 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
I was in France in Febuary last season in my favroute resort (which to fair is pretty high 1600) and we were getting temptures as low as -20 without taking the wind chill into account usually I'm ok with the altitude and have no problmes but this year i really didn't feel i could eat anything from morning to night I did my best but my appitite really just dissapeared ( I assume the extreme cold with the altitude caused this) so how would you guys have delt with that situation and the cold.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
I should mention I did eat but i couldent manage much
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Jonathanemptage, Last February was both unusually and extremely cold. You wouldn't expect those sorts of temperatures typically. -10C is cold, we wreen't here but I believe Geneva was hitting -20C during the day. Not really typical at all.
Never heard of cold affecting appetite, but, hey, who knows.
Down filled outerwear.
Layering.
Heated gloves and boots.
Eat and drink enough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Put another log on the fire and wrap up warm with a hot chocolate!
If you really have to go out then lots and lots of very thin layers everywhere and ifyou still finding eating difficult make sure that what you do eat is crammed with calories even to the detriment of being balanced!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Down jacket. That's colder than you'd usually expect in Europe, especially for sustained periods.
Coldest I've skied in was -48º at the Stubai (inc windchill) - was not fun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
I grow my beard a bit longer and wear a long sleeved t-shirt (but that was in the -30's in my defence).
Seriously, I always used to ski in an insulated jacket with just a t-shirt underneath. I carried a warm scarf that would wrap round my neck and cover my chest if necessary - even a beanie for extreme conditions. When is was -30 in Canada I finally relented and bought a fleece and a long sleeved t-shirt as well 
I can't imagine needing more than that when skiing. I have been stuck in the odd chair lift when I would have liked something more though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At minus 22c ish in Sweden I usually wear base layers, merino socks, insulated trousers, thin fleece, insulated jacket, neck gaiter, helmet and mittens.
At minus 38 ish in Canada I added another thin fleece, boot gloves, glove liners and a face mask.
Staying hydrated is real important too. Having some gummy bears or similar to munch on the lift keeps your metabilism ticking over too.
The little t-bag heaters shoved down your mittens on to the back of your hands help. Making sure your boots are warm and dry when you put them on helps too.
The stick onto skin warming plasters you get for bad backs (currently 3 for £1 in poundland) are great, I put them on the small of my back where I sometimes get a draught.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonathanemptage, Presumably you were warm enough at breakfast time, what did you eat then ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
lilywhite, What are these skin warming plasters? My OH would like!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
under a new name, Yes, I have a really niggly back, so I had them for that,didn't think about the heat part so accidently found they just happened to make skiing in the icy cold easier. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I wouldn't do the lots of thin layers approach myself. Full set of thermals, and either light fleece and down jacket, or heavier fleece and softshell jacket. Probably just warm softshell trews rather than anything insulated. Hood up, cos keeping your head and neck windproof makes a massive difference to how cold you feel. Probably gloves rather than mitts, but liner gloves are dead useful so you don't have to expose your skin if you take your warm gloves off. Merino buff thing for neck and face or whatever.
I'm a fan of not having more than 3 layers, because when you stack up more you'll compress your inner layers (making them insulated less effectively) and you don't want to limit blood flow to your extremities any more than you have to. Also, michelin man cosplays look a bit odd and they're inconvenient for all sorts of things.
Once you're covered up, windchill doesn't mean anything.
And then ski hard and burn some calories 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
have skied in -22 in the alps in January - wore roubaix cycling tights under insulated trousers, 2 standard Helly Hansen Lifa base layers, a relatively heavy polar fleece, a thinly insulated hard shell jacket, gloves, a buff over neck and face, and a helmet and goggles. Was toasty.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The option to add or subtract layers makes your skiwear more versatile than just one or two heavy-weight items. It's not just cold weather that you might have to ski in, but warm as well. Last season the temperature range between my coldest trips and my warmest was almost 40 degrees centigrade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
In the VERY cold, I go for a down outer layer, but also, wearing salopettes instead of pants makes a big difference as it helps prevent chills around the midrift
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Last Feb was ridiculous for a weekend wasn't it. My car said -35, and that was in town. On the way up to Le Grand Bornand it gave up at -40 and changed to a blank display. I got minor frostbite from loading my skis onto the roof.
