In our opinion, the four seasons are what makes New Hampshire truly special! Spring is fairly short but appreciated! Summers are warm and some days are overly humid. Fall is mild and the colors are spectacular!! Winter is…Winter!! It can start snowing in November, or as late as January and can last until March. While it can be cold, it is often bright and very sunny during in the winter.
Winter - how to survive?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions! If you aren’t used to these low temps, it can feel quite chilly… BUT don’t worry, if you’re adequately prepared, you’ll be just fine! Plus, you might even find you enjoy the change of seasons and plethora of winter activities!!
How to Prepare
If you’ve never lived in snow or freezing temperatures, it’s likely you won’t have the proper equipment for a comfortable New England winter. Below are a few items to consider purchasing before it gets too cold.
- Heating: Winters can be bitterly cold and burst pipes are a risk.
- Check your lease for who is responsible to pay for damages due to extreme cold (in most cases it is the renter unless you can show that the heating failed).
- Keep your house warm (at least at 55F) at all times when the temperatures drop below freezing. Some leases even specify how warm you have to keep your house.
- Identify drafty windows/doors and insulate them (you can find cheap and easy window insulation kits on amazon). It can save you a lot of money on your heating/electricity bill.
- Get renters insurance in case something happens.
- Warm clothes
- Warm jacket: down or wool work best. You can also use a 2-layer jacket with fleece inside and windbreaker outside, but most first-timers find that’s not warm enough.
- Snow boots: waterproof, with insulation. Some boots have a removable lining (which helps them dry faster if they get wet). Sometimes fashion takes a back seat when choosing good boots, but you’ll be glad you focused on being practical!
- Wool socks: yes, really. Thick cotton socks are just not warm enough.
- Gloves or mittens: you’re looking for wool, fur-lined or ski (synthetic) gloves or mittens. A winter hat or head covering of some sort. 40-45% of body heat is lost through the top of your head!
- Optional but recommended: sweaters, long johns, a scarf,
- Warm bedding - a few extra blankets (down or wool, if possible), flannel sheets. They will change your life.
- Winter sport equipment - skis, ice skates, snowshoes, sleds, etc. If you can’t beat'em, join’em! Most equipment can be found on campus to rent or borrow, so don’t buy it until you try it!
- For tips on driving in the snow, check out our Vehicles page.
Mud Season
The dreaded 5th season of the Upper Valley that sneaks in during March. Be prepared for many muddy parking lots and roads that will make traveling slightly more difficult. Also, if you have plans to hike during this time, be sure to give trails a chance to dry out.
DCPDA Tip:
- There are several places in the UV that will sell you quality winter gear. Try Huberts, LLBean, or Eastern Mountain Sports in Lebanon, NH. A wider selection can be found in Farm-way in Bradford, VT. All have good sales in October.
- REI is a good online resource, concessions sales at Outdoor Gear Xchange in Burlington VT is good too.
- Check out our BuySellTrade channel on slack and Darlist for winter gear!
