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Three girls are dressed in winter clothing and smiling on the ice skating rink.

Winter in Hanover is a season filled with both challenges and exciting traditions, but with the right preparation, it can be a magical time of year. Whether you're braving the cold on your way to class or participating in classic winter activities, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season.

One of the most important aspects of surviving the Hanover winter is layering. I've found that wearing leggings under jeans, along with beanies, hoodies, gloves, sweaters, scarves, and a nice puffer jacket, has kept me warm even on the most intense snow days. The key is to insulate while allowing for movement, so opting for moisture-wicking base layers and thermal accessories can make all the difference.

Winter in Hanover also offers amazing outdoor activities, and this term, I had the opportunity to ice skate on an outdoor rink for the first time. My friend and I grabbed our skates and walked over to Occum Pond, which was safely frozen over. To my surprise, I was much better at ice skating than I thought! While we were there, we also saw other people sledding, another classic winter activity.

On the clear ice on occum pond, pairs of skate form a circle in the center of the image.

Another highlight of the season is Winter Carnival, an event filled with exciting festivities. One of the standout traditions is the curated Ice Sculpture competition, where students and artists create incredible works of frozen art. It was incredible to see the level of craftsmanship and creativity that went into the sculptures. I also had the chance to try zorbing, which was part of the carnival's activities. Rolling around inside a giant inflatable ball felt like being inside a hamster wheel—an interesting experience (to say the least)!

An ice sculpture of an angel with detail is perched on top of a small table and a label for the ice sculpture contest.

Giant clear, round hamster-looking plastic balls on the snow.

Despite the cold, Hanover winters are truly special. With the right winter gear, a sense of adventure, and an appreciation for seasonal traditions, there's so much to enjoy. Whether it's bundling up in layers, skating on a frozen pond, or marveling at ice sculptures, winter at Dartmouth is full of unique and memorable moments.

Three girls are layered in winter-clothing, beaming at the camera.

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