Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

How Many Pairs of Socks Should You Wear? Your choice of ski socks may be the least intuitive of all your apparel choices for skiing or snowboarding. Many people know that they should use a layering approach. They may also realize that warm toes help keep the rest of the body feeling warm and comfortable. It may seem logical to choose the heaviest pair of ski socks you can find.

Not exactly. Ski boots come equipped with insulating liners that keep your feet dry. The ski boot shell acts as the outer layer, which protects your feet from the elements. Your ski socks should act as your moisture-wicking base layer. If you choose a ski sock that is too thick, or if you choose a ski sock and a ski sock liner, you may be overheating your feet. If your feet are overheated, they will sweat. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, wet sweaty feet will be cold.

Improper ski socks will also affect your boot fit. That may have an adverse effect on your ski technique. Cold feet are sometimes a symptom of improper boot fit. Adding extra layers or wearing overly thick ski socks often exacerbates the problem.

Sock manufacturers are keeping up with ski boot technology by designing ski socks that are made from synthetic fabrics known for their superb moisture-wicking capacities. If you ever get a chance to see a ski instructor remove his or her ski boots, take a look at his or her ski socks. 

One final point: Keep in mind that proper fit is important. If your ski socks are too small, they will cut off circulation. If they are too big, they will bunch up and cause improper boot fit. Adapted from skis.com.

What Are the Benefits of Goggles? The sun on a snow covered mountain can be brighter than the sun on a tropical beach. That is one reason why goggles are an important pieces of slope safety equipment. A well-made goggle will protect your eyes from sun damage and your face from sunburn. Because they are  large, they can protect your face from cold and wind while riding the lift. The width of your goggles also expands your field of peripheral vision on the slopes.

Most goggles are composed of soft flexible materials, such as nylon and rubber. This helps them maintain their shape. Nylon and rubber do not become brittle in cold temperatures, and these soft materials will not do damage to your face in the event of a fall. The thick, adjustable strap on goggles is designed to hold them in place.

There are a number of important factors to consider when purchasing goggles. You can avoid the “foggy goggle syndrome,” by choosing a pair that has sufficient ventilation. Foam covered air portals help ventilate the goggles. Anyone who wears glasses should choose ski goggles that are designed to fit over them. You can choose prescription ski goggles to avoid the bifocal look.

Goggle Lens Color Tips

• Clear lenses are most suitable for extremely stormy conditions or for night skiing.
• Yellow lenses work best for stormy conditions, as well as overcast days. These lenses increase dark/light contrast and brighten up the entire mountain landscape.
• Vermillion or pink lenses can also increase dark/light contrast in most snow conditions.
• Orange lenses will also increase contrast. They are often the goggles of choice for bright, sunny days.
• Choose goggles that have the option of a mirror for a darker lens. This will prevent that annoying sun glare that occurs in the brightest conditions.
• Modulator lenses or photo chromic lenses are designed to change color depending on the light conditions. For darker, stormy weather, they will provide a light contrast color. For bright and sunny days, they provide a dark contrast color.

What Are the Benefits of Gloves? Nothing can a ruin a great day on the slopes like cold hands. Simply put, if your hands are cold, your entire body will be cold. There is little point investing in a quality outfit if the gloves aren't on par. Snowboard gloves have different features and these will be pointed out on a subsequent section. 

In general, gloves should be warm enough to withstand even sub-zero temperatures. They should be made of a waterproof and breathable fabric. In addition, make sure that your gloves are flexible enough to allow for comfort and dexterity especially for skiers. Snowboarders don't use poles. 

You will want to look for gloves that taper toward the wrists to keep heat from escaping from your body. Seek out gloves that have ample grip support. If you are a skier, choose ski specific gloves that are designed with a synthetically reinforced abrasion-resistant palm. The best models come equipped with a moisture wicking thermal lining to keep hands dry if they are prone to excessive perspiration. If you suffer from extremely cold hands look for ski gloves that have an inner pocket that will hold a pair of hand warmers. Keep in mind that proper fit will help you stay warmer. Boots that are too tight will lead to cold feet and gloves that are too small may cut off circulation. Both will make you cold.

Skis.com and snowboards.org has a selection of ski and snowboard gloves by leading manufacturers.

How Do I Stay Warm on the Slopes? That may be the number one question asked by ski/snowboard vacationers. The answer is dress in layers. The layering system of cold weather dressing is designed to trap body-warmed air between layers of clothing, while allowing moisture vapor from perspiration to escape through breathable outerwear materials. The layering system is a three-step program.

1. First, put on an inner moisture-wicking layer, otherwise known as your thermal underwear.
2. Then, get that warm and cuddly feeling with your middle insulating layer. We usually call this a fleece jacket.
3. Finally, protect yourself from the elements with an outer shell layer. This would be your wind and water-resistant ski jacket.

The layering system lets you shed layers of clothing during periods of high exertion. Should temperatures drop, you can add additional layers. On very colddays, you can use the layering system with your helmet and goggles. For example, a balaclava is a lightweight form of headgear that fits under your ski helmet. This combination head covering and a neck gaiter protects both the head and neck from cold temperatures.

The layering system also can in gloves for those whose hands chill excessively. Liners are available to wear inside your gloves to keep hands warm. You can wear them under your ski gloves.

How Do I Get in Shape for Skiing or Snowboarding? Your body is probably the most important piece of equipment that you own. A basic fitness plan can enhance your skills and prevent injuries. You can start right in your home. 

Most fitness instructors probably will tell you that balance is the most important component of any ski or snowboard conditioning program so your program should include exercises that simulate the movements of the sports. Many balance and fitness products are on the market. On-line stores such as skis.com and snowboard.org are good resources. If you belong to a fitness club, ask a trainor to suggest some balance, strength and aerobic activities for you.  

Exercises that include basic side-to-side movement are a good start. Once you feel secure, you can add ski “edging” moves. Wobble boards and Bongo boards are handy tools. 

Strive for "dynamic balance". You can stand on one leg and improve your general balance. However, skiing and snowboarding involve balance in motion, or what is called transitional balance.