Can I Skydive In The Winter?

If you love skydiving as much as we do, it’s something you want to be able to do all of the time. As such, you might wonder, can I skydive in the winter? We get it – we’d love to skydive 24/7/365. But is skydiving cold worth it? 

 

Read on to learn about the best time to go skydiving and what it’s like to experience winter skydiving in extreme conditions.

 

 

Is It Too Cold to Skydive in Winter?

 

The answer to that question depends on your tolerance for the cold. Technically speaking, only once temperatures start to get into dangerously cold ranges does it become too cold to skydive.

 

But when making a final decision about jumping in the off-season, there’s more to consider than comfort. For instance, does temperature affect skydiving? It does! Extreme temperatures on either end (hot or cold) impact how our planes run, jumper mobility, and the very air we fly in.

 

Airplane engines have to work a lot harder when temps are above or below normal, and it can change how fast jumpers get to altitude, or if they can get to altitude at all. The way that skydivers have to bundle up to be safe in frigid temperatures results in extra considerations around dexterity and flexibility on the jump. And air density (which changes with temperature and humidity) can actually change the way parachutes fly.

 

But don’t let that completely turn you off from the idea of winter skydiving. With a little bit of preparation, it can be totally worth it to scratch the itch during the off-season!

Preparing for a Winter Skydive

 

Having the right gear is an integral part of a successful skydive, all the way down to knowing what to wear skydiving. And skydiving in extreme conditions (like winter in the North) requires even more gear than your standard skydive. In addition to the parachute, jumpsuit, helmet, and altimeter, skydivers usually bring the following on cold weather jumps:

 

• Layers, layers, layers – Even though they’re not in the air for very long, it’s even colder at altitude than on the ground. Skydivers will wear multiple warm and weatherproof layers to keep their core temp up. 

 

• Skydiving gloves – Skydivers use their hands for the most important part of the jump – deploying and steering their parachute. Gloves that are both warm and don’t limit dexterity are perfect for skydiving. 

 

• Neck warmer/buff – The neck is one of the only parts of the body that isn’t naturally covered by other articles of clothing, and it’s also one of the areas that loses heat the fastest. 

 

• Thick socks – Feet often get cold first because of their position on the body. And potentially landing in snow doesn’t help. Skydivers keep their feet cozy with some nice hardy socks. 

 

But good prep goes beyond what you put on your body – what’s in your body matters, too. Staying hydrated, fed, and well-rested helps you deal with harsher conditions. Warming up before and after the jump will keep your muscles healthy. And it’s also important to give gear a little extra TLC during the winter months. The cold air can put a little extra wear and tear on things, and wet snow or jagged ice is potentially hazardous to life-saving equipment. 

 

What Seasons are Best for Skydiving?

 

So, is it better to skydive in Summer or Winter? What seasons can you skydive? Let’s take a look at each season and see what makes it unique for skydiving:

 

Spring

Ah, mild weather and blooming landscapes. The season of rebirth (perfect for a skydive if you’re into symbolism). Spring is a wonderful time to step out of your comfort zone, take in incredible views (and smells), and skydive in comfy temperatures. Crowds tend to be a bit smaller this time of year as the season ramps up as well.

 

Summer

Also known as peak skydiving season. Northern dropzones are in full swing and skydivers are going full send. Warm, even hot, temperatures and clear skies make for memorable summer jumps. Perfect lighting for that skydiving video and the energy of summer pumping through everything around you leaves a lasting impression. Expect longer wait times during this time, though, as most people jump in summertime.

 

Fall

Many people love fall for the crisp air and vibrant foliage. And that’s exactly what makes fall skydiving so amazing, too. Changing leaves are an unbeatable backdrop for your adventure, and the colorful landscape will be a view you’ll remember forever. The cooler air also results in peak visibility, so you’ll get to see a lot more of that beauty. The days are shorter and cooler, though, so plan accordingly. 

 

Winter

The frosty season poses unique challenges for those who like to overcome obstacles, but it also brings breathtaking winter scenery. There’s nothing quite like looking out over a world of stark white, everything frozen and quiet. But keep in mind – winter jumps can be extreme and require a certain amount of fortitude and extra planning. 

 

Of course, this is how seasons impact weather in the Northern part of the US. Things might be completely flipped if you go to other parts of the world! 

 

 

What Conditions Are Bad for Skydiving?

 

Regardless of the season, there are weather conditions that are just straight-up bad for jumping out of airplanes. High winds, heavy precipitation, clouds, and extreme temperatures can happen any time of year and effectively shut down skydiving operations.

 

Luckily, we’ve been doing this a long time and know how to handle a weather hold. We might just have to delay skydiving until the bad weather passes, or the whole day may be rescheduled. No matter what, safety is our top priority and we’d rather be on the ground wishing we were in the air than in the air wishing we were on the ground. 

 

Are you ready to pick your favorite season and experience it from the sky? Book your jump with us today!