Stay Warm Skiing: Top Tips for a Great Day

Do you have to be cold while skiing?

Skiing is a great way to get outdoors during a time of year when many people get cabin fever. There’s nothing better than mountain views and snow-covered trails to feel energized. However, cold weather and skiing pretty much go hand in hand. If you’re like me, you’ll do just about anything to stay warm while enjoying the slopes. These tips will keep you out there longer feeling toasty for as long as possible:

Check the Weather

Make sure to load up a reliable weather app and refer to it as you plan your ski day. Keep an eye on the wind speed, cloud cover and UV index. All these factors will impact your day.

Cover Up

On a cold day the best advice is to make sure you don’t have any exposed skin. Frostbite can happen quicker than you think. If you see white patches forming on your ski companion’s cheeks tell them it’s time to take a break.

Layer Up

A solid base layer is essential to staying warm. Merino base layers are especially good because not only do they keep you warm but they also moisture wick. My ultimate base layer are long johns made by Icebreaker.

Consider more than just a fleece top over your base layer on a cold day and add a vest also such as this one by Patagonia.

My daughter swears by bib snow pants but there are also many styles of snow pants. Some will even integrate with your jacket to keep the snow from blowing down your pants.

A jacket with the Gore-Tex designation will help keep you warm on those windy days. A helmet with either a balaclava (head sock as my kids say) or a neck warmer that you can pull up high will help keep your neck and face protected. I like this Skida neck warmer because it is double layered.

Goggles not only protect your eyes they also help keep the wind off your face. Look for a brand that has the least amount of gaps between your helmet and goggles. Mittens are the right choice on a cold day if your fingers get cold. A mitten liner provides an extra layer of warmth.

Consider Hand and Toe Warmers

Mikaela Shiffrin said in an interview that she puts toe warmers in her ski boots before she goes out to race. I have tried them out and they work well for me. I prefer the kind that stick to the bottom of your ski sock. I have also tried heated ski boots which do provide some warmth. They can be a little quirky and once you run out of charge you’re out of luck for the day. But hey if you can find some out there that suit your needs go for it. There are all sorts of heated clothing items available if you’re feeling splurgy.

Move Baby Move

Nothing warms you up more than a mogul run. The extra exertion gets your blood flowing and can make you downright sweaty. If moguls aren’t in your wheelhouse try a run that is a bit steeper and make lots of turns to get your heart rate up.

Follow the Sun

Look at the orientation of the sun on the ski mountain. Try to plan your runs so that you follow the sun as it moves across the mountain. This only works of course if it’s a sunny day.

Ski the Trees

On a windy day a glade run will offer you some protection from the wind. If you feel comfortable skiing among the trees go for it.

Consider the Summit

There are some days that are just too cold for the summit. Even though you will get a shorter run it may be in your best interest to ski mid to lower mountain and avoid the coldest temperatures at the top.

Recharge at Lunch

Lunchtime is the perfect chance to take off your ski boots and let some blood flow to your feet. Give yourself, or better yet, get a friend to rub your feet to help them warm up. Some people don’t like to take their boots off during the day once they’re on, but I say if your feet are cold whip them off. While you’re at it have a nice cup of soup to warm your insides.

Avoid Alcohol

Initially an alcoholic drink makes you feel warm, because alcohol creates more blood flow to your skin, but that heat leaves your body and causes your core temperature to drop. As tempting as it may be wait until après ski for that Irish Coffee.

Take a Break

Don’t be hard on yourself. It’s okay to take a break if you’re cold. Nothing ruins a day like frostbite. If you like this information and want information about injury prevention while skiing see this post. And of course subscribe to my website by clicking on the the link in the upper right hand corner to make sure you receive all of my posts.