Surviving Utah Winters: A Crash Course

Photo courtesy of David Blackwell via Flickr Creative Commons

As any Minnesotan will tell you, Utah winters have nothing on the seasons of our fellow states to the north.  “At least you get snow,” they say. “In Minnesota, it gets too cold to snow.  Your skin freezes when you go outside. Your teeth fall out of your mouth.  Your tears turn to ice mid-air.” But since more than 30% of the BYU student body is from California, I offer this crash course in surviving Utah winters as a public service.

1. I hate to be the one to break this to you, but you will need to buy a winter coat. I’m always surprised at how many people don’t realize this.  Too many people think that a sweatshirt is going to cut it on a cold winter’s night so deep.  Save yourself the discomfort of freezing between classes, and just get a coat now.
2. If you’re going to drive this winter, you should probably learn to drive in the snow.  It’s intimidating, but it’s mostly about learning to feel your car on the road.  Find yourself a great driver to teach you, but in the meantime, here’s a tip.  If your car starts to slide on the road, turn the steering wheel in the direction the back of the car is sliding, and whatever you do, don’t slam on your brakes (I learned that one the hard way).
3. Carry an umbrella on rainy or snowy days for walking between classes on campus.  It’s a lot easier to stay warm when your head is dry.  Plus, let’s be honest.  The snow is going to ruin your hair.
4. Since the temperature can change quickly, be ready for sudden shifts in the weather.  It’s not uncommon for it to be cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon, nor is it uncommon for it to snow one day and be 60 degrees the next.  The best idea is just to check the weather in the morning.
5. And since it’s going to get pretty cold, try out some wintery things! Sundance is a pretty great place to ski and while snowball fights aren’t allowed on campus, there are enough parks nearby to make your winter dream of a snow war a reality.  Take some really excellent winter pictures.  Have some hot chocolate.  It’ll be warm again soon.  Enjoy the chilly temperatures while you can!

It’s not always going to be great, but some days, Provo can be a picture-perfect winter wonderland.   And now, you’ve got the know-how to enjoy the season to its fullest!