2027 Winter Field Day is January 23rd & 24th, 2027
Winter Field Day is an annual amateur radio operating event held on the last full weekend of January. Organized by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), the event encourages amateur radio operators to set up temporary stations and operate in challenging winter conditions. Unlike traditional home-based operating, participants deploy radios, antennas, and power systems in the field to test their ability to communicate effectively during cold weather, snow, ice, and other conditions that could be encountered during a real emergency.
The primary goal of Winter Field Day is to improve emergency preparedness and operating skills. Participants operate using HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies while making contacts with stations across North America and beyond. Many stations rely on generators, batteries, solar power, or other alternative power sources to simulate operating when commercial power is unavailable. The event provides valuable hands-on experience in setting up portable equipment, managing power resources, logging contacts, and maintaining communications under less-than-ideal conditions.
Winter Field Day is also a great opportunity for clubs and individual operators to showcase amateur radio to the public. Visitors can observe stations in operation, learn about emergency communications, and even get on the air under the supervision of licensed operators. The event combines technical skill, preparedness training, and camaraderie, making it one of the most enjoyable and educational weekends on the amateur radio calendar. Whether operating from a heated tent, a campsite, a park pavilion, or a backyard, participants gain practical experience while demonstrating the resilience and versatility of amateur radio communications.