Some of the most thrilling ways to enjoy the colder months is with winter sports. Now is the right time to be booking that winter break well in advance so that you have time to pay it off and get ready for it. Skiing down the snowy slopes, snowboarding through the powder, and ice skating across frozen lakes mean that you need to rug up and do it fast.
The fun factor is sky high, but it’s so important that you stay safe out there from head to toe. And yes, that includes protecting hearing in cold weather. There are few things that you can do to keep your winter adventures safe and enjoyable.
- Let’s talk gear. You wouldn’t ride a bike without a helmet, so you should never hit the slopes without one either. Helmets don’t just protect against head injuries, but they also keep your head warm. As a bonus, some helmets come with built in ear protection. This helps to protect your hearing in cold environments. Cold air and wind can actually irritate your ears and make them more susceptible, and you want to be able to enjoy your break, not end up laid up with a headache and earache.
- Layering is your best friend. You should always start with moisture wicking base layers when it comes to layering up. This keeps the sweat off your skin, adds insulating mid layers like fleece and finishes with a waterproof outer shell. The goal is to stay as warm and dry as possible, not sweaty and shivering. Don’t forget your gloves or your mittens, thick socks and insulated boots. And yes, even if the sun’s out and the snow is dazzling, apply sunscreen. UV rays bounce off snow and can still cause sunburn.
- It’s important to stay hydrated. If you want to stay safe during winter sports. You need to stay hydrated, which is often overlooked on a winter trip. You might not feel thirsty in the cold, but your body still requires water, especially if you’ve got the workout of being on the slopes. Cold air is dry, and physical activity in winter sports can lead to dehydration as quickly as it can in summer. Bringing a reusable water bottle or grabbing a hot tea at the lodge is important, but don’t have too much caffeine or alcohol because that can mess with your coordination and hydration levels.
- Know your limits. Whether you’re skiing black diamonds or you’re just learning how to skate for the first time, you don’t want to push yourself too hard because that’s a recipe for injury. Even experienced athletes can benefit from a refresher, so stick to the trails and slopes that match your skill level.
- Keep an eye on the weather. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. If visibility drops or the winds pick up, it’s OK to call it a day early. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Hot chocolate always tastes better when you’re not nursing a twisted ankle, too.
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