The key to enjoying winter sports is—just as the Boy Scouts say—always be prepared. When you’re not, the outdoors can be miserable; I’ve spent more than a few days cold and in pain, and once I even blubbered like a baby (see below). Having the proper gear can turn a windy, snowy day into a great one, and can make braving the elements as easy as the KT-22 drop at Squaw Valley.
Below are a few of my cold weather essentials for running, hiking, biking, skiing, boarding, and cavorting in the frosty outdoor air. (Disclaimer: I live in California … how cold does the air really get?)
Gloves for Boarding/Skiing
The last time I was without a good pair of gloves was on the face of Mt. Shasta. We had been climbing the snowy mountain since five in the morning, and around seven, my hands started to feel like clods of ice. Foolishly, I only had on a pair of thin liners. A friend had lent me his gloves, but they were too big, and it was too late. My fingers hurt—really, really bad. The altitude was making me loopy. I was facing a steep incline in my crampons, and just couldn’t bear the thought of picking up my ice axe with one of my ice paws. I started to cry; I considered turning around.
Luckily, a warm-bodied friend approached and let me warm my hands on his big Buddha belly while giving me a pep talk. Hands on a friend’s tummy, ice ax dangling in the snow; it was a humiliating moment. Now, I will rarely brave a day in the snow without my Bonfire mittens. They have primaloft interior, which is this awesome fabric designed for—what else?—warmth. When I’m looking for something a little less bulky, I wear these mid-weight gloves for running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Especially for biking (frozen fingers=inability to break), gloves are essential in the winter. Speaking of biking, I’ve become a big fan of these foot booties, which you can wear over your biking shoes. I just wish I had them last time I had to turn around while riding in twenty-eight degree weather. Man, my toes hurt.
Goggles for Skiing/Snowboarding
Next time you’re around a group of long time skiers and snowboarders, check out their eyebrows. Chances are at least one of them has a scar, indicating a time they crashed into a snow bank and had their sunglasses gash their face. It’s because of this, and the intense reflection off the snow which can thrash your corneas, that I opt for UV resistant goggles whenever I’m snowboarding, skiing, or snow hiking. I’ve been using polar optic Oakley’s for many years now; the model I wear can’t be found on the Internet because I think they were created before the World Wide Web pages. But these Ambush goggles are pretty darn similar. They don’t fog up, and can fit around your helmet, which brings me to my next item …
Snowboarding Helmet
I was admittedly late in the game to get a helmet, but now I see boarding without one akin to riding a bike without one: just plain stupid. In fact, the very first time I rode with my brand new Protec helmet, I hit my head. Hard. But, I didn’t hurt my brain … at least not perceivably. Helmets also have the dual purpose of keeping your head warm, which is always a nice touch. Can also be worn as rock protection while mountain climbing (wish I had it on Shasta).
Face Protection
I remember having to fit in a marathon-training run one winter’s morning before heading to class. It was pitch black, and the stars were still out. I could see my breath, and wondered why the hell I had planned a thirteen mile run at 5 a.m. It was fricking freezing. But what saved me, besides a good pair of gloves, was my North Face Hoodie. It zips over your face—covering nose, mouth, and cheeks—yet still allows for breathing. You look like a ninja, and feel as stealth as one too. I use it on all my cold weather runs; the small pocket in back can fit a powerbar and some cash for a coffee on the way home. On the slopes, it’s great under a waterproof shell when the wind is whipping at your face.
Undergarments
The first layer might be the most important. I like Patagonia’s Capilene under layers, which are soft, long lasting, and wick away moisture. I wear the bottoms under my ski pants or as a base layer for cold weather camping; the top I use while running or under a biking jersey.
Warm Feet
Although socks can only do so much to remedy a bad pair of ski boots or a really cold day, these Smart Wool socks are better than most. And for après ski, Moon Boots, the must-have snow footwear of the eighties, are making a serious comeback. Although I don’t have a pair yet, I’m thinking they just might be the next snow purchase. With colors like bright orange and lilac, it’ll be like I never grew up.
Of course, one of the best ways to stay warm in the outdoors is to stay moving. But once you’ve summited your mountain, or hunkered down for a long, slow chairlift, the contents of this snow peak flask might be able to keep you warm from the inside out.
Updated November 27, 2009