Winter has been for the most part warmer than normal, but every now and then we are faced with a cold, snowy winter day, presenting the challenge to stay warm and dry.

What a difference the right clothing can make. The weather may be cold, windy and wet, but you're warm and dry because you're wearing bona fide winter attire. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or just running errands, adaptable winter apparel is worth the investment.

Mid-December through January is typically our coldest time of the winter. Our bodies are continually acclimating to maintain the proper temperature, and our brain is the thermostat. When it senses a drop in body temperature, it redirects heat to the vital organs in the body core. This means less heat for the extremities, making for numb toes and fingers. This internal heating system works differently for all of us. Keeping this in mind, our concerns should center around what we wear on the slopes to prevent frostbite and/or hypothermia.

There are basics that should be considered when it comes to protecting yourself from the cold. Your physical well-being may have a say in your internal thermostat. For example, skiers with high blood pressure stay warmer because their blood is pushed around the body more vigorously. Your body's iron content has been affiliated with warmth. Lower iron slows the metabolic rates. Taking supplements may help, but as always, consult a doctor.

By far the best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers depending on the weather and your activity. You basically have three main layers — wicking, insulating and weather guard.

The wicking layer is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear. Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic material, usually polyester fiber, that has “wicking” power. This means the fibers will move moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. There are numerous modern High-Tec brands producing excellent base layers. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities. Even when it's cold, you will sweat, especially if you are cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Sweat necessitates the wicking qualities of a base layer. Having three different-weight base layers is a good investment for the varying temperatures and conditions throughout the season.

The insulating layer or middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. This layer keeps heat in and cold out, accomplished by trapping air between the fibers. By far the most popular insulation material is fleece, a synthetic material that maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.

An exterior protection layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. This layer should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and provide a wind block while also letting perspiration evaporate.

WE HAVE THE body covered — now it is time to top it all off with a helmet, and you are set for whatever Mother Nature can dish out. As much as 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a helmet is essential when it's cold.

Note: You should be wearing a helmet no matter the weather. Wearing a lid allows you to wear one less layer on your body. There are many styles of helmets, but you do want one that accommodates your goggles and has a good venting system, allowing you to control the amount of heat that escapes.

Considering the type of activity you'll be doing will determine what kind of gloves or mittens you may need. Buy gloves or mittens that use waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves but offer you less dexterity. Look for ski gloves and mittens with a reinforced palm and thumb area because of extra wear from wearing straps and holding on to poles. For those who get extra cold, buy a glove or mitten that has a zippered pocket on the back to insert warmers if needed.

Personally, I have gloves for each seasonal change during the season. Heavy, with extra liners for the cold months; medium weight for February and early March; and a light, spring-type glove when it gets warmer and sunny toward the end of the season. Be prepared, and have more than one type of each in case they get wet inside or out. Dry gloves are essential.

ANOTHER NECESSARY ACCESSORY you'll need on stormy, cold days is a fleece neck gaiter. Put it on or carry it as an optional add-on if you get cold. It's like adding a body layer and is a must on cold days for warmth and frostbite protection. Protecting your eyes is essential on cold, snowy days. Sunglasses don't do much more than make you look cool and are virtually worthless on cold, snowy days. Save the sunglasses for the deck at après ski. Goggles are very good for helping keep you face warm, protecting the eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow makes ultraviolet rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger. On flat-light days or when it's snowing, goggles are vital, protecting your eyes and giving you the ability to use special lens colors, increasing the contrast so you can properly differentiate terrain features.

No one is impervious to extreme cold, but some knowledge, the right clothing, being prepared and prevention are your best defense against the elements.

On those nasty days, dress warm using layers, avoid alcohol and tobacco, eat plenty of high-energy carbohydrates and drink lots of water. Shop small. See you next run.

Don Jewkes is a 35-year certified PSIA-RM Level 3 teaching professional, a Head Skis area rep, a local resident and owner of Jewkes Custom Painting.