When you grow up in the southern part of the United states, in a town that stays a little 'warmer' than others, it's not surprising that being thrown into an area where you can see your breath when you're outside is somewhat nerve-wracking.
Sure, I'd seen snow before. I've watched "White Christmas" and "Home Alone," but that white stuff doesn't look that cold when you're in a nice, warm house and you don't know what it's like to truly be cold. Don't get me wrong, Arizona has some spots that get pretty frigid - there's an area that once hit a record of -40 degrees - but the Northern parts of AZ are dramatically different from the South. Up North, they actually get snow annually. In the South, we normally only have mountains that turn white in the winter.
When I was younger, my mom always said she liked living where we did because then we could go up to the mountains to get our fill of playing in the snow, but then we could drive back home where it was nice and warm and she didn't have to be cold anymore. It was usually only once or twice a year that we actually did that.
Needless to say, going up to Idaho for college, starting there Winter semester, was somewhat extreme for me. Now that I've experienced the extremes, here are 5 things I've learned that I believe you need to remember if you're planning on traveling from a warm climate to a cold one:
1. Dress The Part
There is nothing worse than having to go outside without the right kind of winter gear. The trick is to buy it somewhere up where it is cold. Don't buy a coat from a store in Arizona and expect it to keep you warm in Idaho.
When you get to your cold destination, you'll need gloves, preferably ones that are waterproof; a scarf, the wider the better (homemade ones are the best); earmuffs or a beanie that will cover your ears; shoes/boots, waterproofed is nice or you can buy a spray to waterproof them a bit (it doesn't matter as much if your shoes are super thick if they're waterproof); Long, thick socks; a waterproof coat that covers your whole backside and preferably has a hood; thermals to wear under your pants and maybe even your shirts.
2. Drive Intelligently
Snow and ice are always somewhere on the road. Having snow tires is best, but if you don't have them, just remember to drive extra carefully. Driving slower isn't always the best choice, but make sure you have more than enough time to slow down when you're coming to a stop sign or light because your tires will have a hard time gripping the ground. Don't ever hold your breaks down either. That will only make you spin. Pump your breaks to slow down a little at a time.
3. Do Winter Time Activities
There is nothing worse than feeling like you're cooped up indoors because you can't do anything outside. If you have the right clothing, there is a LOT of fun activities you can do! Try skiing or snowboarding, make a snowman (a friend and I made the one in the picture), go ice skating, make snow angels or have a snowball fight (only where it's legal). One of my favorite things to do was go to the temple to do baptisms because my wet hair would freeze on the way home! I always thought it was cool!
4. Delicious Hot Chocolate Or Warm Herbal Tea Will Do Wonders!
The quickest way to stop shivering when you get home and the heater isn't warming you up fast enough is to drink something warm. Warming up your insides is the best way to not be cold anymore. Taking a hot shower helps too, but you don't always want to choose getting wet over drinking something, especially if you're in a hurry.
5. Don't forget to see the positive
I hear people complain about living in cold places all the time, but it doesn't make sense to me. There are lots of fun things you can do outside and there are lots of fun things you can do inside when you want to use the excuse of it being too cold to leave the house.
Use the excuse of slipping to hold your date's arm while walking outside. A new layer of snow gives you the perfect opportunity to make snow ice cream! Claim that you need a snuggle partner while watching a movie because their body heat will keep you warm!
Snow is great! I've learned to love it despite never having seen much of it growing up. If an Arizona girl can love the winter weather in Idaho, anyone can have a great winter in a colder climate!
