In near cancellation conditions, it is common for race officials to shorten the race distance to decrease the exposure time and the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Nordic skiers will generate excess body heat while competing and will sweat as a result of the work load. The sweat will act to conduct heat away from the body, which becomes a danger if injury or exhaustion prohibits continued activity. Cotton fabrics should not be used by cold weather competitors. In Alpine skiing, as an alternative to canceling the races below minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit, race officials often require competitors to wear full warm up gear rather than allowing the athletes to strip down to their racing suits.
Hydration is also critical to thermo-regulation in the cold.
If the ability to transport heat to the skin decreases, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite increases. Cold weather athletes must also take frequent fluid breaks during training to maintain hydration. Cold weather practices can be conducted at lower temperatures than competitions if athletes wear adequate clothing to maintain core temperature and avoid frostbite. Keep all skin covered. Wear mittens instead of gloves.