For a start you have too be super fit. If you don’t find the walk comfortable to achieve in summer conditions then do not attempt it in snowy conditions, especially when drifting snow can give snow depths of over 1 metre.
Preparation is key, know the weather forecast in detail, apply your local knowledge, tell some one where you are going and when you will be back. Clothing in many layers, compass, map and all the common sense basics. If you are not first out in the hills then you will gain the advantage of following in the footsteps of others but there will come a time when you need to cut a virgin trail through the snow, this is when things will get extremely tough going. Take the space steady and work on a technique of walking that gives the best cutting motion through the snow, I like to lead with my knee to shin and lean my weight slightly forward. Walk on paths you know well, it will surprise you how different they look when covered in deep snow, all the trees look the same, there is no path to guide your eye. So, you need to work harder on examining the terrain and not just the terrain but the patterns on the snow. Paths often are cut into the hill thus with any wind they get blown full of snow, often the deepest now will be on the path. Examine the wind direction and see where the snow is being stripped down from, often a ridge line of a hill. The snow will be more wind packed there and the pattern of the snow will resembles sand waves in a dessert. But a word of warning, these are not golden rules, pocket of really deep snow will catch you out, the snow will give under you feed on snow condition that look identical so the only rule to follow is to concentrate on each step and be prepared to break through the snow with out warning. This dictates a slow steady walking rhythm. Listen to your body, it is easy to over heat, take on board liquids on a regular basis and food. And start the return to home when you still feel energised as it will be just as hard getting back as hiking up as tiredness takes it toll. Why, put yourself through this? It can be fun making the first tracks, views to be had and just for the joy of walking in powder snow, also the joints get a nice soft landing cushion. There is much pleasure to be had but take care and be prepared.
