Dawn_Think_Tank_RMNP_2020_1Photographer and writer, Dawn Wilson, photographs sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Get ready! The weather this winter will test even the hardiest of winter enthusiasts. 

Wind chills will drop into the negative temperatures thanks to strong winds out of the west. It will snow most of the season too. At least this is what the cold-loving, winter recreation enthusiast is wishing for this season.

But no one says you can’t enjoy some outdoor adventures in those kinds of tough conditions — as long as you go out prepared. 

There are many ways to prepare for being outdoors — from carrying a GPS device and telling someone where you are going to wearing the right clothing and footwear to stay warm and navigate fresh snow. 

But many people overlook the little details that can keep you safe and prevent conditions like frostbite and dehydration. 

Wear sunscreen

Although winter storms can bring clouds, Colorado still sees more sunny days than not. That reflective light bouncing off the snow can be just as strong or stronger than summer rays. And UV rays, particularly UVA rays, still penetrate overcast clouds common during winter months. It is these types of rays that can cause the most damage to skin by accelerating the aging process and creating fine lines and wrinkles.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. 

And for those of us here in Estes Park, where we live, work and play at a higher altitude of 7,522 feet, we have higher exposure levels to the sun’s harmful rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that UV radiation increases by five percent with every thousand feet you rise above sea level. 

In the winter season, when the ground is blanketed with bright white snow, those harmful UV rays bounce off the snow and actually intensify. The harsh elements of winter weather, such as wind and dry, cold air also intensify the effects of skin aging and may actually erode applied sunscreen faster.

Make applying sunscreen part of the trail preparation routine. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that is waterproof and sweat resistant. As we age, we may also want a sunscreen that provides moisturizing and wrinkle-reducing properties. And when picking out a sunscreen, keep in mind your skin type with many products available for oily, dry, acne prone or combination skin.  

Wear sunglasses

Just like protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, your eyes should also be protected.

At a minimum, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. For winter activities, wrap-around glasses work well to protect UV rays entering from the sides. 

On especially windy and snowy days, consider wearing ski goggles or glacier glasses. They will stay on better in strong wind and provide a larger coverage area. 

Use lip balm

Colorado is a dry climate. Add in wind, snow and frigid temperatures, and the lips will be craving moisture well before they show signs of drying. Long-term neglect of lips may lead to cracking, peeling, bleeding and pain.

The best lip balms for outdoor activities are those that do not contain menthol, phenol or salycilic acid. These ingredients actually further dry out the skin. 

Instead, look for lip balms with natural ingredients like coconut oil to soothe and repair cracked skin, beeswax to seal in moisture and shea butter to hydrate. I love the soothing and moisturizing feeling of Burt's Bees Lip Balm.

Drink water, lots of it

The rule of thumb is to drink one half liter of water per hour of moderate activity on days with moderate temperatures. 

That may not describe the conditions on a winter day. When the weather conditions deteriorate, your body may use more water to stay hydrated from the drying conditions of wind and air with low humidity.

When the weather is hot, hikers naturally drink more. On a cold, snowy day, hydrating may not come to mind as often so drinking while hiking needs to be more of an active reminder. 

Cold temperatures can also cause water in bottles and bladders to freeze so keep them insulated, buying insulated tubes and pouches for the bladder. The tube from a bladder can also be run inside a coat to keep it closer to your body. Bottles can be kept inside of a backpack instead of an outside pocket. Use a large sock or glove to insulate the bottle. And fill the bottle with warm water at the beginning of the day to help it stay thawed longer.

Remember that when water freezes, it expands. Save space in the bottle for potential expansion to prevent cracking the container. 

Bring a dry layer

Running water hides underneath layers of snow. Feet may break through ice when walking across a lake. Snow may get inside of a boot. 

It isn’t unusual for clothing to get wet on a winter hike. Bodies sweat underneath all of those layers and snow can penetrate boots. Snow also has a surprising way of sneaking in under clothes. 

Carry an extra pair of socks, a hat, base layer and gloves.

Use waterproof gloves to prevent hands from getting cold and wet. Insert a hand warmer between the palm of your hand and the outer shell of a glove for a little extra warmth. Never place the hand warmer, however, directly on your skin as it can cause burns if left directly on skin.

(Original version written for the Estes Park Trail-Gazette)

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