Janet Bromley, a hike coordinator for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), leads treks year-round in eastern Connecticut. She says that many retired people attend the weekly Tuesday morning hikes. "We get some very experienced and accomplished hikers," she says. Bromley, who has taken AMC leadership and wilderness first aid courses, says bad weather rarely stops her group: "As long as you are dressed properly, and don't sit around wet in an open area, you'll usually do just fine." Snow-covered ice can be treacherous and she suggests that hikers use poles or stabilizers on their shoes for traction. She cautions that hikers should go in a group of three or more persons to ensure safety in the event of an emergency. That allows for someone to go for help while the other remains with an injured person. "An injured hiker all alone can be just a mile from a road, but that can be a long, long way (if things are going wrong)."