For the Uninitiated: SnowHacks

O’Brian Gunn

Whether you greet winter with open arms wrapped in a North Face jacket or belt out a Godzilla roar and succumb to the urge to demolish Tokyo, there’s nothing you can do about the weather. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to hack your way through winter rather than suffer through it. Properly prepare your wardrobe, car, and home before the next deep freeze settles in.

Give Yourself a Lesson in Layering

Rather than blowing your holiday bonus on the thickest and most luxurious coats and sweaters you can find, you and your finances will be better off learning how to layer your clothes so you stay equally warm and dry. We start off with the base layer, which is closest to your skin. To keep from smelling like hot garbage, opt for synthetic materials, wool (or even silk) to keep sweat from clinging to your skin and seeping into your clothes.

Over that goes the heat-trapping, insulating layer. What you’ll wear depends on the weather for the day (or in the case of Denver, the weather for the hour). Go for something that’s breathable, light, insulating, and quick-drying.

Your outer layer jacket or coat needs to shield you from the wind, rain, and snow. Whatever cutting-edge insulating and fashionable option you choose, make sure it’s breathable, otherwise it’ll soak up your sweat like a sartorial sponge. Now all that’s left is a matching scarf, hat, gloves, and all of the other proper wintertime accoutrements.

Driving Through the Driven Snow

It’s a good idea to winterize your car as soon as possible so you’re well-prepared for that morning commute through the snow and ice. Take your car in for routine maintenance to avoid preventable breakdowns in the snow. You’ll also want to check your tire pressure often, switch to de-icer fluid for your windshield, check your battery, and make sure your antifreeze is half water and half coolant. It’s also best that you keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent moisture from freezing up your gas lines. If you’ve got snow tires, strap those bad boys on. If you don’t, check to see if any suppliers are offering specials.

Housing in a Winter Wonderland

Schedule maintenance for your heating system and roof ASAP. Even though both may seem fine now, there might be minor and inexpensive repairs that you can take care of to save yourself an icy headache later on. Keep your bills just as low as the plummeting mercury by reversing the direction of your ceiling fans.

When it’s time to shovel the walkway and driveway, a coating of non-stick cooking spray or WD-40 on your shovel keeps the snow from clinging like that regrettable summer fling you once had. You know the one. While you’re outside, give your exposed pipes and their joints a spritz of WD-40 to help prevent them from bursting. Keep your floors clean and dry when you come in by setting out a shallow tray filled with small rocks and place your boots and shoes inside.

Instead of checking the week’s forecast to get ready for winter, stay ready with these hacks and tips. A little innovation and preparation can help you beat winter like it stole something. l