Since the winter activities we love so much cause us to venture out into sometimes dangerously cold weather, the difference between good preparation and gear can make or break your experience and impact your health.
Here are some essential tips and pieces of gear that we recommend
Preparation
Get warm and stay warm! Getting your clothes and boots on in a warm place is a great start, but you've got to get your blood flowing. Jumping jacks, air squats, skiing a quick kilometer will all get you warmed up, and help prevent cold hands and feet.
Stay hydrated and nourished!
Cold feet?
Use mid or heavyweight wool socks, but not too thick - let the blood flow to the toes. Fits and Craft make excellent Nordic ski socks.
Feet still cold? Try overboots! Overboots stretch snugly over your ski boots. They block wind and add critical insulation. Lillsport, Salomon, and Rossignol offer overboots that can be modified for use with both NNN and Salomon bindings.
For an added measure of warmth, get rid of stock insoles and install Superfeet Redhot, Hot Pink, or Merino Wool insoles. Not only do these protect your toes, they provide improved foot support and stability - always a plus for skiing balance and technique.
Boys...
Windbriefs. No explanation needed. Craft & Sporthill save the day.
I vote balaclava. Joel votes buff. You decide.
Frost Tape! Looks dorky until you realize that your cheeks and ears are happy! Dermatone is your skin's best friend in the cold. This wonderbalm comes in all shapes and sizes, put it on any exposed skin.
Hands...
Wind blocking Arctic Gloves, Split Mitts, and Mitts from Toko. Warm, warmer, and warmest!
Tip: Learn to "windmill" your arms periodically out on the trail. Remove your pole straps, relax your hands and arm muscles, and spin your arm in a full 360 degree circle, increasing speed gradually. 10-15 revs should do the trick. This motion forces blood deep into your hand's capillaries often dramatically improving blood flow and warmth. Use caution if your shoulder has limited range of motion.
Common Sense
Seek out a good trail with a warming hut. Go ski for a few Ks and take a break to warm up. Forget about the two or three hour epics when the snow is super squeaky. Along the popular Birkie Trail, the North End Cabin and OO Cabin are always warm and inviting, dry out your clothing around the wood stove then knock out a few more Ks. Birkie warming shelters are also found at the Hatchery, Mosquito Brook, Boedecker, High Point, and the new Start Area.
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