Perhaps their clothes were wet and needed to be remove. In temperatures that cold, snow is usually not wet, but the locals would know if one is not dressed for the weather, it will get under the clothing and next to the skin. I'm sure/hoping why he was knocked out will be explained in the next few pages.
Yes, I know this Texan is talking about cold weather in the company of Canucks:
* Is bracing for 'pwnage *