Tips on Staying Warm in Winter

Hot tea can be a godsend on cold days. It heats you up from the inside and also keeps your fingers nice and warm. © Tirol Werbung - Haindl Ramon

How to keep yourself – and your kids – warm in winter.

1. Second pair of gloves

From digging a snow shelter to making a snowman, there are lots of ways your hands can get wet and cold in winter. We recommend taking another pair of gloves with you so you can swap them if needed. Woollen mittens are the best when it comes to keeping your fingers nice and toasty warm.

Snowball fights are great fun, but they can often leave both adults and kids alike with wet gloves. Take along a second pair to change into before your hands get cold. © Tirol Werbung - Haindl Ramon

2. Flask of hot tea

A nice flask of hot tea is one of the best ways to stay warm. Add a little honey or sugar, or maybe a drop of apple juice, for a bit of extra energy. You can also pop in a piece of ginger for a little zing that will keep you warm on the inside no matter how cold things get.

3. Quality clothing

Layering-up is good, but quality clothing is just as important. Make sure you use natural materials such as wool, down and sheepskin if possible. You should make sure the layers aren't too tight – air circulating between the items of clothing acts as natural barrier to keep out the cold.

4. Hands in your armpits

If your hands are cold, stick them in your armpits to keep them warm. This is better than putting them in your pockets – the body's natural warmth is a great source of heat.

From ice swimming to snowshoe hiking, the best way to warm up cold hands is by putting them in your armpits. © Tirol Werbung - Bert Heinzlmeier

5. Snow shower

If you are all hot and sweaty at the end of a hike, we recommend grabbing a handful of snow and rubbing it over your face and upper body. This is a lot better than waiting for the sweat to cool on your skin. Pull on a set of fresh, dry clothes and hey presto!

6. Comfy shoes

Lots of people think warm socks are the key to warm feet. They can help, but it is also important to make sure they don't make your shoes too tight. When buying a pair of winter boots, make sure you take along a pair of thick socks.

7. Think pleasant thoughts

Josef Köberl has years of experience in cold-water swimming. His top tip when it comes to dealing with the pain? "I think warm thoughts," he says with a smile. Sounds simple, but finding the right mindset and learning to accept the situation really can make a difference.

When the going gets cold, sometimes it helps to think warm thoughts. © Tirol Werbung - Katharina Poblotzki