Tips For Seeing Snow For The First Time
One of the best ways to make it feel like the holiday season is to visit a snowy destination. If you’ve never seen snow then you will surely be delighted. Everything will be transformed into a winter wonderland and you will be left with memories that will last a lifetime. Before you go running outside to play in the snow and have a snowball fight or two, keep these tips in mind in order to make your first experience in the snow more enjoyable.
- Pack the right clothes
Your favorite clothing store or even your closet probably has plenty of items you feel are good for snow, however keeping warm in cold weather bit different than keeping warm in the snow. For example, gloves, hats, and scarfs should be made out of thick material. They shouldn’t be woven in a way to where the stitching or crocheting looks holey which may be fashionable, but will just allow air in and it won’t be able to adequately keep you warm. Covering your head, ears and neck will help your body stay warm all over. A good pair of gloves is also a must! If you plan on playing in the snow, (I mean who doesn’t want to make a snow angel or throw a snowball,) make sure they are waterproof. If you are going somewhere that is very windy, consider a face mask or use your scarf to cover your nose and mouth. Earmuffs are one of those optional items to have if you are going into extremely cold temperatures or will be outside for long periods of time. Another thing that you should pack is a warm pair of pajamas.
- Wear Layers
No matter how great your jacket, shirt or pants are, they probably won’t be able to keep you warm by themselves. This is especially true the colder it gets. Wear several shirts, leggings, or thermal underwear underneath your attire. If you plan on going inside a business or residence that’s warm, you can always take off your jacket and a few of your extra shirts so that you won’t feel too hot while you are inside. Like we mentioned above, don’t forget a hat, scarf & gloves. A good coat is also key. Make sure it’s one size large than what you usually wear since you will be wearing thicker clothing in layers & don’t want to be uncomfortable. If you choose a coat with a hoodie then you can pass on the separate hat. The longer the coat, the warmer your body will be.
- Pay Attention To Your Footwear
Your toes and feet are very susceptible to the cold weather. You need to make sure that you wear thick socks that can keep your feet warm. Wool is a great choice for socks. It’s also important to wear shoes that have enough tread to keep you from slipping on ice. If you can, choose shoes that are waterproof and can withstand trudging through thick snow. Keep in mind that the thicker your shoes are the warmer your feet will be. Again if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the snow, then opt for buying snow boots which can withstand getting wet and won’t be slippery like other boots can be.
- Don’t Forget About Your Skin
Believe it or not, you can get a sunburn even when there’s snow on the ground. In higher altitudes UV increases and when the sun reflects on the snow, so you are at risk for sunburn. You can keep this from happening by simply applying sunblock to areas of your skin that are exposed. The cold weather can be very drying to your skin, especially if you aren’t used to the frigid temperatures. Have some lip balm handy and apply it often. Also, make sure you use skincare products, such as lotions, that are meant to moisturize the skin.
- Protect Your Camera and Cell Phones from the Cold
Of course, you want to be able to take lots of pictures, but keep in mind that extreme temperatures for long periods of time can damage equipment. Any electronics that are waterproof will be better off than older equipment but store them when they are not in use. If you get snow or rain and the camera or phone is wet, take the batteries out and let them dry separately. - Bring Medication
If you are not used to cold weather, you could get anything from allergies to a cold, so make sure you are prepared with not only prescription medication but also over the counter medication just in case you are snowed in. To try to avoid getting sick, please make sure you remove wet clothing as soon as you are indoors. It’s also a good idea to take daily vitamins or extra Vitamin C such as Airborne. - Hot Packs
Again depending on the weather and if you are going to be doing a lot of walking, those that tend to get cold easily might appreciate having a hot pack available. You can put them in your jacket or pockets and they will help keep you warm. Different sizes and price ranges are available. Small hand warmers are around $2 and last 6 to 8 hours. - Enjoy Warm Drinks
Apple cider, hot chocolate, Irish coffee, tea…pick your favorite and have a nice cup when you come in from the cold. - Check the Weather Daily
Before you go outside check the expected highs and lows for that day so that you can plan accordingly. - Renting the Right Car & Accommodations
If you are flying in and planning to drive, make sure you rent a car that can handle snow and ice conditions. When driving on mountains, you may be required to install a chain on your tires. Ask questions at the time of renting your car. SUV’s are always a good option. If you are renting a house, ask if the owners will be removing the snow daily from the driveway, and if there are fireplaces, will they provide the wood. It may seem like you are saving by renting a home vs staying at a ski lodge but if you have to shovel snow & apply rock salt every day of your vacation, you may want to reconsider. - Food
If you are not staying in a hotel or lodge, and are not walking distance from restaurants or grocery stores, plan on having extra drinking water and snacks just in case you are snowed in. - Pick the Right Destination
Do you want to ski in the Alps of Italy or Switzerland? Skiing is exhausting and not easy for everyone to learn. As a matter of fact, we strongly recommend you hire an instructor. You may want to consider a more relaxing location to get acquainted with and enjoy the snow for your first time.
If you are flying, don’t forget to pack your COVID-19 travel essentials. You might even consider purchasing an at-home COVID-19 test kit if the place you are traveling requires a negative COVID test. If you are driving, then make sure your vehicle is prepared for a winter road trip.
Do you have any other tips for seeing snow for the first time?
