Winter transforms the outdoor world into a playground. But the season and its activities require more knowledge and preparation than the warmer months. Those fun hikes can fall apart in a hurry when fingers get cold and the wind picks up. Worse, cold weather and snow can quickly turn a fun day into a disaster with the threat of exposure, frostbite, and even avalanches suddenly very real. That’s no reason to be afraid of getting out there. It just means you need to be informed and well-prepared — and you will want your kids to understand how to keep themselves comfortable and safe, too.

So, what are the essential skills kids should learn to stay safe and have fun in the winter? For answers, we talked to a wide range of outdoor professional dads, from arctic explorers and mountain guides to adventure photographers with kids of all ages and asked for the skills they’re sure to teach their kids. From learning about layers to identifying avalanche corridors, there’s something here for everyone.