Photo by Joyce Keough
The onset of cold weather can transform the outdoors into a
winter wonderland, full of opportunities for you to enjoy skiing, ice skating,
sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing. While creating lasting winter memories,
be sure to take proper safety precautions.
Make a plan. Always make sure that someone knows where you
are. Inform a friend or relative if you are going out and when you plan to
return.
Check the weather report. Heed precautions and advisories.
If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures,
consider avoiding outdoor
activities until the weather improves.
Wear the gear. Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by dressing
in loose, comfortable layers, wearing proper footwear and keeping your head,
ears and hands covered
(wind and water resistant fabrics provide the best
protection). Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Supervise children. Adult supervision is the best protection
for children. Be sure to watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Avoid hazards. Survey the area and identify the potential
danger spots; deep snow can camouflage obstacles and water features. Be
extremely cautious on ice!
Protect what counts. Always wear your helmet and/or
protective goggles when participating in winter activities like snowmobiling,
skiing and skating.
Take a break. During any extended outdoor winter activity,
be sure to come inside for regular breaks and stay hydrated. Give yourself a
chance to warm up every
couple of hours with a cup of hot cocoa or other warm drink.
Alcohol and winter activities don’t mix. Stay sober while
participating in any winter activities.
Limit winter travel. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make
sure your car is stocked with emergency equipment, the gas tank is at least
half-full and be prepared to handle the slick road conditions. Keep all of your
vehicle’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a
key to good driving.
Sled safe.
Don’t sled in parking areas, roadways, rivers or lakes.
Always ride sitting and facing forward (going down head first increases the
chance of head and spinal injuries). Sledding equipment should be in good
repair without sharp edges. Avoid “jumps” that send a rider airborne—the higher
they fly, the harder they fall. The building of such “jumps” is a violation of
Park Rule 5.1(e) and the offender can be cited. Watch for other sledders and
walk up the side when returning to the top of the hill.
Enjoy sledding at four hills throughout Lake Metroparks:
• Moderate hill
located off the Riverwood Trail
• Small hill used
primarily by cross-country skiers to practice control skills
• Moderate sledding
hill located next to parking lot
• Hill steeper than
Hidden Valley hill—located next to parking lot
Watch the ice.
Ice conditions are highly variable and can change quickly
due to weather conditions and water currents. Please use extreme caution and
ensure ice is thick enough and safe before you venture onto any ice.
Please note the following:
• Lake Metroparks
does not monitor ice conditions.
• Whenever you are
in doubt of the ice condition, stay off the ice.
• Children should
never be on the ice without adult supervision.
• You should not
travel alone on the ice.
• Beware of thin ice in and around partially submerged structures, embankments, vegetation
and along dams or spillways.
• Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure
ridges, slushy areas, moving water and darker areas that may signify thin ice.
