Here's How to Safely Have Fun this Winter

Voici comment s’amuser en toute sécurité cet hiver

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

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!

Family & Pets Home Safety Winter

Here's How to Safely Have Fun this Winter

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