What To Know

 

Dress For Success

What Should I Wear?

Part of the thrill of skiing and snowboarding is enjoying the refreshing winter weather. By dressing properly, you'll stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you! In winter weather, your clothing has three jobs:

  1. Keep you warm - I know, you figured that one out for yourself.
  2. Keep you dry - moisture is tricky stuff, even on the coldest, sunniest days it will find you.
  3. Block the wind - just like the IRS, wind will take anything that's not attached to you, including body heat.

Here are a few suggestions to make your day on the slopes comfortable:

  •  Dress in layers. A number of lighter layers allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. Multiple thinner layers will be much more comfortable than a jacket that looks like a blimp.
  • Wear a base layer of long underwear or tights. Synthetic or wool is best. Avoid cotton if at all possible. It slurps up all the moisture it can find and has the insulating properties of a screen door when wet. Synthetics and wool wick moisture away from you and retain their ability to trap heat even if they happen to get wet.
  • Next a warm collared shirt, turtleneck, sweater or fleece.
  • Water and wind resistant pants are the best bet, and you will be very glad you have them. Snow or ski pants are ideal, but jeans are OK as a last resort as long as you bring an extra pair to change into. Avoid sweat pants, they get wet very quickly! Be sure your pants are wide enough at the bottom of the legs to fit over large boots. Don't try to put your pant legs into your boots, it will cut off the circulation to your feet.
  • A jacket or shell with a high collar, once again water and wind resistant is best.
  • High socks. One pair of synthetic or wool socks is best - trust us on this one. Too many socks will cut off your circulation and make your feet colder. Cotton will get wet quickly from perspiration. Avoid socks with big, thick seams if possible.
  • Eye protection. Either sunglasses or goggles. 100% UVA and UVB please. Dark sunglasses without 100% UV protection are actually worse than no sunglasses at all. Why? Because your eyes open up to compensate for the lower visible light levels allowing more UV in than normal.
  • Gloves or mittens. Gloves allow more freedom of movement, but mittens are warmer because your fingers can share the heat - either way waterproof is best. Avoid knit and cotton gloves, they get wet very quickly. Be very careful with kids gloves - if they look fuzzy, cold hands will follow.
    Warm hat or helmet (helmet rental is now included in our learn to ski/board packages) that covers your ears. The old saying "If your feet are cold, put on a hat" is true!
  • Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or greater. Even on cloudy days it is very easy to get too much sun when on the snow. Snow reflects nearly the entire spectrum of light (that's why it looks white), therefore you get cooked from above and below.
  • Be sure to bring extra clothes to change into for the ride home.
  • You will also need a driver's license or credit card to rent skis or a snowboard. Please bring them with you to the ticket windows!