Spending time outside this winter — sledding, skiing, or just enjoying the snow (if you can find it) — comes with a reminder about alcohol and cold weather. While a drink might make you feel warmer - we’ve seen it in old westerns and cartoons - it actually does the opposite. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to widen, sending heat toward your skin and away from your core, which can speed up heat loss and increase your risk of hypothermia.
It can also cloud judgment, making you more likely to shed layers or underestimate how dangerous cold and wet conditions can be. Alcohol is dehydrating too — another strike against your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
If you do choose to drink outdoors in the cold, safety experts recommend eating beforehand, alternating alcohol with water, dressing in layers, and sticking with friends who can help keep an eye out. And remember: moderation matters. Sometimes the safest choice is saving that drink for when you’re warm and indoors.
