The crossing guard, ice fisherman, and cyclist guide to weathering extreme cold

Bitter, arctic air and westerly winds whipping snow in the sky have many in Hamilton hunkering down and cuddling up to keep warm.

But not everyone is trying to stay out of the cold. Some are embracing the frosty temperatures and staying active despite the extreme weather warning Environment Canada issued for the city.

CBC News spoke with some of the hearty souls braving the elements about how they avoid freezing solid and what it takes to enjoy being outside when the wind chill is making it feel like –35.

The crossing guard: Keeping kids safe in the cold

Two pairs of long johns, two layers of pants and a couple of sweaters pulled on underneath a crossing guard's uniform and jacket.

That was Swineetha Muthukuda's outfit when she headed out for her shift at the corner of King Street West and Strathcona Avenue North Wednesday.

"It's very bad weather today, very, very bad," she said. With a sweep of a puffed up arm she indicated her entire body from boots to fuzzy cap.

"I'm wearing so many things. Four layers."

On days where the mercury drops dramatically Muthkuda said she paces and jumps in place to keep from turning into a Popsicle.

She also keeps the hope that tomorrow will be even a bit warmer burning in her chest.

"It's an important job to keep the kids safe, but this isn't every day so tomorrow will be cold and maybe the day after that. Then it'll be OK."

The ice fisherman: A little foam goes a long way

A small green tent on Hamilton harbour being battered by the wind and blowing snow houses Josh and Joe Lapenna — a pair of local brothers who see sub-zero temperatures as something to celebrate.

The Lapennas have been ice fishing for years and at this point they've got their frozen lake survival system down to a science.

Inside the tent you'll find a heater and radio along with the bait bucket and rods.

"As long as you're geared up you're fine," said Joe, who had already pulled in a perch. "Don't come out in shorts."

But the real secret to staying out on the ice rests below their camp chairs and boots. It's a thick layer of foam that makes all the difference.

"The foam on the floor is the key," Joe explained. "It keeps your feet warm and keeps the cold from coming up."

The skater: 'It's not cold!'

There are few places in Hamilton chillier than the waterfront rink at Pier 8 when the wind is blowing in off the bay.

Still, a solitary skater traced delicate patterns across the ice Wednesday afternoon.

The woman was kitted out in a massive, white woollen scarf and bright blue hat that covered her entire face except for the bridge of her nose and a bit of her cheeks.

What skin was exposed was a rosy red.

The woman, who would only give her first name, Weisia, scoffed at a reporter's shivering suggestion that maybe it was a bit too cold for a spin on the rink.

"It's not too cold! It's just fresh. Well, maybe it's a bit too windy," she said before flashing a thumbs up for a photo, then skating away.

The cyclist: 2 wheels, lots of layers

Meredith Nelson said he's been biking to work every day for the past three years in all seasons and in all sorts of weather.

When asked how cold it would have to get before he stopped cycling, Nelson said maybe –30 C. Despite the fact it felt that cold Wednesday he insisted it's really not that bad once you get rolling.

"You just have to dress warm with lots of layers," he explained. "I've got heated insoles, hand warmers when it's really cold."

He added he's aware some people might think it's a bit extreme to bike in the wind and snow, but said he's not interested in buying another car so for now two wheels it is.

"A bad day on the bike is better than any day in a car."