Winter in Boston

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Winter is sometimes really hard for POC. Here's some advice, which might be intuitive for some, but might be deal breakers for those of us from warmer places:

• BUY A REAL SCARF. A heavy jacket and a hat will not cut it.

You need a scarf that fills in the gaps (neck) and can cover the face.

• Invest in a solid pair of waterproof boots if you're a walker.
• Invest in a large Down jacket. It will last multiple winters. Fashion be damned.

• Do NOT buy a Canada Goose coat out of peer pressure, despite what the undergrads are wearing. $1000 for a jacket is not necessary. A solid, fashionable one may be at most $250. I've seen decent ones at $100.
• Allow for extra time on your commute as soon as it snows or freezes.
  • Buses are slower (and sometimes don't show up at all)
  • cars are slower and prone to more accidents and thus traffic
  • biking is a pain (if you're brave enough to attempt it)
  • The Red line ALWAYS stalls in the above-ground portions (south of downtown and north of Porter) during heavy snows, so never trust it.
• Car tips:
  • Turn on the car and run the heat for a few minutes as you scrape the windshield
  • Never buy a Ford Taurus
  • Before the snow or freeze, lift the wipers to prevent them from freezing to the windshield (they should stick out perpendicular to the car).
  • DRIVE SLOWLY after ice/snow. Your safest bet is to follow behind a snow truck (with some space).
  • Remember that ice is clear, but it is probably there. Slow down, follow the flow of traffic.
• House tips:
  • "Salt" the sidewalk before the big snow or freeze to melt what lands on top. Not table salt -- there's a special kind at the hardware store. Your landlord might provide some.
  • Use sand as an alternate to salt (creates friction rather than melting the ice) which helps pedestrians.
  • Shovel often. Don't let it pile up!
  • In most cities it's illegal to let snow pile up on sidewalks. Your landlord might take care of this, but if not, you are responsible for the snow in front of your house.
  • Shovel for your neighbors and they'll love you forever (and might return the favor).
  • Always volunteer to shovel for elderly and physically disabled neighbors. Be a nice person.

• Skiing: If you have the disposable income, try it at least once. You can't knock it til you've tried it! Snowboarding is super hard though, so try it after skiing first.
  • If you do outdoor winter sports, waterproof pants and gloves are 100% necessary. Do not wear cotton or jeans! Borrow from a friend to avoid the extra costs. I found $20 ski pants at Marshall's. Don't spend $300 at REI.
  • Invest in ski socks. They're thick and warm and great for winter even if you're not doing outdoorsy stuff.
  • YOU MUST USE HAND AND FOOT WARMERS or else you'll suffer. Buy in bulk if you can.