BUILDING FIRE ISN'T ONLY REQUIRED SKILL IF YOU'RE OUTDOORS.

Knowing how to build a fire is key to winter survival. Other skills are just as essential for comfortable and safe winter camping. Consider these tips, provided by the outdoors-products company REI:

Education: Attend a winter camping education program offered by a sporting-goods store or outdoors organization or read books to learn about avalanches, hypothermia and frostbite.

Keep warm and dry: Layer your clothing. Thermal underwear will draw away perspiration from the body and a waterproof shell will offer protection from outside elements; the layers between should be lightweight, yet must provide warmth and breathability.

Bring spare gloves and socks and an extra hat and neck gaiter should the first set get wet.

Keep a supply of chemical heat packs in the first-aid kit; they provide sources of heat when placed on key pulse points or in pockets or boots.

Good nutrition: Bring extra food because one burns more calories in cold weather.

Drink more water than normal - four quarts a day - to prevent dehydration and the onset of hypothermia, as moisture is expended faster than one might suspect.

Special equipment: A repair kit is mandatory and should include duct tape, bailing wire, a sewing needle, awl, extra cables for cross country ski bindings and stove parts.

Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, snow anchors for the tent (skis will work in a pinch) and extra stove fuel to melt snow for water (never eat snow directly) and to compensate for fuel loss when cooking in the cold.

In camp: Pack down snow to make the area under the tent firm and even. For added snoozing comfort and insulation, bring an extra foam sleeping pad.

Due to fire and ventilation hazards, don't cook in the tent if you can help it. Instead, build a windbreak and boil the beans outside.