(I'm sure we've had this thread before but I can't find it)
Anyway, I wore my usual cheap base layer, my usual microfleece thingy, my usual jacket... I wore the thermal leg things which I don't normally, but other than that I would dress exactly the same when it's -1 or +1. Pulled up my collar a bit. Wore a snood.
Basically warm and fine. Except.
Nose, lips, chin, fingers, toes.
Exposed bits are going to suffer badly. Keep them covered. Extremities generally are going to lose out a bit while your body reroutes blood to more important locations. Hand warmers essential. I really wish I'd had boot warmers. I used to mock people with boot warmers, assumed they were a daft pricey gimmick, but I've changed my mind.
As I climbed into the gondola, I must admit I did momentarily worry about 'Little Piehole and his two rotund neighbours'. But they were fine.
We stopped for coffee more often than usual. I think that was pretty sensible. Not a day to be stuck in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Being finland 2 years on the bounce inthe same week . First you it was -20 last year was -33 . Wierd
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Below about minus 20 the snow gets kind of squeaky and waxing can be a challenge.
I can't say the temperature makes any difference to what I eat. But then *I'm* not at minus 20 (or minus 37, my personal lowest riding weather).
I've never ridden with anyone using a down jacket (duvet); you're going to burn up with that. When it's minus 20 or below I just...
- stick an extra layer on.
- make sure I've no exposed skin
- wiggle my toes now and then to keep 'em toasty
- don't stop
I already use decent warm mitts with liners. If it's really cold then you have to be quick if you're taking pictures as even with liners on your fingers will freeze in a minute.
That's back country stuff; at a resort it matters less. In Finland for example the standard approach is to just call into the lodge every run and get a quick blast from the hand dryer until you're ready for the next run.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| Quote: |
In Finland for example the standard approach is to just call into the lodge every run and get a quick blast from the hand dryer
|
My experience of Fins would be more like a quick blast on the wodka bottle 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Finnish cold is very dry so the main problem in protecting your face
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Soup and beer coat
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
They have fire pits in Finland too for warming up, or in my case for defrosting snacks so they didn't break my teeth
It was about -15 at the coldest though, so not as extreme as some of you have experienced, but still very cold, especially as I hadn't got my head round my layering system back them.
Best cold weather purchase was probably a polar buff (buff with a fleecy bit at one end). Enact what is known to my group as "granny mode" by pulling it right round your face like a balaclava to keep the wind out, then put your helmet over the top. Hood up too, and you'll be warm enough not to care what you look like!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From +15c to -30c airtemp is bearable in standard skiwear.
Below -30c is when it starts to feel chilly. Balaclava and extra layers required.
Below -50c needs specialist gear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unless you are going to spend a lot of time in a really cold place it is not worth buying specialist gear. Just an extra layer or two will do the job and maybe some good gloves/mitts. Unless your clothing is quite a snug fit the issue of compressing the extra under layers will have no appreciable effect on insulation. The only time I have noticed compression of clothing causing cold was my bum on the chairlift and that was at below -30.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Worst I ever skied in was I think -28C with a fairly strong wind chill I was fine in normal ski gear except for my toes which being stuck in my ski boots I couldn't keep warm and got the early stages of frost bite in, even now 3o years later my toes still feel the cold far more than the rest of me.
Things I've learnt over the years skiing, 3 layers is generally all you need, get a windproof outer layer and make sure your jacket is long enough, good quality base layers do make a difference, get good gloves, if it's below -20C make sure your face is covered including your nose and mouth, below these air temps it is possible for the cold to damage the inside of your lungs, having something over your nose and mouth means that the air you exhale will help warm that covering which will take the chill off the air you inhale.
A little strong alcohol can help, but only a little, a thimble full of spirits will give a quick warming effect, but don't consume lots of booze because it will actually thin the blood and make it easier for hypothermia to set in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcohol causes blood to surge toward the skin, which then radiates heat away.
