Baby, it’s cold outside! But that doesn’t mean we can’t brave the cold. If you are interested in getting outside more in the winter, but aren’t sure where to start, here are some helpful tips.
It’s all about clothing
Almost any weather is bearable with the right clothing. Consider the following when planning for a winter outing:
Dress in layers. Temperatures can vary greatly over the course of a day, and how warm you feel will over vary greatly with how much exercise you are doing. Layers allow you to adjust over the course of the day. A good rule is to expect that you will warm up while exercising, but cool down rapidly when you stop.
Wear a base layer. This includes a tightly fitting shirt and pants to go under other clothing. Choose moisture wicking fabric like wool or polyester.
Wear insulating layer(s). This can include a puffy jacket.
Wear a shell layer. This layer keeps the wind from cutting through your clothing and cooling you rapidly.
Consider where else you can lose heat. Don’t just think about shirt and pants; consider gloves, toques, scarves, and wool socks. The colder it is, the less skin you will want to leave exposed.
What about food?
You burn more energy staying warm during cold temperatures, so it’s a good idea to pack extra snacks. Eat lots of high protein snacks like granola, protein bars, and nuts. If you’re out for a full day, think about packing hot soup in a thermos. A hot drink is never a bad idea either. Always pack more thank you think you need.
Emergency preparedness
When venturing outside in extreme temperatures, it is more important to travel prepared. Plan your trip, and entrust information about where you are going, and when you will arrive and leave to a friend or family member.
Consider packing an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include:
A shovel
Extra winter jackets or blankets
Emergency food
A flashlight
Keep your car in good working order, especially if you have a longer winter trip planned.
When you are venturing on a hike or ski into a natural area, it’s good to pack emergency gear as well. Consider bringing:
A cell phone and emergency contact device such as an in-reach
A map of the area you are visiting
Extra food and water
Survival equipment – Remember the 10 essentials
The risk level of your trip will help to determine how much preparation you should do. A one hour walk in a city park on a warm day presents much less risk than a full day trip in a remote natural area.
Need to warm up?
There are lots of ways to warm up if you get chilled. Plan to bring hand or feet warmers with you to warm up while you are still outside, or build a campfire if the location allows for it. Once you get home, run a hot bath or shower, and enjoy a hot beverage and change into dry, warm clothing.
What should I do?
Alberta has opportunities for many types of outdoor winter recreation. Try one of the following to warm up to winter:
Cross country and downhill skiing
Snowshoeing
Skating
Ice climbing
Don’t forget to look up the type of gear you will need for the specific activity you are planning.
Bring a friend
It’s never a bad idea to bring some company, both for safety and companionship. If you are new to an activity, try joining a meetup for it. You could find valuable mentors and maybe make some new friends!
Now it’s time to get out there and take in the beautiful scenery that we enjoy in Alberta. Visit our conservation lands page to see which are open for you to visit this winter. Enjoy!