Hi! I saw your snow photos and thought of how soon I'll probably move from tx to somewhere cold and snowy. I was hoping you had some advice.
Hmm. Well, lets see.
Make sure you have an "emergency" kit in your car––water, first aid, some protein bars, a blanket. I've heard scary stories about folks getting stranded/stuck/sliding into a ditch on mountain roads due to ice or snow and then having a long wait for emergency services. Also, always bring a jacket/hat/gloves with you when you're driving somewhere and it's cold, even if it's just to run straight into a store. Many unplanned events could occur that require you to be out and about in the elements.
Get an ice-scraper/snow brush if you have a car and a snow shovel for your house/walk/driveway.
Get a snow suit. They are so dang convenient. I don't ski or snowboard but if it's below freezing (even if it's not snowing!) I'm pulling that thing on over my PJs every morning to take the dog for a walk. Do I look silly? Yes. Am I toasty and saved like 5 minutes putting on a dozen layers. Also yes.
Get a space heater. We keep the heat in our house at 60 and just run a space heater occasionally in our offices during the day/bedroom at night and it saves us a ton of money on heating bills. Also, blinds/curtains up during the sunniest parts of the day and down as soon as the sun starts to set. Makes a big difference in ambient temperature with no costs associated.
WOOL SOCKS. If I wasn't lazy I'd move this to the top of the list. Wool socks will keep your feet warm even if they get wet. Wool socks are magical. As are wool base layers in general.
Also get a solid pair of snow/waterproof hiking boots. And depending on conditions and if you do much walking outside, you'll probably want to get a pair of spikes as well (they stretch on over the bottoms of your normal boots and will save you from busting your ass on icy roads/trails).
If you're in a cold place with higher altitude, I highly recommend a humidifier. We have one in the bedroom that runs all day/night and one in my office because I'm a delicate flower. It makes it easier for me to breathe and my skin is noticeably less dry.
Oh, this may be silly but I didn't even know to get a balaclava for the first several months I lived in a cold place and my face was just freezing all the time when I'd go for walks. Also, even if you're not skiiing, get some snow goggles if you're planning to hike in snowstorms. Being able to see is nice.
If it's sub-0 temps, be careful with your eyelashes/brows. Your eyelashes especially with freeze, and if you rub your eyes you'll break them. I learned this the hard way. Get inside and let them thaw out before touching them.
Ok, I'm sure there are more. Anyone want to add things I've missed?