You might feel warmer, but you're actually getting colder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I have skied in -35C with an extra 10 or so degrees of windchill wearing only an old set of C&A thermals but with a good quality jacket and salopettes. My body was warm as toast. But, hands and face were another issue. I would sugget you get one of those ski balaclaver things plus a set of silk inner gloves. Worst part was my facial hair freezing solid 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Mine was about -32 in Canada at Lake Louise, -50 odd up top. Exposed skin freeze time was about 5 minutes. Biggest problem wasn't feeling cold but getting the boards to run - they were freezing to the ground and stopping from sliding. We stayed low, and put in a few runs down on the old Olympic chair and called it a day.
Didn't really effect me physically, other than a thumbprint sized patch of frostnip on my neck where my scarf shifted. Was an interesting experience - watching your breath freeze in the air and fall to the ground, perfect 3-4mm snow flake crystals falling from the sky, your clothes crunching where they were frosting over...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Posidrive wrote: |
| silk inner gloves |
For reasons I have never adequately explained, my hands are always much much colder when I wear my little Icebreaker 'snooker referee' gloves under my proper gloves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Sarge McSarge wrote: |
| Unless your clothing is quite a snug fit the issue of compressing the extra under layers will have no appreciable effect on insulation. |
There was a recent thread by someone asking more or less the same question as this one, who couldn't understand why she still felt cold after throwing 6 layers on.
| Sarge McSarge wrote: |
| Unless you are going to spend a lot of time in a really cold place it is not worth buying specialist gear. |
A single high loft fleece will be warmer and comfier than three thinner layers, and is a hell of a lot cheaper than reasonable down gear. In fact, there's a good chance it'll be cheaper than a couple of nice heavyweight merino tops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Doing a proper warm up and stretch in the hotel/chalet before layering up and venturing out, makes all the difference (a waste of good typing there, cos nobody will do it but hey). Most still go cold from the front door to the lift, get colder on the way up and then ski like a frozen christmas tree for the rest of the morning remarking on how cold it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Bode Swiller wrote: |
| Doing a proper warm up |
Is that like having an extra helping of bacon?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Serriadh wrote: |
| Bode Swiller wrote: |
| Doing a proper warm up |
Is that like having an extra helping of bacon? |
mmm - with maple syrup and pancakes. And a pint of weaponsied coffee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| Richard_Sideways wrote: |
| Serriadh wrote: |
| Bode Swiller wrote: |
| Doing a proper warm up |
Is that like having an extra helping of bacon? |
mmm - with maple syrup and pancakes. And a pint of weaponsied coffee. |
These are all excellent warm up routines.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Richard_Sideways wrote: |
| Mine was about -32 in Canada at Lake Louise, -50 odd up top. Exposed skin freeze time was about 5 minutes. |
I would have thought a lot less than five minutes?
For the OP, there is lots of sensible advice in here on making sure there is still loft in your insulation and no exposed skin. Also, calories and fluid are important [not alcohol!]. When winter camping, I used to take fruit/Christmas cake as that was calorie dense.
For winter cycling, I used to tape those chemical hand heat thingies to the toe of my cycling shoe, and then cover with a neoprene boot. Not sure if the same would work on ski/board boots.
greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
And a quick word of warning about those old neoprene face masks. The CEO of my previous employer wore one while skiing in Lake Louise. Pulled it off too quickly and took a layer of skin with it because it had frozen to his face
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Bode Swiller wrote: |
| Doing a proper warm up and stretch in the hotel/chalet before layering up and venturing out, makes all the difference (a waste of good typing there, cos nobody will do it but hey). Most still go cold from the front door to the lift, get colder on the way up and then ski like a frozen christmas tree for the rest of the morning remarking on how cold it is. |
For sure getting the blood pumping before you go into the cold will keep your extremities warm for longer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| clarky999 wrote: |
| pumping before you go into the cold |
excellent idea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| wittenham wrote: |
| Richard_Sideways wrote: |
| Mine was about -32 in Canada at Lake Louise, -50 odd up top. Exposed skin freeze time was about 5 minutes. |
I would have thought a lot less than five minutes?
|
Well that figure was quoted to me by a Canadian bus-driver on that day - and by the look of him he, like most old Canadians, was basically made out of beard and leather.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Posidrive wrote: |
| ...Pulled it off too quickly and took a layer of skin with it... |
...Fnar...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
