Winter Field Day is a vibrant and challenging annual event that brings together amateur radio enthusiasts from around the globe to test their emergency communication skills in the harshest conditions of winter. Organized by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), this unique exercise is held on the last full weekend of January, fostering camaraderie, technical skill development, and preparedness for real-world communication emergencies.
For 2025, the event will take place over the weekend of January 25th and 26th. Beginning at 1600 UTC on Saturday and concluding at 2159 UTC on Sunday, the 24-hour operating period is an intense but rewarding experience for participants. Setup begins no earlier than 1600 UTC on the preceding Friday, with a total setup window of 12 hours to ensure a level playing field. Participants must fit all their operating equipment, including antennas, within a 1,000-foot (approximately 300-meter) diameter circle, simulating realistic constraints in emergency deployments.
👉 Don’t Miss my Related Post on Winter Field Day Preparedness
I discuss a few topics you may want to consider while preparing for your Winter Field Day 2025 adventures. I recommend some products to keep you warm and support your operation.
The Essence of Winter Field Day 2025
Winter Field Day isn’t just about braving the cold—it’s about honing our communications skills under adverse conditions. Participants aim to set up field stations and establish as many contacts as possible, all while navigating the unique challenges posed by winter weather. It’s a practical test of ingenuity and resourcefulness, as teams must adapt their setups to cold temperatures, snow, or even ice.
The event emphasizes preparing amateur radio operators to maintain effective communication during natural disasters or other emergencies that occur in winter. Unlike summer field events, Winter Field Day simulates scenarios where adverse weather complicates setup, power supply, and operating conditions, reflecting the real-world challenges of emergency response.
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Participation and Categories
Winter Field Day is open to all licensed amateur radio operators, making it accessible to individuals, groups, or clubs. Participants are classified into four main categories based on their operating environment:
- Home (H): Stations operating from a permanent residence.
- Indoor (I): Stations operating from a weather-protected building, like a clubhouse or community center.
- Outdoor (O): Stations set up in fully or partially exposed environments, such as tents or temporary shelters, without amenities like running water or permanent heat.
- Mobile (M): Stations operated from vehicles, RVs, or similar mobile setups.
Each category tests different aspects of emergency preparedness, encouraging participants to innovate and adapt to their specific circumstances.
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Operational Objectives and QSO Exchange Format
The event revolves around making as many contacts as possible across permitted amateur radio bands and modes. Operators exchange the following information during contacts:
- Category Number: The number of transmitters actively operating.
- Class Identifier: The participant’s operating category (H, I, O, M).
- Location Identifier: U.S. and Canadian stations provide their ARRL or RAC Section; Mexican stations use “MX,” while other international participants use “DX.”
This standardized exchange format ensures consistent communication and helps participants practice concise and accurate information sharing.
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Bands, Modes, and Restrictions
Participants may operate on most amateur bands, excluding 12, 17, 30, and 60 meters. Three communication modes are supported:
- Phone: SSB, AM, and FM voice modes.
- CW: Morse code transmissions.
- Digital Modes: Examples include RTTY, PSK, and Olivia, though FT4 and FT8 are excluded.
To maintain the spirit of Winter Field Day, certain restrictions apply. For instance, repeater contacts (including those on DMR or YSF) are not permitted, nor are cross-band contacts, except for satellite communications.
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Scoring and Incentives
The Winter Field Day scoring system is designed to reward technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Phone contacts earn one point each, while CW and digital mode contacts are valued at two points due to their greater technical difficulty. Participants can multiply their total QSO score by achieving specific objectives, such as operating entirely on alternative power sources or utilizing multiple communication modes.
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Preparation and Strategy
Preparation is key to success in Winter Field Day. Teams and individuals must plan their equipment, power sources, and operating strategies carefully to optimize performance. Operating outdoors or on alternative power sources earns additional multipliers, incentivizing participants to push their limits.
Given the potential for severe weather, participants are advised to ensure their setups are safe and secure. Proper grounding, insulated shelters, and backup power systems are essential, especially for outdoor or mobile stations.
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Community Spirit and Skill Development
Winter Field Day isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of amateur radio’s role in public service and community building. Clubs often use the event to teach new operators valuable skills, from setting up antennas to fine-tuning radios. For many, it’s an opportunity to bond over shared challenges and successes, all while enjoying the camaraderie of the amateur radio community.
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Submitting Logs and Results
After the event concludes, participants submit their logs electronically in Cabrillo or ADIF format by 11:59 UTC on March 1st, 2025. These logs are used to calculate final scores and recognize achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment for all who participate.
Conclusion
Winter Field Day stands out as a demanding yet deeply rewarding event that combines the technical, social, and adventurous aspects of amateur radio. Whether you’re testing your skills in a snow-covered tent, operating from a cozy indoor station, or experimenting with mobile setups, the event offers a unique opportunity to prepare for real-world emergencies while enjoying the thrill of the challenge.