Cold temperatures are a normal part of skiing and riding, but very cold weather or conditions with high wind chill make it especially important to pay attention to the safety of yourself and others. While our Skills to Beat The Chills page is a good jump-off point for what to be aware of on the mountain, very cold days require some additional consideration.
Rule number one is to check in with yourself--that's why it's a key part of the Triangle of Safety. If you're not comfortable going out in very cold weather it's ok to postpone your ski day or take advantage of the other activities available at Vermont ski areas.
Check weather, snow conditions, and especially your destination areas's website. Safety is a top concern for mountain staff, and they may decide to curtail certain operations or lifts if they deem the cold or wind chill severe enough.
Your best winter gear doesn't do much if its not with you. Carry additional layers, hats, hand and foot warmers and face coverings. It's better to have it and not need it.
Even the fastest response time from Ski Patrol won't insulate against the elements. Keep an extra layer, hand and foot warmers, or even a warm beverage (NOT alcohol, which cools the body) in an easy-to-reach place (that doesn't require removing a glove to access) and be ready to deploy them quickly if you find yourself waiting in the elements.
This is a non-negotiable. With low temps and a little wind skin can chill a few minutes. Avoid taking your hands out of your gloves, wear face coverings, and keep your ears covered. In these conditions many areas won't allow anyone with exposed skin on lifts, especially to the upper mountain.
Skiing or riding with a buddy is a good practice in general, and this is especially true with increased risk of hypothermia.
When temps drop and conditions get more challenging it is not time to explore. Stick to runs you know, stay in bounds, and do not follow tracks if you aren't 100% positive where they lead. Avoid the side- and backcountry. Out-of-bounds travel is not patrolled and requires special gear and training--and those who have it are probably staying home.
Evacuation time is a factor resorts consider when closing terrain. Ignoring closures can divert resources and put you and members of ski patrol in danger if you require assistance.
Keep the number for ski patrol at your area handy and make sure to have a full charge. Never assume you'll have receptions and remember that cold weather can quickly drain a battery so keep your phone inside your jacket and keep tabs on your battery life.
Take mandatory breaks. Breaks are a good practice in general, but are mandatory in severe cold. Even the smallest sliver of skin risks exposure without you knowing. Regular breaks are essential to make sure your love of skiing doesn't override common sense. Take a break, grab a cup of hot chocolate from the lodge and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Your body needs calories to generate the heat required to regulate and maintain its core temperature. Eat adequate meals and keep an energy bar or two in the pocket of your parka for a between-runs boost; a candy bar or sugary snack (even maple syrup shots) should always be in reserve in very cold conditions.
Breathing cold, dry air robs your body of significant amounts of fluid. Doctors recommend you drink the same amount of water while exercising during the winter—at least six eight-ounce glasses per day—that you would during warmer months.
