Winter Weather Etiquette

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Dear Cotillion Students,

I hope this email finds you well and that you are ready for a wonderful long weekend. Every season has etiquette that is specific to that season. I thought this week we should review the etiquette for winter weather. When it is snowy or wet outside, we show consideration for others when we:

1. Shovel the snow on the sidewalk in front of your house, so that anyone passing your house can pass easily and safely. Don’t forget to help your elderly neighbors or anyone that might need your help, by shoveling their snow too!

2. Shovel a small area in front of your mailbox, if you have a curbside mailbox. The snow plows push the snow up against the curb making it difficult for your mailman to get to your mailbox.

3. Are you quick to offer help to neighbors that need assistance with their trash cans, mail or anything else that they might need help with.

4. Try to remove (by stamping or brushing off) as much snow as possible before entering a home, building or car. 

5. Try to keep the snow outside. Once you enter your house, try to remove snowy boots as soon as possible and put them somewhere to drip dry where they won’t leave a puddle or make a mess. If your coat, hat or gloves are damp, find a good place for them to dry too. If you hang up a wet coat in a coat closet it won’t dry nearly as quickly and can make the other coats damp and smell musty.

6. Keep track of your gear. Winter wear often has many pieces (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, masks, winter sports equipment …) make sure that you have what you need before you leave home and make sure that you check to make sure you bring it all back with you.

7. Are considerate of others when playing in the snow. 

  • When sledding – take turns, be sure that the person that went ahead of you is out of the way before you begin your descent. When you go to climb up the hill for another run, be sure to climb up on the sides of the run, never in the middle of it to keep the run smooth and more enjoyable for everyone.
  • Don’t throw snowballs at anyone that is not part of your group. 
  • Don’t destroy anyone else’s snow creations (snowman, snow sculpture, etc.) – the builder is the one that gets to do demolition.
  • Include others in your fun.

8. Are considerate of others on the ice rink.

  • Skate in control.
  • Be cautious around and patient with those that are just learning to ice skate.
  • Be quick to help younger siblings with their skates and when they need your help learning to skate.
  • If you fall, try to get up quickly and move to the side.

9. Shake water off of an umbrella before bringing it into a car, building or home. Once inside a building make sure you let it dry before closing it up tight.

10. Remember to have a tissue in your pocket. Cold weather can make noses drip!

11. Use a napkin when enjoying hot chocolate. Marshmallows and whipping cream can make hot chocolate even messier. A clean mouth and face presents you best. If you are making yourself a cup of hot chocolate or tea, be sure to offer to make one for family members or friends that are nearby.

And

12. I’m from Utah, so I thought I would also include a little ski/snowboard etiquette just in case you get a chance to ski this season:

  • The skier in front of you has the right of way, even if they are a slower skier than you are. Skiing or snowboarding too close can be dangerous.
  • Ski in control.
  • Ski on runs that are appropriate for your skill level.
  • Don’t cut the lift line, wait your turn.
  • Don’t do hard stops and spray others with snow.
  • Respect posted signs and roped off areas – they are there to keep you safe.
  • Be friendly on the lift.
  • Don’t drop anything off the lift onto skiers below.
  • If you see someone that has fallen and looks like they may be hurt, check on them.
  • Don’t litter – respect and protect the beauty of the mountain.
  • Stop to the side – don’t stop in the middle of a run and never stop where you can’t be seen or are obstructing a trail.
  • Don’t ever ski across or stand on someone else’s board or skis when you are in line. 
  • If you are having hot chocolate or lunch at the lodge, corral your belongings to take up as little space as possible. Table space is usually at a premium.  

I hope that you have a wonderful time this winter and remember to use your good manners. They make life nicer for you and everyone around you.

I am a winter person all the way! I hope that you enjoy this beautiful season.

Love,

Mrs. Achiu

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