Walk in the first snowfall

The first snow of the year is over quickly, so the whole idea is to go out while it’s still falling. Put your boots on, leave the to-do list and step outside. Everything goes quiet, the light changes and a familiar street looks new. It takes ten minutes, and you will feel better for it.

When to go

Go as soon as you can. Snow that is fresh and falling is the point, and it can melt or be trampled by lunchtime. If it starts in the evening, go out in the dark: street lights make the flakes glow, and the quiet is even stronger.

If it comes while you’re at work or in class, take a break and step outside for a minute. You don’t need to plan a walk. Just look up.

Choose somewhere easy and familiar, such as your street, a local park or the path to the shop. You’ll notice more when you aren’t busy finding your way. Stay on sidewalks and paths, and avoid slopes you can’t see.

If you want to start in daylight, plan so you finish before dark. Winter light is short, and it’s easier to walk home while you can see where you’re stepping.

What to wear

You’ll be moving slowly, and snow gets into everything.

• Waterproof boots with a grippy sole, and warm socks
• A hat that covers your ears, and gloves
• A coat that is waterproof, or at least water-resistant, with a hood
• Layers underneath that you can take off, so you don’t overheat when you come back in
• Dry clothes to change into afterwards. Wet clothes make you cold quickly.

How to do it

1. Check the time. Ten minutes is plenty, so you can go any time.
2. Step outside and stand still for a moment. Listen. Fresh snow absorbs sound.
3. Walk slowly. Look at how the snow settles on branches, railings, cars and rooftops.
4. Notice the footprints. Yours might be the first on the path.
5. Hold out a glove and watch the flakes land. For a closer look, see catching snowflakes.
6. Take one photo, if you want one, and then put your phone away.
7. Go home when you feel cold, not when you’re freezing. Take your wet things off at the door.

If you want to stay longer

Ten minutes is enough, but you can stretch it. Walk to a place you like, such as a park, a bridge or the edge of a field, and stand there for a while. Snow changes a place most in the first hour, as it settles and the sounds fade. If you take a thermos of something hot, you can turn the walk into a short pause, and then head home before your feet get cold.

If other people are out too, you may find the street feels friendlier than usual. People tend to slow down and smile on the first snowy day.

What goes wrong

• It’s slippery. Fresh snow can hide ice. Take small steps, keep your hands out of your pockets and be careful on steps, curbs and slopes.
• Your feet are wet. Waterproof boots are the fix. If you don’t have any, keep it short and put on dry socks as soon as you’re home.
• You’re driving. If you have to drive, leave extra time and follow local advice. If conditions are bad, it’s fine to stay in. The first snow will still be there to watch from a window.
• It stops before you get out. That happens. There will be more snow later in winter.
• It doesn’t snow where you live. The same idea works with the first properly cold, bright morning. Go out in your coat and notice what changed.

Keep it

You can keep a photo, or write down the date. It is a small record of the first snow of the year, and it’s nice to compare with the next one. When you come in, make something hot and let your hands warm up.

Make it a winter evening

The first snow is a good reason to cancel nothing and change the mood. Go out for ten minutes, come back in and put on something warm. Then maybe have a cozy night in with a hot chocolate, or build a snowman if there’s enough on the ground.