Every February, Hanover pulses with energy as Dartmouth Winter Carnival takes over the campus and beyond, transforming the New England winter into a vibrant celebration of snow, sports, and community spirit. Rooted in tradition since 1911, this multi-day event marries the thrill of outdoor adventure with convivial artistry—from ice sculptures daring you to pause and admire their transient beauty, to energetic ski races challenging your own winter skills.

Hanover’s rivers seem colder now, their currents pushing the air above into brisk, sharp gusts that urge visitors into layers and steady steps. The centerpiece on campus—the iconic ski jump at Dartmouth Skiway—draws crowds for competitions, where athletes launch into the air, defying gravity with a fierce grace. Around every corner, snowbanks carry the traces of sleds and snowshoeing boots, inviting participants of all levels to engage with winter in a way that’s both exhilarating and manageable.

Navigating the terrain of Winter Carnival means preparing for variable conditions. Whether you’re catching a torchlight parade winding through the frosted forest trails or joining a group for cross-country skiing across rolling white fields, each setting demands reliable footwear and planning for temperature swings. Dartmouth’s campus itself echoes with lively events—a winter carnival queen pageant, themed dances, and late-night festivities that contrast gently with the quiet, frost-coated mornings.

Activities stretch beyond the campus borders. The surrounding woods offer snowshoe hikes, where trees stand like patient guardians, branches heavy with snow that seem to lean closer, as if pressing forward alongside you. Elevation shifts are mild here, typically under 500 feet, making it accessible for casual adventurers but no less scenic. Each step on packed snow crunches underfoot, the cold air filling your lungs with the brisk bite of winter.

For those attending the carnival, practical advice enhances the experience: hydrating despite the cold prevents fatigue, while layering allows you to adjust as indoor venues warm you up. Timing your visits for mid-afternoon captures the best light for photography and the liveliest parts of the festival. And for gear, snow boots with waterproofing and insulated gloves become your best allies.

Dartmouth Winter Carnival doesn’t just celebrate winter; it engages with it as a fiercely alive force, to be respected and enjoyed. The event offers a measured challenge—fun yet invigorating—that welcomes anyone eager to step into a winter scene that’s active and inviting rather than forbidding. Whether you come for the competitions, the camaraderie, or the quiet moments amidst snow and firelight, this is winter as an adventure, practical and vivid.