Slopeside safety: Staying warm

Plenty of people have strapped a pair of skis or a snowboard to their feet and throw themselves down the mountain. However, the question remains: how warm were they when they reached the bottom? To truly enjoy your day, one should consider investing in quality gear. It is true that skiing and snowboarding are among the most expensive sports; however, I have also learned that spending an extra $20 is worth it when you're riding a chair lift in four degree weather. Here are a few
suggestions of what to don from head to toe and why. One of the oldest conflicts on the slopes:: safety vs. style. Many
riders choose not to wear a helmet because it clashes with their 'style.' However, all of the scratches and dents on my helmet remind me of how I am more than happy to wear it. Goggles are important not
only to protect your eyes from wind and snow, but from the sun as
well. Several goggle styles also have the option of changing the lens
for sunny days or cloudy days. If you are comfortable wearing
sunglasses go for it, but as someone who has to wear contacts, I
appreciate the full coverage of goggles. If you are wearing goggles
with a helmet, it's crucial to bring your helmet with you at the time
of goggle purchase. Skiers and riders want to avoid having a gap
between your goggles and your helmet which will expose your forehead.

To complete the coverage of your face, I strongly recommend a "turtle fur" neck gaiter, which is basically a soft material to cover your entire neck. A neck gaiter is long enough to pull over your mouth
to protect your lips and cheeks as well. For a retail price of $10-15,
you can't go wrong. A bandana can be used as a warmer-day option, but
when temperatures are in the teens, they can freeze and become a
hassle.

Protecting your hands and fingers seems like a simple personal
decision between gloves and mittens. One comment for beginner riders and those in the park is to wear wrist guards. Snowboarders are
notorious for wrist injuries, and when a skier falls, it can be
described as chaos. Glove liners also help if you are wearing a pair
of thin or worn out gloves, which retail for about $15 and can be used
as an alternative to buying a new pair of gloves.

Layering clothing is also key. The base layer should be form fitting
to whick sweat away from the body. Cotton, wool, or flannel should not
be worn as a base layer because it will soak up sweat and become very
uncomfortable. Underarmour, a spandex brand, is popular among athletes for its versatility. Next choose a 'mid-layer,' which should also be form fitting in order to allow the most movement. This layer can
either be a fleece zip-up, pullover, or jacket, and come in a variety
of styles. A jacket and pants are needed to keep the wind and cold
out. Pants can range from insulated pants, to a shell (a thin
waterproof layer), stretch, and bib pants. Both jackets and pants
should be purchased after critiquing the waterproof rating, which
determines the level at which water begins to penetrate through the
fabric. I recommend a minimum rating of 10K. The highest
rating is 20K, and I suggest purchasing the highest rating
you can afford.

Don't forget your feet! First, you cannot wear cotton socks. Cotton
retains moisture and will make your feet colder. A wool or wool-blend
sock is crucial, and you should never ever wear two pair of socks. You
should also put your socks on first before you put pants on, as
'crinkles' in the sock will cause excruciating pain.

The sports of skiing and snowboarding are very demanding, but the reward is tenfold. Take the proper steps to prepare yourself and enjoy what nature has to offer.