How to Survive (and Love) Winter

Well well well Cats, it’s a new year and we’re back in Burlington for the Spring semester! The term “Spring” is to be used lightly, however, because as we’re all well aware Vermont winter is in full swing. This is a truth that for me is both exciting and daunting, and I imagine many can agree. At times winter can feel hard to get through, especially with Burlington’s lack of sun and warmth. Finding ourselves amidst the coldest and darkest months of the year, the season seems like it drags on, while the days appear so short. Learning to enjoy (and simply survive) winter has been a lengthy process for me, but over time I’ve found habits and practices that have made me look forward to the season, and I’d love to share them with you. 

Winter Clothing: 

One of the things I look forward to about winter is the clothing! The colder temperatures offer an ability to layer and a potential for more variety in outfit appearance. Plus, winter gear can be so cute and cozy. 

When it comes to simply surviving the cold, I cannot stress enough the importance of effective layering! One of my pet peeves is layering up for the frigid temperatures outside only to be sweating buckets by the time I get inside a building. It’s important to be mindful of how you layer so you can add and remove clothes throughout the day if you prefer. 

For base layers, synthetic materials tend to wick moisture from your body, while cotton absorbs your body moisture. As far as winter jackets, I recommend one filled with down, as it is lighter weight than other materials and offers great insulation. Check out our Layering 101 blog for some more in-depth advice. 

While winter clothing can be pricey, remember that the essentials are long-term investments! On-sale and second-hand sections of stores can be your best friend when it comes to these purchases. For example, I bought my puffer jacket on sale at the L.L. Bean in Williston last year and wore it almost every day from December to March. Outdoor Gear Exchange in downtown Burlington, where I bought my base layer thermal, has a great second-hand section too. Many of my sweaters are from Goodwill! Not only is this easier on the bank account, but better for the environment too. 

Though the quality of your winter clothes is the most important key to survival, appearance is still of value! You want to enjoy the clothes you’re in and look forward to wearing them. Trust me, you’ll probably be wearing the same jacket every day, so I wouldn’t completely count out the value of appearance. Furthermore, cute hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and socks can spice up your winter wardrobe, and though these may be small additions, the warmth they provide can go a long way. Plus – you can support your fellow students and local artists who crochet/knit these items, or learn to make them yourself! Indulging in the joys of winter fashion is a small way to begin loving the season. 

Winter (Physical) Activities: 

Just because the temperatures are dropping and the sunlight is a rarity doesn’t mean you have to stop being active! My favorite part of winter is by far the activities that come with it. Remaining active is so, so important for your mind and body alike. 

Outdoor activity is definitely my favorite kind, and I know many UVM students agree. For me, it clears my mind and allows me to escape from my stressors for a while. I recommend: 

• Going for walks: Whether it’s a winter-wonderland walk through Centennial Woods or just one across campus, this is the easiest way to remain active daily. 

• Skiing & snowboarding: This is the highlight of winter for me and such a fun weekend activity with friends. It’s never too late to learn these skills and you don’t have to be an expert or a thrill-seeker – I’m a sucker for beginner and intermediate-level trails. Be sure to check out some of the benefits UVM Ski and Snowboard Club has to offer! Chicks on Sticks is also a great student group of female-identifying and gender-non-conforming skiers and riders, so be sure to check them out too! Plus, Bolton Valley is about a half-hour drive from campus and provides some good deals on night skiing. What better way to unwind after classes? Our Going to the Slopes 101 Blog  contains more helpful tips and information. 

• Playing in the snow: We may be in college but who says we can’t exercise our childlike whimsy and joy? There will be plenty of snow to go around so build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding when the opportunity presents itself! FYI there’s a great hill off Colchester Avenue in front of the brick building attached to the UVM Medical Center. 

• Ice Skating: The ice rink on Athletic is officially open! Daily from 11am-10pm it’s BYOS (bring your own skates) but a little birdie told me if you don’t have them there are free skate rentals offered at UVM Basecamp. Off-campus, I recommend the Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena. Ice skating with loved ones is such a heartwarming staple of winter. Yes, I may be gripping the wall for my life in the first half hour, but after that, I get the hang of it and have a blast, and I’m sure you will too. 

