winter van living realities - thoughts?

[mikemikemike]

I'm planning a 4-6 weeks on the road this winter for ice climbing and skiing, in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming. My rig is new as of April - I've put about 10K miles on it but it hasn't seen the snow yet.

Any experiences to share or thoughts on what to be prepared for for winter living? Anything you have learned from experience to bring or be ready to do would be most welcome.

One specific example: how do you manage snow accumulation both for clearing solar panels and around the sides of a PH top? I don't have an external ladder and would prefer not to mount one, but was thinking maybe a telescoping ladder would be a useful thing to have along for these purposes. Good idea? Bad idea? Other ideas?

I've got a 2017 Sprinter 4x4 144 w PH, Espar system, Van Compass suspension, other goodies, so feel well equipped at the baseline, just wanting to gather foresight and prepare.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Coloradical]

A telescoping broom comes to mind. Also keeping the top down when the snow is wet so it doesn’t freeze the canvas overnight. Keeping the top down will slow down heat loss too. Wool blankets/hats/socks.

[redtop]

Keep some window cleaner in your van. The frost and steam really builds up on the windshield and after it thaws leaves a residue that is a pain to see thru when the sun hits it. We have to clean ours almost daily in winter.