FROM JUGGLED
Here is my start to a chapter on what to wear when participating in winter snowsports. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance!
How to Dress
It is a lot of fun to spend the winter season skiing or snowboarding, as long as you are dressed properly. The temperature can change from sunny skies to cold gail force winds in a matter of minutes in some places. So we are going to learn how to dress for all winter extremes.
When preparing for the upcoming trip to the resort, clothing is a big part of being happy on the hill. We are going to learn a technique called layering. Layering is very important so we can keep our body temperature regulated. As learning a new activity like skiing or snowboarding can get sweaty and we need to let that sweat/moisture move away from our body.
Layering is what it sounds like, wearing multiple layers of clothing so we can adjust with the temperature outside. If its hot take a layer off, if its cold add a layer is the basic idea.
Base layer is the layer next to the skin. The base layer should be of a non-cotton blend, as cotton will absorb water/sweat and can make for a cold day. The base layer should be of a synthetic material like polyester, or natural material like merino wool. These materials will wick perspiration away from your skin to the outer layers so the moisture can evaporate.
Base layers can be in the form of sports bras, briefs, long underwear tops and bottoms, t-shirts, hats and socks.
A note on socks- only wear one pair of socks, yes one pair of socks will keep you warmer. If you wear more than one pair it will change how your boots fit, also the socks will bunch up causing wrinkles and those wrinkles will cause pressure points cutting off blood flow making your feet cold and miserable. Its also advisable to wear a thin pair of sport specific socks rather than a thick pair, for the same reasons as only wearing one pair.
Mid layer is the layer of insulation. The mid layer should also be made of a wicking material to keep the moisture moving away from your skin. Common mid layers are sweaters, hoodies, long sleeve shirts, thermal underwear, and fleece to name a few.
Outer layer is just that the layer on the outside. This layer is usually a water proof, breathable, wind proof layer. It can consist of an outer shell to protect you from the cold winter weather, or a soft shell when the weather is milder. I personally like having zipper vents in my outer layer. Pit zip vent on my coat helps regulate my body temperature when I start to get heated. Thigh vents on my pants help me to cool down when I start to warm up from hiking.
Accessories are everything else to help keep you warm in the inclement weather.
Helmets are a good and safe way to keep your head warm. You can even wear a helmet liner underneath when it gets real cold.
Neck warmer is also a good idea to keep the wind out and keep your neck warm. These are essential on snowy days.
Gloves or mittens should be waterproof and have plenty of insulation(its a good idea to bring a few pair so when one pair gets wet you can change them). The stretchy cotton gloves are ok for a liner pair but not as the only pair to wear as they will absorb moisture and make the wearer cold and miserable.
Goggles are not just for protecting your eyes from the sun, but they also keep you warm and protect your eyes from falling snow as you are sliding down the mountain.
Hand Warmers are important when the temperature gets chilly. Its a good idea to have a pair for everyone for every day you plan on spending on the slopes.
Toe Warmers can be the difference between cold feet, or a good time. I like to wear toe warmers when the temperature gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that the toe warmers go over socks, either on the top of your feet or the bottom. Stick them right the first time as they will not stick very well if you pull them off to reposition.
CRITIQUE
Get rid of the second person and any personal pronouns. Whole lotta clutter in there. Read it cut by a third:
How to Dress for Winter Fun
It’s great to ski or snowboard in the winter, but the weather can change from sunny skies to cold, gale-force winds in a matter of minutes, so it’s important to dress appropriately.
Layering clothes is a good way to regulate body temperature – if it warms up, remove a layer, and if the temperature drops, add a layer. However, it’s not just the number of layers, but the kind of clothes worn in each layer that can make the difference between a day filled with happiness or misery.
Base layer – This is the layer next to the skin, like sports bras, briefs, long underwear, t-shirts, hats, and socks. A day of winter fun usually involves a lot of exertion…and sweat. The last thing anyone wants next to skin on a cold day is moisture; it’s the shortest route to hypothermia. Wear non-cotton, synthetic material like polyester or natural material like merino wool for the base layer. These materials wick perspiration away from skin to outer layers, unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture. In the outer layers, the moisture can evaporate.
Contrary to Mom’s advice, wear only one pair of socks. More than one pair changes the fit of boots, and the socks often bunch up causing pressure points, which can be very uncomfortable and even cut off blood flow making feet cold and miserable. It’s also advisable to wear a thin pair of sport-specific socks rather than a thick pair for the same reasons.
Mid layer - This is the layer of insulation, like sweaters, hoodies, long sleeve shirts, thermal underwear, and fleece. In this layer, wear clothes of a wicking material to keep moisture moving away from skin.
Outer layer - This is the water proof, breathable, wind proof layer. The outer shell can be hard to protect from extreme cold, or soft for milder weather. Armpit and thigh zipper vents are a great way to cool off during or after strenuous activity, while still providing protection against the cold.
Accessories are additional protection to keep extremities safe and warm:
Helmets protect the head from both impact and cold. Helmet liners offer additional protection in extreme cold.
Goggles protect eyes not only from the sun, but from falling snow and the cold, a real benefit when whizzing down a mountainside at high speed.
Neck warmers help seal wind and snow out, an essential on snowy days.
Gloves or mittens should be waterproof and have plenty of insulation. Bring a few pair to change as they get wet.
Hand Warmers are important when temperatures drop. It’s a good idea to have a pair for everyone for every day spent on the slopes.
Toe Warmers can be a godsend, particularly when it’s below 20°F. Toe warmers go over socks, either on top or bottom of feet. Stick them right the first time; they do not stick very well if pulled off to reposition.