Kids & Cold

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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There's nothing quite so rejuvenating as a day spent exploring the late fall or winter woods. The air is crisp and bracing. Summer's crowds are gone. And with snow blanketing the landscape—hey, we're talking wonderland here.

Of course, before you and your family venture into frigid weather, you'll heed all the warnings about hypothermia. Kids are especially susceptible to this condition, caused by rapid body heat loss. So you'll do what all the guides advise, and dress yourselves in layers: a wicking synthetic for the base (underwear) layer; a wool or synthetic fleece or pile middle (pants and torso) layer; and a breathable, wind- and water-repellent outer shell. You'll top off each outfit with a warm hat, too, and add mittens—not gloves—for hands, and warm socks and boots for feet.

Great. Dressing properly is an essential step for a winter hike with your children. But here are some other important things you can do to ensure a safe outing.