Dressing for Winter

Dressing up for the Hanover winter is practically an art (and a little bit of science), but don’t worry, we have compiled all the tips and tricks for you to be an expert! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to handle even the coldest days without freezing up. 

Basics of Layering

"The idea of layering is that you can add or remove layers as the temperature changes throughout the day (think being inside heated buildings versus walking outdoors to class, or the freezing 7 a.m. air compared to the milder 2 p.m. temperature). 

The four pillars of layering:

1. Base Layer: This layer keeps sweat away from your skin and helps regulate body temperature. It should fit snugly to your body. Depending on how sensitive you are to the cold, go for a light or mid-weight wool or synthetic base layer. Wear both a top and bottom. You might see these sold as “Thermal Underwear” or “Thermal Base Layer.”
2. Midlayer: This layer traps some heat and should fit a bit looser than the base layer. Options include sweaters, pile jackets, thin puffers, fleece, and similar warm layers.
3. Shell: This is your big winter coat that goes over everything else. Its job is to trap heat, block wind, and keep you dry in the snow. Look for something insulated, like a down coat or parka, and make sure it’s roomy enough to fit over your base and mid-layers.
4. Accessories: Keeping your head, neck, feet, and hands warm is a must!

• Head and ears: Beanies, earmuffs, or headbands work great to stay warm and cozy. If your face is particularly sensitive to the cold, try a balaclava or ski mask.
• Neck: Scarves are always a stylish and versatile choice that can cover your head, ears, or face when needed.
• Hands: Mittens generally keep heat in better than gloves, but if you’ll be handling snow, waterproof gloves may be the better option.
• Feet: Walking through the snow can male your feet cold fast, so insulated and ideally waterproof winter boots are best. Pair them with one or two layers of socks (wool or synthetic are excellent, while cotton is best avoided).

As you go about your day, be mindful of not overheating, since sweating can make your clothes damp and leave you feeling colder once you stop moving. Add or remove layers as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you’ll be doing physical activity (like hiking or skiing), it’s best to start out a little cold, as you’ll warm up quickly once you get moving. 

Remember, everyone has different tolerances for the cold, so dress in a way that feels right for you! It may take a few tries to find the perfect combination of layers, but once you do, you’ll be all set for the Hanover winter.

Layering Workshops

Still not convinced that you know how to layer? ISEO offers layering workshops in collaboration with Campus Partners during the Fall and the Winter. Be on the lookout for announcements from the office about dates and locations!

Where to shop for items

Some options located close to campus: 

• LL Bean 📍Lebanon
• Eastern Mountain Sports 📍Lebanon
• Sierra 📍Lebanon
• Free Market 📍Massachusetts Hall, Dartmouth
  • Visit Dartmouth Sustainability’s website for information on their operating hours.
  • Thrifting: In the U.S., it is culturally accepted and even encouraged, and it has recently become a trend. With benefits like saving money, supporting the community, and promoting sustainability, thrifting is a common practice embraced by many.

 A few other options available online:

• North Face
• Patagonia
• Columbia
• Smartwool

*This is by no means an exhaustive list of options. You can definitely do your own research to see which of the options mentioned above is ideal for you, or even discover one that we didn’t include. 

Winter Wellbeing

Aside from the cold and snow, winter brings other changes you might not expect. One major difference is the reduced daylight hours. You might head into your 2A while it’s still bright outside and walk out to what looks like 9 p.m. in the summer! 

Self-Care Essentials

Here are some personal care essentials to fight against the dry weather and limited sunlight that come with winter:

• Hydrating lotion
• Chapstick/Vaseline (this one will become your best friend!)
• Sunscreen (even if you don’t feel the sun, it still burns!)
• Vitamin Supplements (some people experience vitamin deficiencies during the winter, so schedule an appointment with Dick’s House for advice on how to stay healthy and what supplements you might want to add to your daily routine)
• Sun lamp (you can get one through the Sun Lamp Loaner Program)
• Humidifier (it gets dry in the winter!) 

Taking Care of Mental Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder is something many people experience, so don’t be surprised if winter leaves you feeling a little under the weather. Instead, be armed with resources that can help you navigate the new feelings that the season might bring. 

• Try to maintain the same routine you would in a non-winter term.
• Socialize! You might not be able to sunbathe on the Green with your friends this term, but you could still sit inside and sip on some hot chocolate with them (grab it for free at One Wheelock!).
• Explore the multiple counseling resources available through Dick’s House.
• Visit the Student Wellness Center to learn about its upcoming events.

Thriving During Winter

It's always good to have some tricks up your sleeve to make winter more enjoyable, whether it is less-than-usual ways to stay warm or uniquely winter fun activities!

Getting Around Campus

Warmcuts

In the freezing Hanover winter, Dartmouth students often take “warmcuts”—walking through buildings they normally wouldn’t, just to catch a few seconds of warmth on the way to class. One of the best warmcuts is through Baker-Berry Library!

Campus Connector

The Campus Connector is a great way to get around campus without walking through the cold. Check Dartmouth’s Campus Shuttles website for the schedule, or check this live map that tracks the bus. 

Fun Winter Activities

A snowy day doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! Discover all the unique experiences that winter has to offer!

• Sledding in Pine Park (you can get sleds from the DOC house)
• Ice Skating at Occom Pond (you can get skates through the DOC)
• Taking Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding for a PE Credit
• Annual Snow Fight
• Build a snowman
• Polar Plunge
• Winter Carnival
• Explore Trailhead for other guided outdoor activities!