Tips and essentials for your next winter adventure. Vocabulary in this post insulation noun /ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃən/ /ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/ Any of a variety of materials designed to reduce the flow of heat, either from or into a building. Examples: "The house's insulation kept the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. " windchill noun /ˈwɪndtʃɪl/ The still-air temperature equivalent to a given combination of temperature and wind speed, as far as its cooling effect on exposed flesh is concerned Examples: "The actual temperature was 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but with the windchill, it felt like -5. " gear noun /ɡɪə(ɹ)/ /ɡɪɚ/ Equipment or paraphernalia, especially that used for an athletic endeavor. Examples: "The hikers carefully packed their gear for the weekend camping trip. " hypothermia noun /ˌhaɪpoʊˈθɜːrmiə/ /ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːrmiə/ Abnormally low body temperature; specifically, below 35°C. Examples: "The hiker suffered from hypothermia after being lost in the mountains for hours. " waterproof adjective /ˈwɔtərˌpruf/ /ˈwɑtərˌpruf/ Made of or covered with material that doesn't allow water in. Examples: "My new backpack is waterproof, so I can bring my water bottle to school without worrying about it leaking. " traction noun /ˈtɹæk.ʃən/ The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface. Examples: "The car's tires lost traction on the icy road, causing it to skid. " blizzard noun /ˈblɪ.zəd/ /ˈblɪ.zɚd/ A large snowstorm accompanied by strong winds and greatly reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Examples: "School was canceled today because of the blizzard. " avalanche noun /ˈævəlɑːnʃ/ /ˈævəlæntʃ/ A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice. Examples: "After the heavy snowfall, the mountain guide warned hikers about the risk of an avalanche. " permafrost noun /ˈpɝməˌfɹɔst/ Permanently frozen ground, or a specific layer thereof. Examples: "The melting permafrost is releasing methane into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. "
