Above all else, drink lots of liquids, and eat hot foods. Dehydration is just as much of a problem at winter games as in the summer; in some ways it’s worse because you won’t notice that you’re sweating.

Flex your fingers and toes often, and go inside to warm up if you can’t feel them, or they hurt to move. If somebody’s skin (specifically, their nose or ears) turn white, they probably have frostbite. Call a Hold, tell them what you see, and have them find an EMT. If you feel dizzy or tired, you may be experiencing hypothermia. If you start shivering uncontrollably, you have hypothermia. Get to the nearest shelter you can, and warm up. Call a hold on the module you’re in, if you have to. Safety comes first in cold-weather games, so be extra-careful of how you’re feeling and please don’t put role-play before comfort.

Things to Pack:

• Four pairs of wool socks or ski socks, one pair for each day and two for Saturday. (Socks get sweaty easily, and sweaty garments do not insulate well.)
• Sleeping bag - hypothermia is a real problem, and a cloak will not keep you as warm as a good sleeping bag, or several layers of blankets and a bottom sheet.
• Extra blankets and sheets, to tent lower bunks or for more layers of bedding.
• Sleep-wear that isn’t Garb. If you wear your garb all day and then do not change before going to bed, you will build up a layer of sweat and dirt in your clothing. This is uncomfortable, unhygienic, and sweat-soaked garments will not insulate you as well as clean ones. So pack PJs, you will feel much better.
• Clothing that layers - T-shirts under garb, long underwear, etc. Be sure to pack multiple under-layers, one for each day.
• Wool, silk, velvet, stretch velvet (the kind you can wash). These work best under a wind-proof layer, like leather armor.
• Gloves or mittens - anything leather and lined is best.
• Some sort of hood, hat, or headband - a strip of fleece works well. People loose most of their heat through their heads, so keeping your head covered is important. If you can’t keep your head covered, at least keep your ears warm, especially if you’re playing an Elf.
• Soap, shampoo and a towel - keeping the sweat off your skin is really important. If you don’t want to play with wet hair in the winter, take a shower just before you go to bed.

What To Wear:
Leather is useful in cold weather, but only as an outer layer. If you wear leather, have at least one layer - even if it’s a pair of tights - under it. Wear a leather jacket if you have to, and conceal it with a tabard and bracers. Leather armor is much more realistic and in-game, so I suggest that you get some as soon as you can afford to.

Boots or sneakers are best in the cold. Wear thick wool socks or ski socks, but only wear one pair at a time. Layering socks will cut off your circulation. If you really can’t keep your feet warm, go to a ski store and buy a pair of inner-socks and/or hand and foot warmers. (You should always have at least one layer in between your skin and the warmers.) Change your sock liners every day, and wear a different pair of socks at night, to keep sweat from freezing your feet.

If you’re wearing a cloak, be sure to have a windproof layer under it. Cloaks are wonderful - until the wind hits them. Sweatshirts work well to keep the wind at bay, and if you buy a garb shirt a size too big, you can fit a sweatshirt under it.

How Layers Work:
Everyone says, “Wear layers if it’s cold,” but not everyone knows what this means. Wearing layers involves having multiple shirts, tights and pants that will trap warm air in between them. For example, here’s how I layer at a game:

I start with undergarments, bringing a different set for each day. I then use Museum Replicas tights or Long Johns and sock liners on my legs, and a T-shirt on my torso. Sweat pants and a sweatshirt go on next, along with ski socks. Then I put on my Garb shirt, my armor, and my cloak. If it gets warm, the cloak comes off first, then I’ll go into the bathroom to take off the sweatshirt of I’m still too hot. I wear fleece-lined leather gloves, but black ski gloves will work fine in a pinch.

If you have the extra money to put into cold-weather garb, I suggest you go to a skiing or camping store like Eastern Mountain Sports for your layers. They carry lightweight tights and shirts that will keep you warm on the coldest days.