How to Trail Run in Winter

Hit the trail prepared for bad weather. Bring appropriate clothing (including trail-running shoes, warm gloves and a hat) and wear layers (polypropylene as a base beneath a nylon or waterproof shell) so that you can adjust your level of insulation according to the temperature and how you feel.

Choose your trails carefully - thanks to snowfall, springtime favorites may not be suitable for midwinter running. If you're wondering where the snow will be worst, remember this: Trails on north-facing slopes tend to stay snowy and icy for most of the winter, while snow on flat and south-facing slopes tends to melt off quickly.

Stay hydrated even though it's cold. It's always important to drink plenty of water during long trail runs.

Avoid running in the late afternoon, when the daylight hours are limited and you risk being caught out in the dark.

Keep your eyes peeled for ice patches. Trails that see a lot of traffic while the snow is on the ground can form a slick layer of ice as the temperature drops.

Beware of objects such as rocks and logs hidden beneath the snow, and watch out for covered stream crossings. Run in control and at an easy pace to avoid getting wet or spraining (or worse, breaking) an ankle.

Take special care on steep hills. Snow can make an otherwise easy ascent or descent very slippery.

Find a running partner to help motivate you to get out there on even the gloomiest of days.