Cold weather is something unavoidable, that every skier will have to deal with throughout the ski season. But it doesn’t have to be a negative.
Learning how to ski in cold weather starts with having an understanding on how to properly prepare beforehand.
Knowing how to prepare before arriving is fairly simple. The on the mountain part is what requires some learning and experience. In this article, I will explaining multiple tips and tricks for skiing in the cold, such as staying warm, using the right wax, and even what terrain to look for.
Preparing for the Cold
It may seem simple to some to layer up and drink warm liquids but, while that is in the right direction, there is a lot more you can do to ensure you stay warm on a cold day for example.
- Fueling up with warm high energy food and drinks before hand like oatmeal with fruit and nuts, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Bring similar snacks, like energy bars, too because they will help refuel you throughout a long day of skiing in the cold.
- Ensuring that your clothing is stored in a warm dry place overnight will not only help you stay warm at the start of the day but also help to maintain that warmth throughout the day.
- Making sure you’re properly layered will ensure you stay warm in the cold, allowing you to be on the mountain for longer. Base layers are incredibly important and if you plan on skiing in the cold a lot, then I’d definitely consider merino wool for your base layers. Also make sure you have an adequate facemask, gloves and socks. These are the areas that will most likely get cold first.
- Purchase some hand and toe warmers (most mountains sell them or you can get them at a lot of retailers before hitting the mountain too). These can be absolute lifesavers on the mountain because your hands and feet will tyically be the first things to get cold.
Many things come into play for skiing in cold weather but the most important is ensuring you stay warm. Not doing so can lead to short days on the mountain or something more serious, like frostbite or hypothermia.
Equipment
Something not everyone thinks of is going over your equipment before venturing out for a long day of skiing in the cold. Doing so will lessen your chances of injury and ensure you have a more enjoyable day on the mountain.
- Much like your outerwear, you want to store your skis and boots in a warm dry place overnight. So many skiers leave their boots and skis in the back of a truck, car or on the front porch over night. This can cause equipment such as boot buckles or bindings to freeze overnight. Causing safety issues for skiing the next day.
- Making sure your skis have cold temperature wax on is optimal. It ensures your skis will glide nicely on the dryer/colder snow.
- Checking your edges is also a good idea. The colder conditions can often mean more hard packed/icy snow. Having them sharper will give you a more ideal edge hold in these conditions.
- Buying affordable gear is great but not everything performs to the same standard. If you plan on facing the elements more often than not, then investing in a reputable pair of goggles that can handle cold temperatures and high wind speeds without freezing or fogging is ideal.
It’s always good to check over your equipment before skiing but cold conditions are even harder on your gear, thus making it even more necessary.
Weather/Conditions
The first thing you should do, before even considering skiing in colder temperatures, is to check the mountains weather report and run conditions. Doing so will give you a good idea on what to expect upon arriving at the mountain.
- Check to see if there has been any overnight snowfall, high winds, or significant temperature drops. This will give you an idea as to what on-mountain conditions will be like. High winds and cold temperatures could lead to runs being icy and dangerous, while a significant amount of snowfall in cold weather can sometimes add to avalanche risk and unpredictable terrain.
- Understand the conditions you are skiing on and ski them appropriately. Don’t try and risk skiing top to bottom as fast as possible if the groomers are a bit icy and the wind is howling. Doing so ensures the safety of you and the skiers around you.
- Pay attention to temperature, as it can suddenly drop even colder than when you first started the day and you may not even notice initially.
Its important to know the forecast/on mountain conditions beforehand. Doing so allows you to recognize how cold it is and could get, which in turn allows you to prepare accordingly.
Other things you can do
While we have covered most of the things you can do to make sure skiing in the cold is safe and enjoyable, there are still a few more things worth noting.
- Using the buddy system is a smart way to insure you both have a safe and enjoyable day. Anything can happen when skiing, such as getting lost, injured, or stuck. All of which become significantly more deadly in the cold. Skiing with someone else is always a good idea no matter the weather but when its cold/stormy, it becomes even more important.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks, like exploring unmarked areas or runs you are unfamiliar with, as it can lead to you getting lost, which is much more dangerous in the cold.
- Listen to your body in the cold. It will tell you if you are feeling the early effects of frostbite (also known as frost nip) on your nose or fingertips or if you have windburn on your cheeks. Ignoring them can lead to worse injuries. Taking frequent breaks to warm up your entire body is a good idea, because cold weather causes your muscles to lose heat and contract, causing tightness and lack of motion in your entire body. This can heighten the risk of injury.
Final Thoughts
Skiing in cold weather is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can be quite dangerous for a variety of reasons.
Taking all the necessary precautions mentioned above helps to mitigate the many risks that come with it. Cold weather can also be a blessing. When coupled with precipitation, it creates a light airy snow (aka fluffy powder, champagne powder) that is thoroughly enjoyable, making all the extra preparation well worth it.
Leave a Reply