Can You Skydive In The Winter?

Can you skydive in the winter? Yes … and no, it just depends where you’re geographically located! Here at Wisconsin Skydiving Center, we close for the winter in late October and re-open at the beginning of April.

In the Midwest region, the skydiving season tends to wrap up mid-autumn and recommence early spring. But what if you’re traveling to somewhere that does offer skydiving in winter? Can you go skydiving in the winter in other places? Absolutely. Whether your destination is tropical or just less cold than here, we’ve got you covered with our best tips for how to keep safety first while enjoying some winter jumps.

How Cold Is Too Cold? 

Is skydiving cold? Sure. When we skydive we go a mile or two into the sky, and as we up our altitude the temperature drops exponentially. For every 1,000 feet of altitude gain, the temperature decreases by about 3.6°F, which is one reason many jumpers opt to wear skydiving gloves, even in the summer months. 
Why is it too cold to skydive in the winter in Wisconsin? Well, let’s take a peek at some average temperatures:

You may be thinking, “pshhh, I walk around in these temps all the time!” But, remember what we said about the temperature decreasing as we go up? These temperatures would put you in the negatives up there, and experiencing that with the wind chill would not only be unenjoyable, but potentially dangerous. 
The primary issue with skydiving in the chilly Wisconsin winter temperatures is the time spent under the parachute, not the freefall. We’re confident that your adrenaline could get you through the freefall, but once that’s over you’ll be soaring under a parachute for about five minutes. Imagine it being 10°F outside and sticking your face out the window of a moving car while it goes 15 mph – BRUTAL.

When Should You Not Skydive? 

We keep safety at the forefront of everything we do, which is why we’re able to provide awesome skydives for people just like YOU. Our decision to remain grounded in the winter is for the safety and comfort of our guests and staff. 

These are times when it’s better to catch that latest movie or snuggle up with a good book, not jump from an airplane: 

Freezing temperatures. 

Exposure to extreme cold can lead to general discomfort and something called frostnip. Can you get frostbite from skydiving? It’s unlikely, because a skydive doesn’t put you in dangerously frigid temperatures for hours at a time, but it’s possible to get frostbite’s annoying cousin – frostnip. This causes any skin exposed to the cold – like your nose, ears, and cheeks – to get flushed, like Rudolph! 

Poor visibility. 

Wintertime often brings overcast skies and lower visibility. It’s illegal to take the leap through a cloud, which is another common element of winter weather that shuts us down. 

Ice, snow, or rain. 

Just like jumping through clouds is a definite no-go, so is jumping through rain or snow. AND, even if the skies were a crispy, clear blue, the ice patches littering the ground would be like slick boobie traps upon landing – ouch! Remember what we said about keeping safety first? Landing on an ice rink wouldn’t be very conducive for that. 

I’m Going To Skydive In The Cold, What Should I Wear? 

Skydiving in the winter can be an exhilarating experience, and prioritizing warmth while you soar through the skies is key to a good time. Here’s our best suggestions for what to wear when skydiving in the winter: 

Gloves. 

Like we said before, some jumpers don gloves on every jump, but they’re extra critical in the chilly temps. And no, we’re not talking about bulky snow gloves or cute mittens, but some good ol’ functional gloves. Pro tip: wear nitrile gloves as a base layer, and your regular gloves on top, this prevents wind penetration. 

Socks. 

Don’t leave those ankles exposed to the breeze! The first things to get cold when it’s nippy are our fingers and toes, keeping them wrapped in thermals is critical to keeping warm. 

Gaiters. 

These nifty neck-huggers are the same thing skiers and snowboarders wear when shredding the slopes – and skydivers wear them when shredding the skies! They have the added benefit of keeping your hair out of your face and preventing it from tangling. 

Layers, layers, layers! 

We cannot stress this enough. Long underwear, fleece-lined leggings, and pullovers are your best friend. Skydiving gets your heart pumping, so once you land, chances are you’ll break out into a bit of a sweat. To remain comfortable on the ground and in the sky, it’s important to be able to quickly layer up or down. 

If you are solo skydiving, it’s critical to practice your emergency procedures on the ground with any new gear you wear – including gloves and extra layers of clothing! 

So, Is It Better To Skydive In The Summer or Winter? 

Here in Wisconsin, summer jumps are where it’s at, or rather any season besides the depths of winter! In other parts of the world, the summer season brings rain or gusty winds, making the moderate winter their ideal season for jumping. 

We can’t wait to see you anytime the ground is thawed and skies are clear – book your skydive today!