Hazard of Temperature

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It's important to check the temperature before doing any snow sports. This is to ensure that wear the current amount of clothing! Typically, the ideal temperature for skiing and snowboarding is around -8oC to 3oC. It's important note that more body heat is generated when travelling along more difficult courses and less on easier courses, so make sure to dress with the difficulty of the course in mind. 

Unusually Cold Conditions

Around -10oC, make sure to bulk up on the warm layers such as fleece jackets or gloves. Below -15oC, temperatures are low enough to consider cancelling the trip. The main hazards association with these cold temperatures are frostbite, hypothermia, and potentially wind chill.  

Aside from human hazards, there are environmental issues as well. With a colder atmosphere, the snow on the surface tends to form quickly and contain a lot a space between each snow crystal. As such, this creates a weaker snow layer. If another layer of snow falls on top and buries the weak snow layer, it creates the chance for avalanches to occur. 

Unusually Warm Conditions

Temperatures above 5oC is considered warm. At this temperature, all that is requires is a long sleeve sweater and light jacket. Above 10oC, temperatures are very warm and all that is needed to ski or snowboard is a long sleeve shirt or t shirt. The main hazards with warm weather is the potential for hyperthermia, heat strokes and solar isolation. 

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