Winter is not an obstacle… it’s an opportunity!!

After the all the excitement of Christmas and New Years… you know, when the dead of winter finds us… it often coincides with the season’s coldest month(s). And January of 2026 has been no exception!

For many people the cold, raw temperatures make the thought of going outdoors a lot less than desirable. But for me, after spending a decade in the Canadian Arctic, you realize you can’t stay indoors forever, so you figure out what you need to do to cope and co-exist with the long, cold winter.

I enjoy outdoor recreation and activities that allow me to get out amongst people… hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing… but it’s a little different in the Arctic!! So it meant asking a lot of questions and doing some research in order to get myself prepared.

The first thing I was told (but kinda knew) was to fully understand how the deadly combination of wind and cold temperature takes its toll on a body – particularly frostbite on unprotected skin – so I was told to get a good parka, cover my face and make sure I had a very good toque or winter hat with ear coverings, a quality pair of warm, protective mitts, insulated socks & sub-zero boots! Check!!

For light outdoor activities, you can’t beat a Woods or Canada Goose down insulated parka or a pair of Sorel Arctic -40 insulated boots for warmth.

But they are not designed for an activity with a lot of movement that will cause you to perspire – hiking, skiing or snowshoeing. Those activities in the out in the cold will require some additional thought and planning.

I do a lot of snowshoeing, hiking and fishing/hunting so I’m often on the move which often causes the body to generate heat. For those activities I want to layer my clothing starting with an insulating & wicking “base layer”… after that another thin layer covered with an insulated outer layer that is wind, water & snow repellant – I find a pair of insulated snowboard pants with zippered vents in the legs ideal.

I also generally trek with a backpack that has a hoodie, some extra socks & mitts, energy snacks, juice or water, a small first aid kit and matches, etc., just in case.

Aside from all the great exercise and time with pets, family & friends, there’s lots of beautiful scenery and interesting tracks & animals to behold when you’re out there!!

So don’t let the long, cold winter blues get you down… get yourself geared up… gather up some family & friends… lay down some tracks… and get yourself into our great outdoors for a day of hiking, ice fishing or snowshoeing.

And before you head back indoors, gather around a nice campfire for some hot chocolate, soup & hotdogs to extend your time together!!