Hypothermia: How to Prevent and Recognize It in Time

Hypothermia isn't just a snow risk — the combination of wind, wet clothing and fatigue can lower body temperature even when the thermometer reads above 10°C (50°F). The early signs are often subtle: shivering that won't stop, clumsiness in speech or movement, mood changes (unusual irritability or apathy). At that point, stopping and taking action matters more than pushing on to 'get there faster.' Prevention is always better than treatment: clothing layers you can add or remove based on effort, changing out of wet clothes as soon as possible, and eating and drinking regularly even without feeling thirsty — the body spends far more energy regulating temperature than you'd notice. If you see these signs in someone in your group, say something. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid (WFR) specifically to step in on situations like this before they escalate.

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