• Cold plunging: This is certainly a great way to bond with your loved ones, and has benefits for your brain and your body. Cold plunging can release endorphins and boost your mood. Check out the upcoming Penguin Plunge at Waterfront Park to support Special Olympics Vermont. Fun fact – I have been cold plunging at least once a winter for the past 9 years!  

• Hiking: I know hiking in the snow sounds crazy (and it can be) but don’t let a challenge stop you! The challenge makes it that much more rewarding. And snowshoeing is an option too. Just be sure to layer properly and wear microspikes on your hiking boots. Waterproof pants are a must as well. I’m gonna use this opportunity to plug UVM Outing Club, UVM Summit Sisters, POCO (People of Color Outdoors), and all the programs or trips they offer! As a participant in both the BEARS and WILD Outing Club programs, I can’t recommend getting involved enough, even if you have the slightest bit of interest. Hiking with strangers (turned friends) in all sorts of weather was definitely the highlight of my freshman year. 

If braving the cold isn’t for you, it’s still possible to remain physically active inside! Some examples of indoor physical activity include: 

• Yoga: Yoga is a great de-stressor, it allows you to become more in tune with your body and physicality, and to center your focus. Whether doing a few daily stretches in your room or joining a group class, the benefits are abundant. 

• Hitting the Gym: GET SHREDDED! This is ironic coming from me, a person who can probably count the number of times he has stepped into a gym in his life on one hand. That being said, going with a buddy to workout at the gym can be something you do on the regular or just every so often to keep yourself feeling strong and energized. 

• Group classes: Purchase a UVM group fitness pass and enjoy classes with friends and friendly faces alike. From spin to Zumba, sprint to body pump, yoga to barre, UVM’s got it all. You can find a class (or more) to attend every day of the week if you so please! I just tried spin class for the first time with my friends and it was so so fun! 

Winter Lifestyle: 

At the very core of loving winter is the lifestyle and routine you establish. As life slows down, these aspects of living become increasingly important. It reminds me of a quote I love; “to survive the seasons, you must change with them”.  

Winter is the time to get your hygge (pronounced hyoo⋅guh) on. “Hygge” is a Danish term (roughly translating to “coziness”) turned lifestyle that embraces warmth, contentment, and community, especially during the winter months. Its helped people of Scandinavian countries, especially in the North, remain so happy despite cold and dark winters. Plus, it’s become all the rage on the internet. 

To make your living space a little more hygge, I recommend warm blankets and an abundance of soft pillows. Let the natural light in while it lasts, but cozy lighting is key too – warm, soft lighting is the best for this, whether that be through lamps or candles. I find that red and purple lighting creates a very relaxing environment as well! A great way to add back some of the green in your life that you may be missing outdoors is through plants. Of course, rearranging or redecorating your space can help to keep your life feeling fresh and interesting. It is important to keep your relaxation spaces separate from your study spaces. Setting this boundary allows you to establish balance and more easily decompress when it’s time to. 

One of my favorite ways to invite coziness into my life is through the food I consume. Now is the time for warm, comforting foods that fulfill and nourish you in the midst of the cold and darkness. Soups, hot sandwiches, pastas, coffees, teas, hot chocolates… these warm foods and drinks not only bring upon hygge but also have nutritional values like stimulating circulation and increasing energy in your body. 

Hygge is all about comforting habits. As you find your life slowing down, look inwardly for pastime and contentedness. I recommend finding your chosen form of expression or decompression and indulging in it frequently. Whether that be through journaling, crocheting, cooking, drawing, etc., finding a creative outlet is such an overlooked but crucial part of everyday life. Indulging in hobbies simply for personal enjoyment as opposed to needing to be “good” at them is so in for 2025! Maybe even try meditating or other forms of self-reflection to center and ground yourself. Have no shame in “me time” – it’s important! 

That being said, a key part of the hygge lifestyle is spending time together. Winter is an easy time to feel isolated, so finding a balance in your social life is a need. ‘Tis the season for white elephant gift exchanges, baking, dinner parties, crafting, TV watching, etc. with friends. Enjoy these moments and hold your loved ones close. 

As we dive head first into this semester, remember to seek and appreciate the small joys in your everyday life. I hope my insight has been at least the slightest bit helpful, and most importantly I wish you all a happy & healthy, cozy & hygge winter.