Winter is coming. No, really. The first frost has fallen and with it, temperatures in Saratoga Springs have been known to drop into the negatives. And that doesn’t always include wind-chill. But before you tell yourself that all is lost this winter and that you will be staying indoors until Fun Day, here are four tips for keeping warm that will make walking to that 8 a.m. a breeze.
Dress for Success:
Wear a Warm Coat
As a first year, I came up to college and the first thing my mother did was take me shopping for a coat. And I mean a real, wear-in-the-tundra-goes-down-to-the-ground winter coat. And believe me, it was worth it. Having a warm coat and WEARING IT makes all the difference when the snow comes and you have to actually walk outside to get somewhere. And the local thrift shops have plenty of options to shuffle through until you find the right one!
Snow Shoes
I can’t push this enough. Wear waterproof snow shoes. They don’t have to be snow boots but make sure they are waterproof. Nothing is worse than walking around in cold, soggy socks and shoes. Not to mention, this is a great way to freeze your toes off and spread a chill to the rest of your body. If new shoes aren’t an option, find some waterproofing spray for under eight dollars!
Hats and Gloves and Scarves Oh My!
You want to cover the most delicate areas of your body that are most likely to get frost bite such as: your ears, your fingers, and your nose (if possible). Remember that, like your boots, waterproof gloves will be your best friend when you are scraping snow off your car, building a snowman, or pelting someone with snowballs (you know who you are).
Layer Up!
So what if you feel like an ogre with all those layers? Layers will be your saving grace when the wind cuts through the jacket that you put on or when you get to your classroom and realize the thermostat is set to eighty degrees. Remember, the key to effective layering is piling light piece over light piece. This way you can still lift your arms when you are wearing your jacket.
Invest in a Hot Water Bottle
This invention has often saved my frozen Skid-kid butt. A reusable hot water bottle is a great, inexpensive way to warm up quickly without having to break out the blankets or take a hot shower. Oh and did I mention that they are easily portable and most professors won’t care if you bring them to class?
Did Someone Say Thermos?
A reusable thermos is a great way to bring your hot cocoa to class, save the environment, and get a discount at burgess while you’re at it. And the best part is, now you have a place to collect all those artsy stickers that you have been finding around campus. I see no downside to this.
Know When to Go Inside
With all the snow that Skidmore is known to get, it may be tempting to give up your dorm/apartment life and go live in the igloo that you and your friends just made. That is wonderful, but also a great way to suffer from exposure. Know your limits. That beautiful igloo will still be there tomorrow so make sure to go inside periodically to warm up and defrost a bit. And remember, sometimes it may be too cold or dangerous to go outside. Safety is the top priority, so when weather conditions are not safe, don’t chance it.
Winter in Saratoga Springs is beautiful and unlike anywhere else. By staying warm, you and your friends will be able to comfortably experience all that Skidmore and Saratoga Springs has to offer in the winter time. So watch out for the ice, enjoy the snow, and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming winter events.