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10 tips for skiing and riding in frigid temperatures, according to Boston.com readers
Skiers and riders share the clothing and products they pack on extra cold days.
After a bitterly cold stretch of weather across the region earlier this month, we asked Boston.com readers for their tips and tricks for skiing and riding during frigid temperatures.
Ahead, discover how local skiers are staying warm on the mountain as the temperature goes down.
1. Buy heated gear, helmet liners
“Check the material of the socks before you buy, a wool blend is better than all cotton. I suggest an extra set of charged batteries for both, too. Neoprene boot gloves help as long as your boots are warm when you put them on. Helmet liners are essential.” — Lisa from Charlton
2. Wear the right socks
“Extra layers can be useful, but when it comes to your feet, circulation is king. Doubling down on thick wool socks seems toasty, but extra bulk and tight ski boots can result in poor blood flow. Stick with a single thin ski sock and make sure to keep your core warm.” — Dan S. from Roslindale
3. Layer up
“Dress in layers with clothing and don’t wear cotton” — David H. of Kittery, Maine
4. Bring a change of clothes, surgical gloves
“Try and always have extra layers; facemasks, gloves, base layers, socks, etc. in your ski bag and bring into lodge rather than car! Goes without saying but dry gear is always better than damp gear. Changing throughout the day can help. Surgical gloves under ski gloves, sounds super weird but it does end up becoming almost too hot at times. The gloves don’t allow any air or moisture in or out. Open a few packs of hand warmers and put in the pockets of internal/base layers.” — Brooksy from Killington, Vermont
5. Wear a puffy vest
“Add puffy vest, one where if it’s 30 degrees you sweat.” — Anonymous reader
6. Use warmers, multiple face masks
“First off, BODY WARMERS! Job Lot sells family packs at a discount that include hand, feet, and body warmers. Use them all. They will save you. Secondly, heated gloves! I purchased mine off Amazon and they have been a game changer. Third, in single digit temperatures I wear a tight face mask under my helmet with only my eyes exposed (which are covered by my goggles), and then another heavier face mask that actually wraps over my helmet. Fourth, just one layer of wool socks. Two layers can bunch and cause major discomfort and it reduces breathability in the foot which could cause it to sweat, and no one wants cold sweat! Furthermore, your boot should be snug enough to only allow for one sock — not two. Fifth, layers, layers, layers. Stay away from cotton and use dri-tec or moisture-wicking base layers, with fleece on top of those layers before putting on your final puffer coat. Sixth, sunscreen. Even though you shouldn’t have any skin exposed on cold days, the wind can actually burn your face. In the chance your mask is freezing from your breath and you do have to pull it down, you have to protect your skin. And lastly, take lots of breaks that include warm beverages!” — Jackie B. from Medford
7. Take breaks
“Lots of layers. Good quality ski jacket/pants. And breaks as needed.” — Ronda G.
8. Use face products, keep goggles dry
“Invest in some type of windburn protection for face, can help in the event facemasks/buffs/balaclava’s move around or become too wet. (Ski Balm, Dermatone Skin Protector, Joshua Tree Winter Stick). I am someone that doesn’t love heavy layering on my face, over my mouth and nose, so I usually wear a light buff and on really cold days will add the balm to cheeks and nose. Try and keep goggles dry, easier said than done obviously, but keep them at steady temp, either always wear them over your eyes or put in internal jacket pocket if need to take off, will limit the need to remove from face completely for day if keeps frosting and fogging. Can invest in anti-fog sprays as well — Cat Crap product (lol) works really well.” — Brooksy from Killington, Vermont
9. Bring deodorant — for your feet
“Deodorant on your feet.” — Terry F.
10. Ski late in the season
“Ski in late winter, early Spring.” — Belinda R.
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