Rad Skiing

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Ski Gear for Staying Warm and Healthy
by Lee Montanete
http://www.floski.com

If you're gonna ski, you gotta have gear. No-brainer,
right? Hard to ski without it.

So, virtually everyone who shows up at the slopes
has the basic stuff: Skis, poles, boots. Other stuff
is up to the individual skiier.

If you're an elite racer, then a skin suit may be the
ticket for improving your aerodynamics to post better
times in your chosen events. The rest of us, though,
need to dress not only for improved skiing performance,
but also for comfort, safety, and maintaining our health
in less than ideal temperatures for the human body.
A list of "must have" items for just about every skier
follows.

1. Bring suitable clothing: Weather conditions on the
slope can change quickly. You need to be able to adapt
your wardrobe just as quickly. All skiers should have
at least three layers of clothing. Closest to the
skin is a wicking layer which pulls perspiration away
from the skin and helps it to evaporate faster. The
middle layer is one for keeping body heat in (i.e.
your sweater, pants). On the outside, wear clothing
that is water and wind resistant. As the temperature
changes, you can add or subtract layers as necessary
to stay comfy.

2. Keep your head covered when it's colder. Exposure of
forehead and ears to cold mountain winds can result in
frostbite, which is painful and potentially disfiguring.
Most of your body's heat escapes through your head; skiing
bare-headed when it's cold can result in hypothermia which
can be life-threatening. Ski helmets, ski hats, and
hoods are all good for keeping your brain and (in turn)
your body warm.

3. Glasses and goggles: Goggles and wrap-around glasses
both work well. Goggles have a a couple of slight
advantages: (1) They tend to not fog up as easily as
sunglasses, and (2) they more often come with a variety
of interchangeable colored lenses than sunglasses. Goggles
and glasses aren't just for sun protection; they also keep
wind, snow, sleet and other nasties from blinding you.

4. Choose appropriate socks. Cotton socks are not a good
idea. Between snow coming in the tops of boots and feet
perspiring, they'll stay damp for much of your outing.
Your damp feet, in turn, will be quite cold (not to mention
the possibilities of athlete's foot fungus or frostbite).
Wool or polypropolene socks, on the other hand, will
keep your feet warm even while wet, and will dry more
readily.

5. Don't forget either pair of your gloves. Ski gloves
generally come in two layers: One for wicking, one for
weatherproofing. If your hands get too warm, remove the
wicking layer and just wear the outer layer to keep your
hands from being exposed to wind and snow. The old woolen
gloves and mittens are also great choices; wool fibers
are hollow in the middle, which helps them to insulate
against cold regardless of whether the wool is wet or
not.

6. Drink your water. Notice that I didn't tell you to
drink your coffee, tea, cocoa, soda, or any other
beverage. Most beverages will hasten dehydration.
Dehydration can impair perception and coordination.
Save the other beverages for after your last run. Bottle
up some water, carry it with you, and sip it throughout
the day.

Make it easy on yourself; stuff all of your gear in
a backpack and carry it with you. That way, you don't
have to step out of your skis every time you want
to change your clothing or get a drink. All of the
gear is intended to help you enjoy your time where
you most want to enjoy it. . .on the ski slope!

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