I love winter. But I hate the cold. Some days, all I want to do is stay snuggled up in bed. For a very long time. Somewhere really warm. Because being cold is a truly unpleasant feeling. Unfortunately, I get cold easily. It's annoying and it bothers me. So, to enjoy the cold season anyway, I've come up with a few personal cold-weather survival strategies.
A statement to start: I love winter
Just so there are no misunderstandings: I LOVE WINTER. Really. I love snow crystals sparkling in the sun and long icicles growing outside the windows of rustic mountain huts. I love the sound of snow crunching underfoot. And I enjoy the far-reaching views on clear winter days. I love all of it. And luckily, most of the time I can enjoy it all despite the cold.
Also of interest: Why winter has my heart
1. Layering up
Lots of specialist magazines swear by it. And so do I. Layering is my lifesaver during the cold season. The cold-sensitive part of me sometimes tends to overdo it and adds even more layers to those below. Yes, every now and then I walk around looking like the Michelin Man.
Unthinkable to me as a child, but now almost indispensable: the undershirt. Or simply a tank top. It keeps my lower back warm and does a great job of covering the gap that sometimes opens up between my trousers and my T-shirt. Mum always told me so.
Over that, I wear various layers as I please. A long-sleeved shirt is a must. It's part of my daily winter uniform. Next comes a fleece, sometimes supplemented with a lighter down jacket depending on how cold it is, and a hardshell jacket on the outside.
As a rule, I protect my neck with two neck gaiters. I always take two. One with fleece to keep the cold air out, and a thinner one that I can pull up over the lower part of my face if needed. My head is often protected by a combination of a headband and a hat. Yes, my ears are sensitive too.
2. Keep moving
That sounds so easy. And it is. As long as I'm moving, I'm warm. Most of the time, anyway. But sometimes getting cold muscles to start moving in the first place isn't so easy.
When I'm ski touring, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing, I usually only get cold during breaks or on the lifts. But then I get really cold. My fingers are always the first to suffer.
A love of winter
One tip that helps me incredibly well when my hands are cold is to let my arms hang at my sides and hold my hands out like a penguin. Then I raise and lower my shoulders really quickly. This pumps blood into my fingers. Give it a try next time and let me know if it helps you too.
3. Technology instead of goosebumps
There are always new things coming along. Sometimes it's materials that are being promoted. Merino wool is a good example. It's supposed to be particularly good at regulating temperature, keeping you warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. Of course, wool has to do the same job for sheep.
But there are also constant technological innovations. Gloves with heating pads, heated ski boots, jackets and tops with heating wires.
I tried the latter in winter: a turtleneck top made of thick, tightly woven wool. It fits snugly against the body and has long cuffs that cover the forearms and act as wrist warmers. It also has heating elements built into the back and stomach areas. There's a small battery pack on the side. The temperature can be adjusted using an app.
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I first tested it on a trip to the zoo in December, but the top has now also accompanied me on the slopes a few times. In Obertauern, in Zell am See-Kaprun, in St. Moritz, …
Admittedly, charging the battery and using the app takes a little effort. But it has served me well, especially on days when I haven't been very active myself but still had to spend a long time out in the cold.
And sometimes it's okay to simply stay home
I love it when snowflakes dance down from the sky. When they swirl wildly, float gently towards the ground and are wonderfully big and fluffy. It looks so beautiful, and to me it's the very essence of winter.
As a child, I always used to catch the snowflakes in my mouth. Okay, I still do that every now and then. But most of the time, I'm happy just watching nature's show from indoors. Then I sit by the window with a hot drink (coffee/tea/mulled wine) and dream of ski adventures to come. Ah, bliss. That's how I love snow days.
When there are no snowflakes, just a dreary November mood with rain, fog and shades of grey everywhere, I have no problem spending the day in bed with my better half. Then I'll put on Netflix, read a good book or have a gossip with my girlfriends.
And you know what? That's okay. It's okay to use winter as a chance to slow down a little, too. And you're guaranteed not to get cold doing that.
Also of interest:
> 15 special winter activities
> Snow conditions: When will it snow again?
> The best ski resorts 2019
What are your tips for particularly cold days? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.