Snowflakes have already started flying across Ohio, setting the stage for some fun, winter-related outdoor sports, such as skiing, sledding, ice fishing and ice skating. It's also a quieter time of the year, providing visitors to Ohio's state parks and other outdoor sites with more solitude and spectacular views.
This site is a comprehensive guide of all that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has to offer in the winter. ODNR offers recreational opportunities for everyone, so get outside and enjoy the season.
ODNR would like to remind everyone that winter activity safety is the most important issue to keep in mind, especially around ice. When outside, please remember the following safety tips:
Dressing for the Cold
Come prepared, be aware, and know when to go indoors.
- Dress warmly in layers: Start with insulating fabrics and use a final layer of protective fabrics.
- Insulating fabrics trap the body’s heat. Start with thin layers of polypropylene close to the skin. Add fabrics that retain heat even when wet such as wool or synthetic fleece.
- Avoid 100 percent cotton garments, as they are most effective at drawing heat away from the body.
- Protective fabrics prevent the elements from cooling the insulating layers. Parkas, rain suits, paddling gear, and jackets made of nylon, Gore-tex and some of the new microfibers are ideal.
- Keep your head, neck and hands covered, and wear waterproof boots.
Additional recommendations
- Wear a life vest under your winter gear or a new flotation snowmobile suit. Do NOT wear a flotation device when traveling across ice in an enclosed vehicle!
- Drink water to prevent dehydration, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Be alert for symptoms of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, slow or slurred speech, memory lapses, or clumsiness.
- Don’t “overdrive” your snowmobile’s headlight. Stopping on ice at even 30 miles per hour can take a much longer distance than your headlight shines.