Q&A with the first woman to thru-hike the Ice Age Trail in winter.
Emily Ford reached the western terminus of the Ice Age Trail on 6th March 2021, becoming the first woman to thru-hike the Ice Age Trail in winter.
One of only two people on record to hike the trail in winter, Emily shares her experience, tips and future plans.
Emily’s Ice Age Trail in numbers
1,200 miles
Averaged 16.5 miles per day
69 days to complete
1 dog, Diggins
Eastern Terminus - 28th Dec 2020
Western terminus - 6th Mar 2021
26.7 biggest mileage day
69 days with snow
3 zero days
Describe your experience in one word – “Remarkable”
Emily and her companion on the trail, Diggins.
How does it feel to be the first woman to thru-hike the Ice Age Trail?
It's a hard question to answer. This trip was birthed out of just wanting to do something fun, not to make history and such.
I just wanted to go hike! I don't think I will really understand the impact until I'm older and the next generation is out backpacking on their own.
Trip motivation
At what point did you know that you were going to thru-hike the IAT?
When a buddy of mine suggested it!
What was the spark or motivation that lit the fire to thru-hike the IAT in winter?
I had wanted to do a 1,000 mile+ thru hike for a while and so I started to ask around to folks I knew thru hiked.
I get laid off for 3 months in the winter, so winter was the only time I could go!
Life on the trail
What was a typical day like on the trail?
Wake up 0520. Hit the snooze 2-3 times.
Get dressed, find something to eat for breakfast (literally anything - bar, snickers, pretzels) and pack up misc items all while still in my sleeping bag.
Get out of the tent, feed Diggins, pack up the house, get our gear on and hike. Hike, eat, hike.
Find a spot to put up the tent, feed Diggins, set up our sleeping gear, make dinner, boil water, eat dinner, get dressed for bed, journal, read, sleep.
What weather conditions did you have to deal with?
-30’s to +50’s.
Blizzards, rain, wind, beautifully sunny days and warm cloudy days.
How easy was it to navigate the trail in the snow - especially when 500+ miles is unmarked?
Not too bad! I used the Guthooks Guide app.
What was the best part of your thru-hike?
The simple pattern of hike, eat, sleep, eat, hike. So simple.
What was the most unexpected thing about your thru-hike?
How many people followed along on social!
Trail community
With close proximity to surrounding towns, what was your experience of the local community?
It sends you through tiny communities. In those villages I didn’t really see anyone.
In the bigger towns, folks came out to meet me on the trail and bring trail magic and such.
What was the best trail magic you and Diggins received?
An apple! I had been craving one all day.
Oh, and my glasses being found on the side of a county road on a windy snowy day!
Tips for future IAT thru-hikers
What advice would you give to people thinking about thru-hiking the Ice Age Trail?
Use the Guthooks Guide app. It will show you where you are on the map, even in airplane mode.
Have somewhat of a plan, but be flexible! Have a good time. You are your only hero and your only enemy on the trail. You get to call all of the shots. Don’t be the source of your own frustration.
Future hiking plans
And finally, what trail is next for you? Winter or summer hiking?!
Ha, probably still in the winter months since that’s when I have the most free time. But I’m sure I’ll fit in a few shorter hikes in the other seasons!
Even though I already was fond of winter before I left, I feel like I have a new, healthy respect for it.
I’m keeping my eye out for some unsung hero trails. The underdogs, ya know?
What is the Ice Trail?
The IAT is one on eleven trails designated as a National Scenic Trail.
Carved by glacial force over 12,000 years old, this trail offers a unique landscape through Wisconsin - definitely one for geology buffs!
Western Terminus - Interstate State Park, St. Croix Fall
Eastern Terminus - Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay
Highlights: Connect with local communities - selected segments lead you straight through local towns.
Check out the ‘Ask A Hiker’ page and discover more experiences from epic long distance trails in the USA!