India, Jan. 25 -- The winter season brings a whole new slew of adventuring opportunities-cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry hiking, and so much more. While trekking through a winter wonderland might seem magical in theory, the reality is that it can also be quite dangerous if you don't take proper precautions. And that goes for all types of travelers.

"No matter what your experience level is, it doesn't matter. Everybody should be following the same precautions. Because even if you're an expert mountain climber, you are still vulnerable to the elements," says Liz Crandall, a former U.S. Forest Service field ranger, environmentalist, and host of the Rangers of the Lost Park podcast. "It doesn't matter if you're fast or really...