Dress to impress: Surviving a Calgary winter

As November brings its first heavy snowfall, UCalgary is ready to embrace the winter season. You’ll notice students bundling up in layers, wearing winter boots, and opting for the university's underground tunnels to escape the chill on their way to class. 

For those experiencing their first winter in Calgary, it can feel like a daunting season to navigate, with temperatures well below freezing, snow blizzards and less sunlight. However, with a bit of preparation, winter in Calgary can also be a time for exciting activities and memorable experiences.

The key is to prepare, stay informed about safety and keeping warm, and enjoying all the season’s highlights, whether it’s partaking in winter sports, attending festive events, or appreciating the beauty of snowfall.

Dressing for the winter

The first step to surviving winter in Calgary is investing in high-quality winter gear to stay warm during the coldest days. Good winter clothes can be the difference between being able to comfortably walk to the bus station and losing feeling in your fingers and toes from the cold! Key words to look for in winter clothes are:

• Insulated: Insulated clothing helps retain body heat, for example, as you walk your feet feel warmer, not colder.
• Waterproof: Repels water or snow, not allowing it to seep through and keeping you dry in snow and slush.
• Breathable: Breathable fabrics allow moisture to escape, preventing sweat from making you cold.

Choosing the right fabrics is also important—wool, fleece, goose-down fill, and synthetic insulation are good options for staying warm. Additionally, investing in higher quality, durable items can save you money in the long run, as they’ll withstand Calgary’s long winters and remain effective for many years to come.

Essential winter gear

1. A good winter jacket is key: Choose one designed to withstand extreme temperatures, such as -30°C. Look for features like insulation, wind-proofing and waterproofing. Many brands include temperature ratings on their tags, which can guide you while you are browsing options.
2. Winter boots or snow boots are necessary since ice and snow can make surfaces slippery. Choose boots that are waterproof, insulated, and equipped with soles that provide a good grip on icy terrain.
3. It’s also important to keep your extremities (hands, ears, and feet) warm, as these areas receive less blood flow in cold weather. Gloves or mittens are essential, with mittens offering extra warmth, since they keep your fingers together, and gloves providing better dexterity. 
4. Winter accessories are another important layer. A scarf is helpful for shielding your neck and face from the cold wind and warming the air you breathe, helping to protect your lungs and reduce the risk of illness. A warm hat, such as a “toque” or “beanie” in Canada, is an essential accessory for staying warm during the colder months, as covering your head helps protect against heat loss and keeps you comfortable in freezing temperatures.
5. Lastly, wearing thermal undergarments as a first layer will help insulate and retain your body heat, including long underwear or stockings, tights, or even leggings as internal wear. Wearing good quality thick socks can help too, if you’re wearing shoes that are not winter boots and would still want to keep your feet warm, opting for merino wool is a good recommendation.

Shopping tips for winter clothing

In Calgary, it's best to buy winter gear in advance to get the best prices and discounts. Popular retailers like SportChek, Hudson’s Bay and Mountain Warehouse offer a variety of options, while stores like Winners, Marshall's or Costco provide more budget-friendly alternatives. 

Consignment, thrift or secondhand shops such as Value Village and Goodwill often have great deals on used winter jackets, boots, and accessories. Checking online peer-to-peer selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji can also help you find affordable clothes locally. If you plan on meeting up with someone to buy (or sell) something, be sure to read the Calgary Police Service’s safety tips.