Obviously everyone knows how to stay warm by piling on the layers, but we are going to focus on staying warm by actually cutting down the layers, which in turn, will increase your mobility.
With one good pair of snowboarding socks and boots your feet should be fine. Don’t double or triple up the socks to keep those toes warm because if one good pair of thermal socks isn’t working than the problem may lie in your boot. If your hands get cold, hand warmer inserts are always good or a pair of Gore-Tex gloves.
Now for your body, Gore-Tex is awesome because it is very breathable and traps the warmth against your body. The problem most people don’t know is that too much Gore-Tex ruins the effect. Gore-Tex works by creating a heat zone between itself and your body by allowing the moisture to escape while keeping you dry underneath, but if you have two layers of Gore-Tex then that barrier is ruined. The inside layer wont be able to get the moisture away from your body and in turn the wetness will start to chill from the outside temps thus making you colder. So if your jacket or pants already have Gore-Tex in them then don’t worry about another layer, but if they don’t, then a layer against your body and a sweatshirt will be plenty to keep you toasty warm on the coldest mountains. And if you are still a little cold the lodge is at the bottom of the mountain and mommy’s car is out in the lot.
This great information was provided to me by an ex-military soldier and a good friend of mine. These are the same basic principles that the military use in the coldest environments. Hope these tips work great for you and if you want to add more to this or maybe some hot tips of your own please feel free. We always looking for newer and better tips.
One Response to “Keeping Warm”
December 30th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Great advice! I did not know that about the Gortex. As Andrea and I are going to Vail next week, I am going to need these tips. Keep the tips coming, I really enjoy them!
Danielle