Blizzards are a dangerous type of weather system characterised by large quantities of falling or blowing snow, winds above 56 km/h, and visibility below 400 metres. Their peril is often associated with difficult driving conditions, but walking in a blizzard can be just as bad, leading to disorientation and getting lost in freezing temperatures that are made worse by wind chill. Prolonged exposure can result in hypothermia and frostbite, as seen among a stricken group of hikers in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in winter 2025. With extreme weather and its potentially fatal consequences in the news, what can travellers do to protect themselves when caught in a snowstorm?
Staying informed
Being aware enough of weather forecasts to make informed decisions about whether to make the journey or not is perhaps the most crucial step anyone can take. Nearly all experts recommend checking weather predictions and patterns regularly in the days leading up to any planned departure – and making alternative plans or cancelling altogether if required.
It’s also worth noting that freak blizzards can occur in parts of the world (Iran 1972, Spain 2021) where they would normally be unexpected, so staying alert and not making assumptions is key.
It became bad in a hurry. Views from my back yard and front yard. #nlwx #ShareYourWeather @weathernetwork @NTVNewsNL pic.twitter.com/szPIHjYvt6
— the quiet life 🇨🇦 🫐🐋🐾🏴🐳🫎🦭🍁🦅 (@diggerjones27) December 5, 2025
Clothing
There’s no bad weather, so the saying goes, just bad clothing. And most sources agree that multiple lightweight layers are the order of the day, rather than fewer and heavier. The American Red Cross recommends “layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.”
LivefortheOutdoors agrees, describing a common approach as “a simple, 3-layer system consisting of a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. The base layer is for moisture management and sweat wicking; the insulating mid layer is for warmth; and the outer layer is to keep the wind and rain at bay. Each layer has a very different function, but together they should work in harmony as part of a versatile and efficient overall system.”
The advantage of lightweight layers is that they can easily be brought along on the trip, even if it is not cold when setting out. They can be taken off easily if overheating occurs, to prevent perspiration and subsequent coldness. Extremities such as ears, mouths, and noses should be protected too – the skin turning waxy white on the nose is one of the first signs of frostbite.
Hypothermia can set in if your body temperature drops just 2 degrees so protect yourself from wind chill by dressing warmly and limiting activities outside. Visit https://t.co/3EWTnATpkN for more tips on staying warm this season. pic.twitter.com/AVJMSNzHh7
— Whiteside CHC (@Whiteside_CHC) December 5, 2025
In a car
If preparing for a wintry car journey, the UK government and Automobile Association recommend sturdy shoes, winter tires (or standard tires properly inflated with at least 3mm tread), plus a list of 12 must-haves. They are: a fully charged mobile phone, sunglasses (snow can be glaring), any personal medications that will be needed if you get stuck or delayed for a length of time, a First Aid kit, breakdown emergency contact details, sat-nav or printed route map, blanket or sleeping bag, shovel, de-icer and scraper, a torch or flashlight, calorific snacks, and a flask of hot drink.
Slowing down in poor visibility and icy conditions is essential, so leave enough time for the journey. In addition, recognising when conditions are too severe to continue is vital. Pull over as close as possible to civilisation, a service station, or other shelter. Importantly, never drive around roadblocks or closures.
The US National Weather Service says, if there is no shelter nearby, stay inside the vehicle, except for setting up hazard cones or lights to make sure you and the car are as visible as possible. Contact emergency services as soon as possible. Ensure the exhaust is clear of snow or other blockages and run the engine 10 minutes per hour to build heat. Be conscious that batteries run down faster in cold conditions.
Winter roads can be tricky. Here are our Top 5 Winter Driving Tips to help keep you safe this season.
— Insight Workplace Health (@insighths) December 5, 2025
Prepare your vehicle, clear your windows, slow down, keep your distance, and be ready for the unexpected.#WinterDriving #RoadSafety #WinterWeather #InsightWorkplaceHealth pic.twitter.com/6C4MolrmEH
On foot
For hikers and skiers, it’s a similar story. In addition to the equipment list above, the NWS’s Michael Muccilli told CNN that a whistle, an avalanche transceiver, and an airbag are essential. Never setting out alone and ensuring others know your intended route and destination are simply steps that will increase your chances of being found.
A quick reminder….. #sneachta
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 5, 2025
❄ When things are icy…
🐧Walk like a penguin…
🚶🏻♂️ Walk with a wide base
🖐🏼Hands out of pockets
👣 Feet pointing outwards
👟Wear footwear with grips pic.twitter.com/om1Wb2iRxV
If on foot and trying to find your way, avoid panicking. It is better to breathe steadily, not take huge gulps of cold air, and avoid talking as much as possible. In fact, most advice points out that humans burn more energy and risk injury if trying to walk out of a blizzard, so finding any form of shelter, even a strong overhanging tree branch or a self-made snow cave, can be a safer choice.
If out of water, melting snow will keep you hydrated. And while you should conserve energy, balance that with strategic movements of arms, fingers, and toes to keep the blood moving.
