Proper planning, layering key to safe and fun winter hikes on P.E.I., says Island Trails
‘There's been some really great days for hiking this year’
Islanders are encouraged to take advantage of winter days and explore Island trails, but planning ahead and dressing properly are key to staying comfortable and safe in the cold weather.
That's the message from Island Trails, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, developing and maintaining P.E.I.'s hiking paths.
Executive director Gaylene Gillis McCarron said hiking in winter is possible if people prepare properly and pay attention to their body's response to the cold.
"If you've planned correctly, you're wearing layers, like, a nice base layer that's moisture-wicking. You've got an insulated layer and a waterproof layer, and you've got your gloves on, your ears are covered. And if it's extreme wind chill, you might want to cover up your face a little bit," she told CBC's Island Morning.
McCarron also notes the importance of managing moisture. Whether it's from breathing into a face covering or sweating inside your layers, excess moisture can affect your body's ability to regulate its temperature and leave you feeling cold.
This is why it's crucial to wear layers that you can easily adjust or remove if you start to overhear, said McCarron.
"Being responsive to your body's needs during that hike is really what it's about," she said.
Beware of frostbite, trail conditions
Frostbite is a risk when hiking in extreme cold and wind chill, McCarron said. Early signs include numbness, pale or waxy skin and tingling sensations.
"It's important not to rub the skin, but just get it into a warm place," she said.
It's also crucial to check trail conditions before heading out, McCarron said. Trails may be icy or too snowy, and people need to check whether they need grippers or snowshoes. Also people should be mindful that shorter daylight hours in winter mean less time to hike.
"It's so important to be really prepared to watch the weather forecast," she said. "There's been some really great days for hiking this year."
With files from Island Morning