Snack often on energy producing foods such as nuts, chocolate and dried fruit. Drink plenty of warm fluids such as hot chocolate, bouillon or flavoured gelatin, but avoid coffee and alcohol.

Take frequent rest breaks and avoid travelling during severe wind chills.

When camping, make sure your sleeping bag and tent are rated for the winter nighttime temperatures you'll encounter. Use two closed-cell sleeping pads to minimize the loss of body heat to the ground or snow beneath you.

Keep your sleeping bag and extra clothes in a waterproof bag.

Know the symptoms of hypothermia – uncontrollable shivering (which stops in the later stages), slurred speech, confusion, memory lapses, slowed reflexes, lack of coordination, drowsiness, and bluish skin. Hypothermia is caused by exposure (to cold, wet, and wind that rob the body of energy) and exhaustion (the body using energy faster than it can produce it). It can occur at temperatures above zero and those not in good physical shape, or who have recently been ill, are more susceptible.

If a person develops mild to moderate hypothermia, begin treatment immediately. Get them to a sheltered area and into warm, dry clothing. If possible, have them get into a sleeping bag with another (warm) person. Cover exposed skin, especially the head and administer quick energy foods such as chocolate or bouillon. Seek medical help.

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