A campfire in winter has its own special charm. When snow lies outside and temperatures drop well below freezing, the crackling of the flames feels even cozier. At the same time, it’s a real challenge to light a fire under such conditions. Wet wood, frozen ground, and biting cold don’t make it any easier. To make sure your fire burns reliably anyway, we’ll show you step by step what you need, how to proceed, and what to watch out for.
Table of contents
What do you need to start a fire in winter?
How do you start a campfire in the snow?
How do you make fire without matches or a lighter?
Which wood is especially good for starting a fire?
How do you start the first flame?
How do you keep a fire going in freezing temperatures?
Is it allowed to make a campfire in winter?
Summary: The essentials in brief
What do you need to start a fire in winter?
To keep a fire burning, you need three basic ingredients: fuel, tinder, and oxygen. Tinder is the most important – without it, you won’t get a flame. Birch bark is especially practical because it can ignite even when damp. Fatwood is also excellent since it contains a lot of resin and easily catches sparks.
When it comes to wood, make sure it’s as dry as possible. Under fallen trunks or in thicker branches, you often find protected wood that isn’t soaked. Thin twigs and small wood shavings help you build the first flame before you switch to stronger firewood. For a lasting fire, hardwoods like beech or oak are ideal because they burn evenly and for a long time.
A lighter or a pack of matches is the most practical tool. If you prefer something more adventurous, you can also use a fire steel. Whatever you choose: always protect your fuel from moisture, or it will be difficult to start a fire at all.
| Category | Examples | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tinder | Birch bark, fatwood, dry grasses | Must be completely dry, otherwise nothing will catch fire. |
| Fuel | Thin branches, wood shavings, small twigs | Start small, then build up. |
| Firewood | Hardwood like beech, oak, or ash | Burns long and evenly. |
How do you start a campfire in the snow?
A fire in the snow requires a bit more preparation than in summer. First, you should create a fire pit. Shovel the snow away until you reach the ground. If the ground is frozen, you can lay down a layer of thick branches or stones so the flames don’t sink directly into the snow.
In the center of the fire pit, place your tinder – for example, birch bark or fatwood. Around it, build a small "tipi" from thin branches and twigs. This shape ensures enough oxygen reaches the flame. Now light the tinder with a lighter or match and carefully add more small branches once it catches fire. Only when the flames are stable should you add thicker firewood.
A proven trick is to always have some dry wood ready. Pack a few twigs in a bag or keep them warm under your jacket so you can use them later. This way, you ensure your campfire keeps burning reliably in the snow.
👉 Here you’ll find the right campfire gear.
How do you make fire without matches or a lighter?
It can happen that your lighter is empty or your matches are wet. Luckily, there are alternative methods to start a fire anyway. The most popular is the fire steel: with a strong strike, you create sparks that fall onto the tinder. It’s important to use fine, dry material like birch bark, as it easily catches sparks.
Another option is the bow drill, a traditional technique where friction creates an ember. You then place this ember into a tinder nest and blow gently until a small flame appears. Less common but also possible is lighting a fire with a magnifying glass and sunlight – though in winter, this only works on bright sunny days.
In any case, proper preparation is crucial. Without suitable tinder and dry wood, you won’t be able to start a flame even with the best techniques.
👉 Read more here: Making fire without a lighter.
Which wood is especially good for starting a fire?
Not every type of wood is equally suitable when you want to start a fire. Softwoods like spruce or pine catch fire quickly and are therefore ideal for kindling. However, they also burn out quickly and are less suitable for providing warmth over a longer period. Hardwoods like beech or oak are the better choice here, as they burn evenly and for a long time.
Parts of trees like birch bark or fatwood are also valuable helpers. You can even use birch bark when it’s damp, and fatwood burns especially reliably due to its high resin content. The best approach is to combine both: start with softwood to ignite, then use hardwood to keep the ember going longer.
How do you start the first flame?
The most exciting moment when making a fire is the first little flame. Place your tinder carefully in the center of the fire pit and ignite it with a lighter, a match, or a spark from the fire steel. Blow gently to develop a small ember. This ember gives off the heat needed for the flame to ignite.
Gradually add thin branches to the embers until the fire catches. Once you have a stable flame, you can increase the fuel. That way, the first small flame becomes a strong fire that reliably warms you.
👉 You’ll find a detailed guide here: Making Fire.
How do you keep a fire going in freezing temperatures?
Once the fire is lit, the challenge is to keep it going—especially in freezing temperatures. Fuel burns faster, and the cold saps energy from the flames. That’s why you should add wood regularly instead of waiting until the embers are almost out.
Make sure your wood pieces are stacked so there’s enough air circulating between them. This way, the flame gets the oxygen it needs to burn. Also, don’t store your wood directly in the snow—use a dry base. Place damp branches near the fire so they can dry out before you use them.
Is it allowed to make a campfire in winter?
Before you start, make sure to inform yourself about the legal framework. You can’t light a campfire just anywhere. In many areas, only fixed fire pits are allowed. Especially in nature reserves, open fires are often prohibited to protect plants and animals.
The safest way is to check with the forestry office or local authorities beforehand. Always follow the rules and pick a safe spot for your fire. And very important: fully extinguish it before you leave.
Summary: The essentials in brief
- Dry wood, good tinder, and technique are key.
- Check local regulations before lighting a campfire.
- With the right method, that first small flame turns into a fire that reliably warms you.
- Even without a lighter, there are ways to start a fire.
- Safety: Choose your fire site carefully and always put out the fire before you leave.
A campfire in winter requires a bit more preparation than in summer. You need dry tinder and the right wood, plus good technique to spark the first flame. Hardwood provides long-lasting embers, while softwood helps with ignition. Even without a lighter, there are ways to start a fire—like using a fire steel or bow drill. But always make sure to follow the legal rules and fully extinguish your fire. That way, your winter campfire becomes a safe and warming experience.
