The Snow Recovery Playbook (Quick Steps)

February 9, 2026

The Snow Recovery Playbook (Quick Steps)

Five common winter stuck scenarios—and the safest first moves to get moving again.

Snow Recovery Scenarios (Winter Edition)

Snow recoveries are different than mud or sand. The biggest mistake we see is going straight to “more throttle” and digging a deeper hole.

Here are a few common winter stuck scenarios and the best first moves.

Scenario 1: “High-centered” on packed snow

What it looks like: Tires spin, but the vehicle won’t move. You’re sitting on a hard ridge of snow under the frame/skids. Do this first:

  • Stop spinning (it polishes the snow into ice)

  • Shovel out under the frame and diffs (create a path, not just tire holes)

  • Air down slightly for more footprint

  • Use traction boards to bridge the first 2–3 feet and ease onto them

Scenario 2: Tires are spinning and you’re digging to ice

What it looks like: You’ve created shiny, hard “ice bowls” in front of the tires. Do this first:

  • Back off and reset—don’t keep drilling

  • Shovel out the ice-polished snow in front of the tires

  • Add traction: boards, packed snow “ramps,” or chains if you have them

  • Use gentle throttle and let the tires climb, not spin

Scenario 3: You slid sideways into a drift (off-camber)

What it looks like: The vehicle is angled, and forward motion makes it slide more. Do this first:

  • Don’t fight it with steering + throttle (that usually worsens the slide)

  • Clear snow from the downhill side so you’re not “pushing” a wall

  • Recover in a controlled direction (often back the way you came)

  • If you have a safe anchor, a light winch tension can stabilize the vehicle while you reposition

Scenario 4: You can’t climb a short icy hill

What it looks like: You lose traction immediately and slide back. Do this first:

  • Don’t keep trying at higher speed—ice wins

  • Chains early (if you have them) before you’re buried

  • Clear the run-up and reduce wheelspin

  • If you must attempt again: steady momentum, straight wheels, no sudden throttle changes

Scenario 5: You’re stuck alone and it’s getting late

What it looks like: You’re not making progress, daylight is fading, temps are dropping. Do this first:

  • Shift from “recovery” to “risk management”

  • Set a hard limit: X more attempts, then stop

  • Keep yourself warm and conserve energy

  • Communicate your status (check-in plan, location, next steps)

  • If you’re going to winch/tow: slow, methodical, and safe over fast

 

Snow Recovery Rules (worth repeating)

  • Spinning tires makes snow worse (it turns into ice)

  • Digging is a recovery tool—use it early

  • Chains are best before you’re buried

  • Have a turnaround time and stick to it

Browse winter prep: https://www.expeditiononestore.com

— Expedition One