Winter Field Day 2027

• What: Outdoor Winter Field Day operation combined with a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation
• When: January 23-24, 2027 (exact operating hours TBD)
• Where: A Manitoba provincial park (location TBD)
• Callsign: VE4BB
• Exchange: 2O MB (2 transmitters, Outdoor, Manitoba)
• Organizer: Andrew, VE4KL

What is Winter Field Day?

Winter Field Day is an emergency communications exercise rather than a contest. Operators set up field stations away from the comforts of home and make contacts with other participants across North America and beyond, practicing portable operation in real winter conditions: cold, snow, and ice.

Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association and is separate from the ARRL Field Day held in June, so the rules differ. Operators may use HF, VHF, or UHF, with voice, CW, or digital modes. Participants are encouraged to review the official rules.

See our Field Day page for the summer event.

Our Plan

In 2027 we’re aiming for a full outdoor operation, chasing the 2O category (two transmitters, Outdoor), combined with a POTA activation at a provincial park. Last year’s Winter Field Day had a great turnout, and the energy from our June POTA BBQ makes this a good time to bring the two activities together.

• Category: 2O (2 transmitters, Outdoor)
• Exchange: 2O MB
• Callsign: VE4BB
• Site: Manitoba provincial park (TBD), also activated for POTA
• Shelter: Tents or other shelters at the park. This is a self-supported, bring-your-own-tent event, with the setup depending on the weather.

A note on the weather: this is January in Manitoba. It will be cold, properly cold. Dress for it, and plan to bring what you need to stay warm and comfortable for the time you’re on site.

Schedule

The full schedule is still to be determined. Details will be posted here as planning progresses.

• January (date TBD), evening: Training session on Zoom. We’ll go over event rules, logging procedures with N1MM contest logging software, and equipment operation so everyone is comfortable going into the weekend.
• Execution weekend: January 23-24, 2027

Training Session

The training session is held online via Zoom. Anyone is welcome, even if you aren’t participating in the event or aren’t sure yet. It’s a good chance to learn a bit about N1MM contest logging. If you plan to operate with us, we’d like you to attend so you’re up to speed.

Volunteers Needed

• Satellite operators: If you have satellite experience, we’d love to have you.
• Cold-weather experience: Anyone with outdoor winter experience who can help with shelters, heat, and keeping the operation running when it gets tough.
• Equipment help: Anyone who can help with radios, antennas, power, and shelters.

Contact

Interested in helping out, have cold-weather field experience, or can help with equipment? Get in touch with Andrew, VE4KL, at andrew@ve4kl.ca.

Official Rules and Information: winterfieldday.org