gaiter is the ultimate skydive armor, it’s sort of like a warm skydiving mask for your neck and face. Gaiters will keep your luscious locks knot-free, too.
Goggles.
We’ll provide these for our tandem students – no frozen eyelashes allowed on our watch!
What About The Vibes?
Our winter season runs from November 1 through March 31, during which we only skydive on Saturdays and Sundays. Although summer is the most popular time at our dropzone, the less hustle and bustle in the winter months doesn’t mean there’s less fun. Skydivers choose to spend time at the dropzone over most other activities, and to them, cold is just a mindset *wink wink* so don’t worry about a lack of camaraderie!
Our slower season gives you more time to chat with experienced skydivers, get acquainted with other tandem students, and learn from instructors.
Tips For Our Experienced Jumpers
If this is your first season jumping in the cold: welcome! (And also, BEEEER!)
Trust the veterans.
We are fortunate to have a supportive, safety-oriented, and passionate skydiving community. Talk with jumpers who have been jumping in the winter for decades and soak up all their first-hand knowledge!
Full-face helmet.
If a full-face isn’t in your cards, cover up your cheeks, nose, and mouth with a gaiter or ski mask.
Practice PLF’s.
Snow may look fluffy and inviting from above, but can actually be coated in a lovely layer of crust–fantastic. Be prepared to protect yourself if you wipe out – you’ve got this!
Practice EP’s.
This is our biggest tip: EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA practice for your emergency procedures while wearing your winter gear. Your handles will feel a little different through gloves, and moving your arms will be odd due to the restriction from extra fabric.
Embrace the chill and come skydive with us! We can’t wait to have you.
