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Think you're too old or the kids are too young for an "adventure" vacation? Adventure travel encompasses more than you think, especially during winter.

The Adventure Travel Society Inc. defines adventure travel as "any participatory human powered activity."  Within this broad category, you'll find "hard" or more difficult travel adventures which usually require certain skills, experience, fitness, and an element of risk, and "soft" adventures whose participants range from young to old, may be less fit and/or unskilled, and are usually interested in more comfort while traveling. Sometimes the climate of the destination can make an otherwise soft adventure into a tough expedition.

According to the ATS by 2001, about 75 million adult travelers had already adventured by camping (85%), hiking (74%), skiing (51%), sailing (26%), whitewater boating (24%), and biking (24%).  For those considering these pursuits during the winter season, we'd like to share these safety tips from the climbing and outdoors gear provider, Eastern Mountain Sports (who also supplied the fabulous photograph seen up top):  

• Handling adverse weather and dangerous travel conditions requires additional preparation and advanced outdoors skills.


• Less available daylight and slower terrain make shorter routes safer.


• Inclement weather can obscure visibility, so master your route-finding tools. To prevent hypothermia, the leading cause of accidents and emergencies in backcountry travel, dress in layers.


• Everyone should carry a small waterproof tarp or reflective blanket to serve as temporary shelter in case of emergency.


• Double check all equipment and clothing prior to departure, and be prepared to make basic repairs. 

You can prepare your family by studying more about study winter travel skills together. For information on courses or learn-as-you-go guided trips, contact the EMS Climbing School (603/356-5433, 800/310-4504); Adirondack Mountain Club (518/668-4447); Appalachian Mountain Club (603/466-2727; Colorado Mountain Club (303/279-3080) or visit the winter sports directory at www.snowlink.com.