Confession: I’ve never stayed at a hotel where they send you a packet to explain how to survive during your stay.

Sounds dramatic, but I suppose it’s really not – the rooms at the Hotel de Glace (Quebec City Ice Hotel) are kept between 23 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

From the packet:

Include the following in your suitcase:
 Alternate hat
 Alternate scarf
 An extra pair of socks
 Alternate long underwear
 A pair of mittens or gloves
 A swimsuit
 Sandals
 A padlock for changing room

Two things: One, am I seriously going to a place that recommends having an “alternate” scarf, and two, I am going to be in my bathing suit at some point? That hot tub better be piping.

On Thursday, we’ll have a tour of Quebec, and on Friday I’ll go snowshoeing in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. This is a brand new form of hiking for me – it’ll be my first time – and I can’t wait to strap those things to my feet and traverse the snowy mountains. I can already feel the crisp, fresh air in my lungs.

The next two days will be spent at the Winter Carnival before departing on Sunday evening. I really, really want to take the reins of a dogsled, and compete in a giant table soccer game (sometimes referred to as foosball, you are strapped to a horizontal pole and can only move sideways with your teammates). Snow rafting is high on my list as well.

Of course, all of this is dependent upon not freezing to death at the Ice Hotel tonight.