Thriving in the Chill: Discover the Science of Snow Survival and Life in Extreme Cold

Winter has arrived in Eagle County. The nights are long, temperatures drop, and the mountains are wrapped in snow.

What do you think happens to the plants and animals during these cold months? The snowpack that blankets the ground is vital for them to survive the winter.

Every snowflake falling in Eagle County adds to the snowpack. This accumulation isn’t just for skiing and snowboarding; it’s essential for local water supplies and supports the ecosystem. The snow insulates the ground, shielding plants from the extreme cold and providing a haven for animals. It helps them avoid predators and harsh conditions while offering access to food.

How Do Plants Survive?

Winter can be tough for plants. Cold temperatures, limited light, and snow cover challenge their survival. Many plants go dormant, slowing their growth until spring. For instance, perennial plants like columbines and lupines survive under the snow and soil, ready to bloom again when warmer weather returns.

These plants can also produce natural “anti-freeze” to prevent ice crystals inside their cells, allowing them to thrive despite the cold. Evergreens like Spruce and Fir have needle-like leaves with a waxy coating, which helps them retain moisture and avoid freezing. Meanwhile, aspen trees drop their leaves in fall but use their smooth, white bark to reflect sunlight, keeping their snowpack intact and benefiting other nearby plants and animals.

How Do Animals Get By?

Animals have their own winter survival strategies. Many adjust their bodies and behaviors, entering states similar to dormancy. For example, trout slow down their metabolism and seek deeper waters, while bears go into a light hibernation called torpor. True hibernators, like ground squirrels, can drop their body temperature close to freezing, surviving without food for months.

Animals such as deer and elk grow thicker fur for insulation and move to lower elevations for easier access to food. Some animals, like the ptarmigan and snowshoe hare, change color from brown to white to blend in with the snow, enhancing their camouflage.

Humans also adapt to winter, bundling up to stay warm and enjoying various winter activities on the snowpack.

Winter Learning at Walking Mountains

During this season, the Walking Mountains team is busy with winter programs for both locals and visitors. In December, staff comes together for the annual “Life in the Cold Day” to explore how cold weather shapes local ecosystems. Community Programs Manager Scott Dunn reflects, “What is life? And why am I cold?” This day helps answer those questions, highlighting the resilience and adaptation found in Eagle County’s environment.

In summary, winter may be harsh, but it is also a time of remarkable resilience for plants, animals, and people in this beautiful mountain landscape.

About the Author: Sarah Noyes is a Foley Graduate Fellow at Walking Mountains. She enjoys skiing, swimming, hiking, biking, painting, being on boats, and making soup.