Cool, crisp air … a blanket of fresh-fallen snow … bare trees and expansive views — outdoor recreation takes on a whole new look when winter settles in.

“One of the biggest benefits of living in this area is the fact that you can enjoy all four seasons,” said Tom Helbig, Five Rivers MetroParks special events coordinator. “For me, winter is one of my favorite times to get outside because you can have a place to yourself. It’s a great way to get away from it all.”

So if the hustle and bustle of the holidays is more than you can stand, it might just be the perfect time to take a hike, a bike ride or even go fishing.

But as the old saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that is especially true when the weather is cold or inclement. “With proper preparation, you can reduce weather-related risks,” Helbig said.

So, before you head outside, there are a few things you can do to help make your outdoor winter experience safe and comfortable.

Skip the cotton

Cotton holds moisture against your skin and can make you very cold very quickly.

“Cotton takes a long time to dry, which can be a problem, because, even in the winter, you can be sweating — especially underneath a few layers — and hardly notice it. And, before you know it, you’ve made your base layer wet,” Helbig said.

Synthetic fabrics or blends, like polyester and polypropylene, will help keep you dry and warm by helping wick away moisture. Wool socks are a better option than cotton to keep feet warm and dry.

Layer it on

“People think if you just put on a bunch of layers, you’ll be warmer, but that’s not always the case,” Helbig said.

He suggests the 3 Ws of layering: a wicking layer — snug polypropylene layer to wick moisture away from the skin; warm layer(s) — this can be several layers of synthetic materials like a polyester fleece that dries quickly and traps lots of warm air; and a weather layer — this layer (also synthetic) keeps the wind, rain, and/or snow off of the warm dry layers.

If you get too warm, you can remove a layer and put it back on if you get cold.

Get your fill

It’s music to some people’s ears. If you’re going to be exercising outdoors, you may need a bit more to eat, maybe as much as 3,500-6,000 calories daily if you are active all day.

“When your body is trying to stay warm you will burn more calories,” Helbig said. “Plus, you’re exercising.”

And while most athletes and outdoor enthusiasts consume adequate water during the warmer months, they may underestimate the need for proper hydration in the winter.

“Drink lots of water — even more than you do in the summer,” Helbig said. “Believe it or not, a common cause of being cold is not having enough water for proper thermoregulation.”

When backpacking in the winter, your body will need 3-5 liters per day.

Be prepared

A brisk clear morning might give way to a blustery and snowy afternoon so make sure to check weather forecasts before heading out and dress or pack appropriately.

Sunscreen is another outdoor necessity not limited to the summertime. Bare trees mean less shade and snow and ice are reflective so sunburn is not uncommon in the winter.

“Pay attention to your body, don’t ignore signs,” Helbig said.

Hypothermia, frostbite and dehydration can occur when outside in the cold for extended periods of time so being attentive to those signs is critical.

“And if you focus on prevention, you will significantly reduce those risks and be able to enjoy all that winter has to offer,” Helbig said.

Gifts for outdoor enthusiasts

Hiking and backpacking

• Layers of synthetic clothing including a warm hat
•  Gore-Tex footwear
•  Wool and/or synthetic socks

Paddling

•  DrySuit where no water can get in (stay warm by layering underneath)
• *Neoprene hood (which covers neck and head)
•  Sealskin socks with neoprene booties
•  Poggies (neoprene that allows hand to have contact with paddle but covers hand and wrist)
• *Wooden paddle (warmer than fiberglass or plastic)

Cycling

• Balaclava (winter head gear)
•  Snow-studded tires
•  Shoe covers

Fly-fishing

• Neoprene waders
• Fleece or polypropylene fingerless gloves with foldover covering
• Layers of non-cotton clothing under breathable waders

Worth the Drive

Soaring cliffs and frozen waterfalls are just a few of the natural treasures that await those who lace up their hiking boots for the 48th annual Winter Hike in Hocking Hills, in southeast Ohio.

The six-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave draws more than 6,000 hikers each year to experience southeast Ohio’s spectacular scenery. The hike features continuous starts from 9 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 19. Steaming hot bean soup is served midway at Cedar Falls and a shuttle bus returns hikers from Ash Cave to the parking lot at Old Man’s Cave.

“So many people make New Year’s resolutions that include getting in shape or enjoying life more, there’s nothing better than a Hocking Hills hiking getaway to help them achieve those goals,” said Karen Raymore, Hocking Hills Tourism Association executive director. “Winter is a truly magical time in the Hills and, with a little preparation, visitors will enjoy a dazzling winter wonderland.”

Hikers are advised to wear layered clothing and good traction footwear, as snow and ice can make the trails slippery. And don’t forget your camera.

For more information on this and other events in the Hocking Hills region, go online to www.1800Hocking.com or call 1-800-HOCKING (462-5464).