Polar vortex: What to wear for a North American winter

Niagara Falls froze solid in the 2014 polar vortex, when temperatures hit -37C. Photo / Getty Images

Going to North America in winter has lots of advantages — but staying warm is a serious business

Stepping out of Alaska's Ted Stevens Airport was like slap in the face.

It was January and the temperature was about minus 20C. I'd just come from a 40C heatwave in Melbourne, and it was hard to believe I'd branded myself with a seatbelt on the way home from work just two days prior.

At those temperatures, exposed skin hurts. I remember being amazed when I covered my face with my scarf, only to have it freeze from the moisture in my breath.

In the next five to seven days, a polar vortex will descend on the continent, bringing a punishing blast of Arctic air that will push temperatures as low as minus 35C.

Temperatures in Chicago hit minus 17C during the polar vortex of 2014. Photo / Getty Images

A similar phenomenon occurred in 2014, when temperatures plummeted so low even the mighty Niagara Falls froze over. Considering the falls are 57 metres high, and move 168,000 cubic metres of water every minute, that's no mean feat.

As someone who has lived through a harsh North American winter, I can safely say the cold snap won't ruin your holiday. However, you will need to rug up and take some precautions.

The first step is investing in some layers.

Until it hits minus 10C or so, you'll want to look cute with chunky knit scarfs, fashionable boots and novelty beanies. However, once the mercury drops below that, you'll be too cold to care. Functionality outweighs fashion.

Start with a thermal base layer, then add an insulating layer like a wool or polar fleece jumper. A puffy down jacket will trap warm air around your body, but if you don't have one, a decent waterproof coat will go a long way to protecting you from wind chill.

As far as accessories go, I found mittens were better than gloves, because they keep your fingers together so warmth can distribute evenly. You're also going to need a robust beanie and a decent scarf. Decent shoes will make your life much better, and you'll find a bit of tread goes a long way when it comes to walking on slick surfaces.

A woman ditched boots for skis on her way to work during the last polar vortex. Photo / Getty Images

My first day was like Bambi on Ice — there's definitely a knack. Locals just slide with it, but when I tried to wrangle my heavy backpack, I almost slipped and fell. The scene was so pathetic my heavy-set Russian taxi driver eventually took pity and hoisted it onto my back for me. After that, it was hiking boots only - at least, until spring rolled around.

According to America's National Weather Service, a polar vortex occurs when cold air circling around one of the poles expands, sending frigid air to places that are usually much more mild.

When you're tackling that kind of weather, the best strategy is to eat and drink — a lot. This is not the time to go on a diet, especially if you're spending any extended periods outdoors.

That was a painful lesson for a naive Australian coming straight out of summer.
I went hiking with some friends to a frozen waterfall, and I got so distracted chatting and taking pictures that I forgot to snack for a few hours. By midafternoon, I was so weak I could hardly undo the straps on my bag. My hands went a weird purple colour, then white, and my fingers were completely numb. I became so uncoordinated I couldn't swing an ice-axe to save myself.

Basically, it was the very early stages of hypothermia. Thankfully, when I told my friends, they stuffed me full of trail mix and M&Ms, and helped warm me up.

Staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate your internal temperature. A hot coffee is a good way to take off the initial chill, however, caffeine is dehydrating. At the end of the day, nothing beats water.

The same goes for food. If you've ever wanted an excuse to indulge in a roast dinner, guilt-free pastries, or snack on chocolate all day, this is it.