I will be spending 3 weeks in Quebec (for language studies) during February. NYC has been very mild so far this winter. Any suggestions for what to pack to keep from freezing? (Wonder whether I should plan on wearing my ski clothes!)

The most important may be a pair of warm, weatherproof boots. A heavy winter coat, a few sweaters, warm mittens, ski type long johns, and a hat should do it.

Thanks very much! That sounds like very sensible advice.

Zootsi's list is excellent but is missing a clothing item that makes all the difference for me. The scarf! Keeps the neck warm, which I find for me is quite sensitive to cold; makes all the difference. *And* should you get frost-bite temp.s, pull your hat down, scarf up, leaving a slit for your eyes to prevent frost-bite (I exhale into the scarf which warms the eyes too.) It's been abnormally mild this year, but some years long stretches of minus 30 have been seen.

Have fun!

Thanks for both of your advice. I just purchased a North Face arctic parka, cashmere hat and gloves, and am working on the winter boots. I'll make sure I bring along a couple of scarves. Hm, possible frostbite - sounds intimidating!