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  Wearing
several light articles of clothing-for instance, polypropylene
or similar underwear and synthetic fleece overpants plus
windpants, with a wool or fleece zip sweater and a
wind-resistant jacket-allows you to trap warm air in pockets of
space. In most conditions, wear just one or two insulating
layers, depending on the weather and the kind of skiing you'll
be doing. Remove jacket and windpants when you're hot; unzip
jacket and sweater if you're only warm. As the day heats up or
the breeze dies, wind pants and windshell are removed; as chill
sets in, on they go again. And these garments don't restrict
movement the way jeans or alpine ski bibs do. Many synthetic
fabrics have the ability to "wick"
moisture
away from the skin and onto the next layer. In turn, the middle
insulating layer should be quick-drying or wicking as well, so
moisture ends up as close to the outside as possible. Moisture
and cold air aren't a happy mixture. If underclothes are wet and
your skin is clammy, there's an increased chance of hypothermia
(a lowering of the body's core temperature, often mistakenly
called "exposure"). Cotton acts like a moisture sponge and
accelerates chilling, so denim isn't recommended. Gentlemen,
those cotton shorts and briefs are best avoided on a cold day.<GO BACK TO TOP 10 REASONS |
  Aside
from buying warm, comfortable, "breathable" boots, the best
thing for your feet is layering, too. Try wearing thin
polypropylene liners under a pair of wool or wool-blend socks.
If your toes are susceptible to cold, resist the temptation to
put on too many socks-you'll only restrict circulation, making
feet colder. Instead invest in a pair of light overboots, and
occasionally swig something warm, sweet, and non-alcoholic to
help cut the chill. Mittens are best if you're prone to cold
hands, as they allow fingers to share body heat. Gloves are
better for precise ski pole control.
For chilly weather, look for gloves with leather palms, a long gauntlet at the wrist and a light lining; in warmer conditions, critters a lot like handball gloves can be fine. Don't use too heavy a pair or they'll be sweat-soaked in the first kilometer. A final point: beware the sun. It's amazingly easy to burn your skin, particularly on a hazy day, so wear sunscreen-you'll still get a tan. Sunglasses are vital - snowblindness makes your eyes feel as though they've been sandpapered and can damage corneas. Cross Country Skiing is also allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway road-bed, in gated areas...during times of good snowfall. Have a great time and ski safely! <GO BACK TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING |
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