 Poster: A snowHead
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My daughter - aged 15 - is off to Mont Tremblant in February. She is skinny and always cold so I'm looking for the warmest base layers and socks I can find that aren't wool. When she's tried my merino tops or socks she says they're itchy and goes back to her soft M&S thermals. Any advice on really warm, synthetic layers? She's pretty much finished growing so happy to send more money than on children's gear.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Try a synthetic/acrylic running top (they wick brilliantly, and are soft) with Helly Hansen merino on top for warmth. Works a treat for me. For Tremblant you'll probably need a puffy/down layer (or man-made equivalent) under the ski jacket too. I certainly did in Tremblant in January - coldest place I have skied...
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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and don't forget the tea-bag style hand warmers. They work well and those two little nodes of warmth are a great comfort. Neoprene face mask worth thinking about, too. Heated socks if you're really feeling generous.
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IMV. The job of the base layer is simply to wick away moisture and be reasonably tight against the skin.
The warmth is then built up with layering - and for extra warmth, a Down or Primaloft Gilet is a good idea. The outer layer needs to be wind proof and reasonably waterproof....and can come with decent insulation.
If hands get very cold, look at Mittens along with heated glove liners from the likes of Blazewear.
To keep feet as warm as possible, she needs to make sure Boots are dried each evening.
Keep an eye out on Sport Pursuit and TK Maxx.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Soozm, Baselayers are really good for wicking sweat (although you can get 250+ Icebreakers or synthetic alternative).
For warmth you’ll need a down-filled gilet, under a puffy jacket. You could bake a potato under that*.
(*not really, for the avoidance of doubt)
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@AL9000, Snap!
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I find sheep based stuff itchy and use only synthetics. M&S is probably fine, although their clothing is mostly too large for me these days. It's generally easy to pick up polypropylene gear at off-brand prices from lots of places. And no one sees/ cares about the lower layers anyway.
Before someone says, you do obviously have to keep it clean, so two sets are handy as you can wash one and use the other.
Layer-wise I like a compression base layer (just because I like the feel), a fleece layer, then probably a thin down layer topped with a breathable outer shell.
You don't want exposed skin. I prefer a synthetic neck gaiter thing to neoprene - it's a personal choice. You can buy all that stuff in a resort, and may find what they have there is more appropriate than what you may pick up in the UK where the people selling to you have no idea what you need or don't need. They will have supplies of hand/toe warming tea bags in the resort too, they aren't necessarily going to be cheaper in the UK, just buy what you need when you need it. I've never used those, but then I don't spend a lot of time using surface lifts.
Oh yeah, you'd want to use goggles, because of the protection they afford.
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Face mask a very good idea, rarely (if ever) needed in Europe, but when the lifties are on "facial frostbite watch" ...
If she really does suffer, heated glove liners and waistcoats e.g. Blazewear or Lenz might be worth investigating?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
just because I like the feel
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ooh err, steady on
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I think I'd be going synthetic ... down a bit of a humidity nightmare
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| under a new name wrote: |
I think I'd be going synthetic ... down a bit of a humidity nightmare |
And alot cheaper. But it doesn’t sound like she sweats much.
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| under a new name wrote: |
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just because I like the feel
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ooh err, steady on |
Bring out the gimp! 
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@DJL, hmmm, -15 is not uncommon, and I run reasonably hot, that would not be enough for me ...
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Poster: A snowHead
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Probably a merino pullover as well if so cold. Should have noticed the destination!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Soozm, Where/when are your “itchy” base layers from? I have some Helly Hansen merino base layers from about 10 years ago that could be described as scratchy (though I am not particularly sensitive to it), but anything purchased more recently has a completely different feel. Mons Royale and Icebreaker are all very soft and non-scratchy, and way more comfortable than stinky synthetics, so I wouldn't rule them out unless that is what you already have.
Then a couple of lightweight fleeces, an insulated jacket (isn't the east coast relatively dry? If so, down will be fine, or synthetics are pretty good too), and a shell.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Scarlet, I find wool itchy other than socks, although I haven't tried anything in about 10 years ...
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@under a new name, have a look, you might be surprised. I'm sure you'd be able to try some on in a shop around your way, just don't look at the price tags 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Scarlet,
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just don't look at the price tags
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Looking on the bright side, Icebreakers at least are, in my experience, seemingly indestructible. I've lost count of the number of years I've had mine, and the number of machine washes they've been through.
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Patagonia capilene comes in a range of weights and has an anti smell chemical (silver ion) included in the material. Really recommended.
Also have a couple of Odlo synthetic tops in a heavier weight which are good too and have a functional anti stink technology which works.
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@Scarlet, we do have an Icebreaker shop, although Deca might be more reasonable ...
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Hi all - this is brilliant! I posted the question and popped out for a couple of hours and have all this info back! I'll work through it with her. We always go to the alps and apart from a very cold Feb trip to the Arlberg the year of the polar vortex she's never really had a cold skiing holiday. This is a school trip, I was surprised at the location but apparently it's great for accomodation in the half term week.
I think a primaloft or down gilet is going to be key, her jacket is insulated but still got room inside (from Dope). Need to give some thought to gloves too.
Thanks again everyone
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Soozm wrote: |
| Need to give some thought to gloves too. |
Someone's probably said this already, but mittens not gloves, and liners (silk or merino). If you can't find anything suitable for really cold weather, don't worry too much and send her with whatever you've got already. There will be somewhere in resort that sells gloves suitable for the local temperatures.
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There are various kit shops at the bottom lifts in Tremblant sure the prices have gone up since I was there. Definitely t-bag handwarmers for each day. Costco normally have boxes on offer.
I would recommend Mountain Warehouse Marino base layers.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Microfleece is a good shout, to go under the midlayer. Perfect for when we run out of energy 
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You know it makes sense.
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+1 for mittens and extra liners.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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The latest stretchy mons cascade stuff is great. Got 50 days out of it without a wash last season. Not even a bit itchy. Cheap AF end of season prices too. Just got a new 200 weight top for about 20 English pesos.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| hang11 wrote: |
| The latest stretchy mons cascade stuff is great. Got 50 days out of it without a wash last season. Not even a bit itchy. Cheap AF end of season prices too. Just got a new 200 weight top for about 20 English pesos. |
Bargain! The best we can do around here is about 50% off RRP, though head office do chuck out some good deals from time to time. Result: the entire local population is a walking mons advert 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Go for a polartec powerstretch base layer.... Warmest baselayer I've ever had and great at wicking sweat!
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