Some people really hate winter, cold, and ice. I absolutely love them. Getting outside in a wintry wonderland is a special sort of pleasure. Ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding – I am in! There are some precautions to take when you have had a brain tumor that has compromised your balance nerve.

Especially if you are just getting back to a winter sport or trying it for the first time – invest in some protective equipment. If you are out in the cold, you will have some padding from bundling up – but things like knee pads, elbow pads, helmets, etc. can help you feel safer and protect you should you lose your balance.

Start small. Use the bunny hill. Don’t feel like you have to be super speedy. Make sure the lighting is good – save the candlelight snowshoe for after you have practiced and become familiar. Or bring along a headlamp if it may get dark out. Practice your balance. I find my balance improves so much with muscle memory. A new task that needs balance, even simple balance, is much harder than one my body knows.

Keep in mind that sometimes the biggest challenge to your balance can be getting from your car to where you put on your skis, skates, snowshoes, etc. Remember to walk like a penguin on ice and slippery conditions – point your toes out slightly, knees bent, balance forward, and shuffle.

Practice falling and be prepared for falls. I always wear waterproof gear because I assume I will fall and end up in the snow. There are specific different techniques for falling for each winter sport. If you are thinking of trying a winter sport, google “How to fall safely …..” There are instructions and videos for each sport.

Know your limits. Don’t be afraid to take off your skis and walk down the hill if it looks too big. If you start to feel tired, it is probably time to call it for the day. Balance takes a lot of energy and concentration, and exhaustion may lead to sloppy mistakes.

Remind anyone accompanying you that you probably aren’t wearing your hearing device in the snow. Also, with a hat covering your ears, you likely aren’t hearing as well. Plan that hearing will be more challenging, especially if you are doing a sport where the snow is crunching. If you want to converse, try to be side by side rather than front and back, should the trail allow.

Enjoy your winter time outside!