IF you are skiing this holiday weekend, staying warm will be your prime concern, so the folks at Hunter Mountain are offering their years of experience working in the coldest conditions.
“Best way to keep your head warm and stay safe is to wear a helmet,” said Jay Ward, Ski Patrol Director. Just find the one that fits best. “One common misconception is that thicker socks make you warmer,” Ward added. “A thick sock can cut off circulation. Wear something with advanced moisture wicking fibers, and do not wear multiple socks.
Jay adds that when it’s below 15 degrees, any exposed skin will freeze. “When it’s this cold you must wear a neck gaiter, mask and goggles, not sunglasses.”
The guys who work at night are especially up against it when it comes to cold weather. Jason Kramer, a night crew snowmaker, tells us that “waterproof gloves are a necessity and changing hats and gloves helps to reduce moisture which causes freezing. Avoid overdressing, because sweat will evaporate when riding the lift. A cold-weather must own is the Alpine fur pullover by Patagonia, it’s lightweight and has a shirt and vest combo feature that helps keep you warm without extra bulk.”
Most of the experts agree that there is no point in wearing cotton briefs; instead, look for synthetic undergarments. Use powdered soap to wash synthetic base layers or non-detergent. Hang dry only. If you use liquid detergent or fabric softener it clogs the material and does not wick moisture away.
“Uncomfortable feet and hands make a huge difference,” said Ron Hawkes, Director of Skiing and Snowboarding. “They are the first to get cold. Invest in a good pair of socks. For $12, you can get a pair of good ski socks and it will change your life in terms of warmth and comfort. Smartwool is a favorite. Make an investment in good gloves, or mittens (which are the warmest). Women, smokers and caffeine drinkers are more susceptible to cold in the hands and feet. One ski school mitten favorite is Swany.
“What you eat and drink before and during skiing makes a big difference when you’re trying to stay warm. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.”
Ginny Terry, the Children’s Programs Director, offers these warming bits of information: “Snowpants are a must-have for kids. Jeans, leggings and other pants are not water- or wind-proof and freeze very quickly, and children spend a lot of time playing in the snow. Hand-me downs, while excellent in helping cut the expense of skiing or snowboarding, are often the wrong size for your child. If any piece of gear is too small or too large, it will inhibit the child’s movement.”
“Become a amateur meteorologist,” says Ray Allard, Director of PSIA-E/ AASI Snowsports Growth program. “This means getting to know the weather patterns and trends at your favorite resort. Radio, websites or online weather reports are usually more accurate than TV because they are located nearest to resort towns. You can always estimate by assuming that it’s usually 15 degrees and colder at the mountain than in the nearest reporting city.”
