Key Takeaways
Skydiving in the winter is possible in many locations, especially in those with milder climates, like Texas, Florida, and California. Proper layering of clothing and extra gear, like gloves and neck buffs are essential for jumping in colder temperatures. Many skydiving centers close for the winter time, with Skydive Bend shutting down mid-October and re-opening in early April.
Can you skydive in the winter? Yes, but only in some places! Skydiving in cold weather has some implications, like needing to dress warmly. Let’s take a deeper look at how cold is too cold, where winter skydiving takes place, and how to stay warm if you’re jumping in the colder months.
Is It Too Cold To Skydive In The Winter? It Can Be.
How do skydivers not freeze? We don’t jump in unsafely cold temperatures! We choose not to jump in wickedly cold weather, because the temperature decreases as we go higher into the sky. This temperature decrease plus the wind chill while freefalling at 120 mph is a no-go in some places. Everyone has a personal limit on what ‘too cold’ means!
How much does the temperature decrease during a skydive? For every 1,000 feet of altitude gain, the temperature decreases around 3.6°F. This means that if the ground temperature is 45°F (not too shabby for an earthside stroll), the temperature at 10,000 feet would be around 9°F! EEK!
Wait, but could you still go skydiving in 45°F weather? Sure, but many people opt not to. The wind chill alone can make the temperature feel 30°F to 50°F colder – ouch! That being said, the shorter duration of freefall keeps it thrilling for some rather than completely unbearable. Still, most jumpers still lean toward spring, summer, and early fall skydives.
When Should You Not Skydive?
Safety is at the forefront of every decision we make. If a skydiver or skydiving center feels it’s too cold to jump with safety first, then we won’t jump. It’s simple!
What weather conditions stop skydiving? Clouds, wind, rain, and snow are all culprits that put a damper on the skydiving parade. Weather delays can be frustrating, but they’re necessary to keep safety #1! Even if skydivers are ready to send it, considering the condition of the runway and plane are key in deciding if a load can go.
Some people prefer jumping in cooler weather, but it’s a general rule of thumb that if being outside on the ground is unenjoyable – or a skydiver doesn’t feel they could adequately conduct the skydive – jumping would be a no-go. Remember, skydiving is FUN, and it should be a generally comfortable (and exciting!) experience, not one that brings discomfort from being chilled to the bone.
Where Can You Skydive In The Winter?
Many places offer wintertime jumping! Places like Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona generally jump year-round. Dropzones in temperate climates are able to skydive in the winter months, because it doesn’t get too cold. If a dropzone closes when cold temps settle in, it’s common for the skydivers that call that DZ home to travel to warmer climes. This allows them to stay current, have fun, learn new skills, and meet new skydivers.
Can you ever jump in the winter at places that get cold? Yes, but not all the time. We don’t jump in temperatures that would prevent us from responsibly skydiving and acting quickly if anything went awry. Some dropzones happily open here and there in the winter if a warm, sunny day pops up, but many close for the winter and re-open in the early spring (like us)!
What To Wear Skydiving In Cold Weather
Gloves, gaiters, layers! Say it again – gloves, gaiters, layers! What about jackets? Thinner jackets are permitted, as long as they don’t interfere with the functionality of the gear, but anything like a bulky winter coat (as cozy as this is on the ground) are prohibited.
Gloves. Skydivers often wear gloves that are grippy and malleable, without being flimsy. They don’t opt for mittens or anything too bulky that would restrict them from appropriately working with their gear. Many jumpers layer their gloves. It’s common to wear nitrile gloves under regular gloves to add an extra layer of protection from the wind chill.
Gaiters. Gaiters, or neck buffs, are used to protect the neck, face, and hair from the whipping wind. They’re similar to a balaclava, which would work just as well!
Layers. Starting with a thermal layer followed by a pullover and a jumpsuit is a good bet! Try to avoid cotton, as it tends to lock in moisture and sweating is inevitable during an adrenaline-heavy activity like skydiving. Thick socks, fleece-lined pants and maybe even a hand warmer inside your gloves are all solid ideas.
So, can you go skydiving in the winter? Absolutely, just head south or layer up! Skydive Bend’s season ends in mid-October and starts April 1 – come jump with us! Blue skies!
