Slopeside safety: Staying warm
Danielle Delacore
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Lifestyles
Plenty of people have strapped a pair of skis or a snowboard to their feet and throw themselves down the mountain. However, the question remains: how warm were they when they reached the bottom? To truly enjoy your day, one should consider investing in quality gear. It is true that skiing and snowboarding are among the most expensive sports; however, I have also learned that spending an extra $20 is worth it when you're riding a chair lift in four degree weather. Here are a few
suggestions of what to don from head to toe and why.
One of the oldest conflicts on the slopes:: safety vs. style. Many
riders choose not to wear a helmet because it clashes with their 'style.' However, all of the scratches and dents on my helmet remind me of how I am more than happy to wear it. Goggles are important not
only to protect your eyes from wind and snow, but from the sun as
well. Several goggle styles also have the option of changing the lens
for sunny days or cloudy days. If you are comfortable wearing
sunglasses go for it, but as someone who has to wear contacts, I
appreciate the full coverage of goggles. If you are wearing goggles
with a helmet, it's crucial to bring your helmet with you at the time
of goggle purchase. Skiers and riders want to avoid having a gap
between your goggles and your helmet which will expose your forehead.
To complete the coverage of your face, I strongly recommend a "turtle fur" neck gaiter, which is basically a soft material to cover your entire neck. A neck gaiter is long enough to pull over your mouth
to protect your lips and cheeks as well. For a retail price of $10-15,
you can't go wrong. A bandana can be used as a warmer-day option, but
when temperatures are in the teens, they can freeze and become a
hassle.
Protecting your hands and fingers seems like a simple personal
decision between gloves and mittens. One comment for beginner riders and those in the park is to wear wrist guards. Snowboarders are
suggestions of what to don from head to toe and why.
One of the oldest conflicts on the slopes:: safety vs. style. Many
riders choose not to wear a helmet because it clashes with their 'style.' However, all of the scratches and dents on my helmet remind me of how I am more than happy to wear it. Goggles are important not
only to protect your eyes from wind and snow, but from the sun as
well. Several goggle styles also have the option of changing the lens
for sunny days or cloudy days. If you are comfortable wearing
sunglasses go for it, but as someone who has to wear contacts, I
appreciate the full coverage of goggles. If you are wearing goggles
with a helmet, it's crucial to bring your helmet with you at the time
of goggle purchase. Skiers and riders want to avoid having a gap
between your goggles and your helmet which will expose your forehead.
To complete the coverage of your face, I strongly recommend a "turtle fur" neck gaiter, which is basically a soft material to cover your entire neck. A neck gaiter is long enough to pull over your mouth
to protect your lips and cheeks as well. For a retail price of $10-15,
you can't go wrong. A bandana can be used as a warmer-day option, but
when temperatures are in the teens, they can freeze and become a
hassle.
Protecting your hands and fingers seems like a simple personal
decision between gloves and mittens. One comment for beginner riders and those in the park is to wear wrist guards. Snowboarders are
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