I am a guy from a tropical country living in Canada for almost two years. Last winter I was too scared do any hiking. But this summer I spent almost every opportunity I got in /out/ and I don't want to be cooped up for the six months of winter.
Any advice from winterbros about hiking in Canadian Rockies in the winter and not dying?
What gears do I need?
Also for someone who never stepped on a ski, how easy is it to learn cross-country skiing? Can I learn by buying an old pair off kijiji and trying them on my own?

Also winter hiking general. Post pretty pics and scary stories if you have them.