Here’s How to Stay Safe While Having Fun this Winter

There’s plenty of winter activities available to help you stay fit, but it’s important to stay safe too. Skating, sledding, fat biking and other outdoor pursuits offer hours of enjoyment, and each has its own set of precautions to follow. Here’s some tips on how to keep safe while staying fit and having lots of winter fun.

Sledding & Snow Tubing

Sledding and snow tubing are favourite pastimes for people of all ages. While it is a great way to spend time with even the littlest of loved ones, proper safety precautions should be taken: 

• Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times 

• Always adhere to the weight limits of your sled or snow tube 

• Children should always wear a safety helmet when going down the hills 

• Scout your hills in advance to ensure there are no trees and other obstacles, and that you have enough flat area at the bottom to come to a complete stop 

• Sleds that offer steering make it easier to avoid moving obstacles like people coming back up the hill 

• Sleds on skis are harder to control and stop 

• Be sure to dress appropriately, including extra-warm headwear like winter toques

• Layer your clothing, including a waterproof outer layer

Winter Fat Biking

Fat biking allows you to enjoy your bicycle even during the snowiest of months, but it can be a hazardous activity without the proper precautions. Here’s some pointers to keep you warm, safe, and up on two wheels: 

• Choose a 1X (pronounced one-by) drivetrain to let you better focus on your ride vs. changing gears 

• Go with flat, downhill-style pedals, as you’ll be putting your feet down a lot more often than during traditional road or mountain biking 

• Use a dropper seat post so you can safely move the saddle out of the way during hill descents or when going through deep snow 

• Wear layered fleece to allow for free movement while staying warm 

• Wear a coat with a waterproof outer that will allow you to add and remove layers underneath as needed 

• Wear extra-warm winter gloves and socks as you’ll be using your hands and feet frequently for braking and steering 

• Consider bike pogies—gloves that attach to the handlebars and cover the brake levers, shifters, and your hands 

• Wear ankle gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and your pant legs away from the chain

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a fun way to enjoy the fresh air in even the most remote areas of the Canadian wilderness, but it comes with its own hazards. Here’s a few tips to stay safe while out on the ice: 

• Use proper ice augers and cutting tools, and ensure they are well sharpened before heading out 

• Any ATVs, snowmobiles and other mechanical transportation should be checked for any issues as well 

• Learn to recognize stable ice vs. unstable ice, and wear a flotation device in case you fall through 

• Carry an ice shelter or consider a portable ice fishing hut 

• Bring a portable heat source, such as a propane heater 

• Dress for extreme cold, but in layers that can be removed if needed 

• Pack lots of snacks and hot beverages 

• Make sure your mobile device is fully charged, and add a portable charger to your pack for topping up the power 

• Make sure family members or someone close to you knows where you will be fishing and when you should be back

Ice Skating

Ice skating is great for the whole family, but children should always wear a safety helmet when going out on the ice to prevent head injuries. A skating aid trainer will help young and inexperienced skaters prevent falls and injuries. If falls do occur, knee pads will soften the contact with hard ice. Skaters should all go in the same direction to avoid anyone colliding with anyone else. Finally, check the ice thoroughly when skating over a frozen pond to ensure the ice is stable.

Outdoor Hockey

Ice hockey is one of the most popular winter sports but it’s essential to ensure that all players are fully decked out in the proper equipment. This includes a helmet, chest and shoulder pads, mouth guard, and face mask. Knee and elbow pads are also needed, and all gear should fit properly without shifting or moving out of place during play. Make sure to bring extra skate laces, hockey sticks and other related gear too. When playing outdoors, you should also ensure that ice is stable and thoroughly frozen.

Building a Snow Fort

Building a snow fort is a great winter activity for kids, but make sure you choose a stable design. An open-top fort is the safest as there is no risk of a roof collapsing. If you do want to build a closed-in fort use the traditional igloo style construction for strength. You’ll need a good snow shovel to cut out your snow blocks. Never leave small children unattended while playing inside a closed snow fort.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is relatively safe when compared to higher impact sports like snow tubing, but it still presents its challenges: 

• Always go out with a buddy or group: you don’t want to suffer an injury while alone in freezing temperatures 

• Dress warmly and take along plenty of water and snacks to maintain your hydration and strength 

• Make sure your mobile device is fully charged and learn how to use the built-in compass app (It’s easier to get lost when the world is covered in a blanket of snow.

Winter Walks

A brisk winter walk can be wonderful, but you do want to avoid slips and falls. Attaching ice cleats to your boots will keep you sure-footed on slippery surfaces. Be sure to dress warmly, and wear at least one brightly coloured piece of clothing so you can be seen more easily by passing motorists.

Physical activity can help you avoid the winter blahs and post-holiday blues, but an injury can really put a crimp in your plans. So stay safe, keep fit and most of all, have fun out there!