Skydive in Winter
The new year brings new resolutions! Skydive in Winter is one good one. New year, new you, including more confidence and a desire to try new things and seek out adventure. Why not make the first step and book a skydiving lesson? Even better, book it for the beginning of the year while you’re still riding high on the momentum of a brand-new year. In fact, we recommend trying a winter jump.
“Can you skydive in winter?” is a question that pops up often from new skydivers and veterans alike. Perhaps it’s not possible everywhere, but down here in Phoenix we have year-round opportunities for skydiving thanks to mild winters. With a few extra preparations on our part and yours, a winter skydive is a perfect way to start off the year. But what should you be prepared for?
What to Wear for a Winter Skydive
Freezing weather is rare in Phoenix, but it will be about 30 degrees colder at altitude than on the ground. But you don’t need to dig through your closet to find the winter jacket you wear on vacation or when heading up into the mountains around Flagstaff. We actually recommend staying warm with multiple layers of clothing instead.
Layers will be your best friend for winter skydiving. Multiple thin layers promote maximum flexibility while also trapping warmth wrapped up in between each of the materials. You will actually be warmer this way versus wearing something bulkier. Bulk will not work with your equipment, so layer up! When choosing your layers, look for flexible sports fabrics paired with protective cotton or fleece. Jean can be worn, but may also be restrictive in regard to movement. Keep the same in mind with shoes. A light North Face-style jacket makes for a great top layer.
While we wouldn’t expect to see open-toed shoes in winter, boots are common cold weather wear but should be avoided for skydiving. Stick with sports sneakers that fit snugly on your feet. This will keep your landing easy, like sliding into home base. Layer up socks as well, as a little extra cushion and support with the added warmth won’t hurt.
Don’t forget to keep your hands covered as well! Just like feet, hands can become incredibly cold while skydiving. It’s not hard to see why, since cold hands are a problem many have even on the ground. When you combine sweaty palms with the rushing wind, you’ll definitely wish you had some gloves. As with all of our layers, opt for something flexible but still protective.
Winter Weather in Phoenix
Winter weather in Phoenix is milder than what you’d find further north. High temperatures average in the upper 60s and low 70s, meaning at altitude it’ll be close to freezing even on the sunniest days. Winter also means shorter days, so we have a smaller window for jumping than we would in July. We may not have to worry about a jump resulting in freefalling through negative temperatures like any of the northern skydive centers, but we play host to our own set of challenges in the winter.
Keep your schedule open on jump day. While a celebratory meal after is highly recommended and Phoenix offers dozens of options that we wouldn’t want you to miss, plan for dinner instead of lunch. Weather holds, a process where we quite literally hold till the weather passes, can happen at any time of the year. Snow may not be on our minds, but wind and rain is never off our radar completely. A pop up storm, although rare, can delay you an hour or more, you don’t want to be up in the clouds worrying about reservations for that must-see hotspot on your list.
Is Skydiving in the Winter Possible?
Yes, skydive in winter is possible. If you take the time for extra preparation and are patient with the weather, the winter is a fantastic time to skydive. For those who aren’t fans of the cold, we recommend waiting till the warmer months. But if you are itching to start the new year on the right foot and don’t mind the chill, give us a call today! We will work with you to find the ideal jump day. If you aren’t ready for the cold, we can help you start the year by scheduling out a jump for later.