How to Turn Snow into Drinkable Water: A Survival Skill Every UKSN Member Should Know

When the cold grips the UK and the landscape turns into a winter wonderland, snow is more than just a pretty scene or a reason to go sledging. For outdoor enthusiasts, bushcrafters, campers, and members of the UKSN community, snow can be an important resource if you know how to make it safe to drink. Whether you are on a weekend winter camp, taking part in a UKSN Charter activity, or simply exploring the outdoors, this guide explains how to make the most of what nature provides.

Why Snow Is Not Automatically Safe to Drink

It might seem easy to scoop up snow and eat it, but not all snow is safe. Snow can carry dust, pollen, pollutants, and bacteria, especially near roads or in built-up areas. Drinking untreated snow can cause stomach problems and, in extreme situations, illness. Eating snow directly also lowers your body temperature, which is risky in cold conditions.

Understanding these risks is the first step to using snow safely on your outdoor adventures.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Snow Drinkable

Follow these steps to safely turn snow into water without compromising your health.

1. Collect Clean Snow

• Pick freshly fallen snow away from roads, chimneys, or livestock.

• Avoid yellow, brown, or grey snow, as it is clearly contaminated.

• Scoop snow from open fields or high branches where it has not been disturbed.

2. Melt the Snow

• Place snow in a clean container.

• Use a camping stove, fire, or even body heat to slowly melt it. Do not eat snow directly as it can lower your core temperature.

• Slow melting helps preserve energy and keeps the water from freezing again.

3. Boil for Safety

• Once melted, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill bacteria and pathogens.

• Boiling is the most reliable way to make snow water safe, especially on UKSN winter camps where several people may use the same source.

4. Filter If Possible

• Use a portable water filter to remove any remaining particles or debris.

• This is particularly important if the snow was collected near trees, rocks, or other areas where dirt might be present.

5. Optional: Add Minerals

• Melted snow is very pure, which can make it taste flat and lack electrolytes.

• Adding a pinch of salt or an electrolyte tablet during long outdoor activities can help maintain hydration and energy.

Practical Tips for Winter Adventures

• Carry an insulated container to store melted water and prevent it from freezing.

• Plan ahead. Adults typically need around 2 to 3 litres of water per day, more in cold or strenuous conditions.

• Rotate water collection duties within your group or Charter to keep everyone hydrated.

• Use snow as a backup water source. Where possible, supplement it with carried water from reliable containers.

Why This Skill Matters for UKSN Members

Snow is not just a pretty backdrop for your winter adventures. It is a valuable survival resource. For members taking part in UKSN events, Charters, or solo expeditions, the ability to turn snow into safe drinking water improves self-sufficiency and confidence in the outdoors.

By learning this skill, you are not just preparing for emergencies. You are practising the same bushcraft and survival knowledge that has supported explorers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts for generations.