Staying Warm In Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is cold. This much you knew. But do you know how to go outside on the coldest of Jackson Hole mornings and remain warm throughout the day? more info
Here's ten quick tips that will help:
- Your head. Keep it covered. Completely. More heat is lost through the top of your head than anywhere else on your body. Remember that.
- Your ears. Buy a hat that comes down all the way over them. And use it.
- Your neck and face. While scarves are cumbersome and impractical, they will do the job in a pinch. A better suggestion, however, is a neck gaiter made out of "Turtle Fur" or similar material. Don't leave home without it.
- Your hands. It's almost always a good idea to buy your gloves or mittens a little bigger than you think you'll need. Remember, it's not just the material that keeps you warm, it's the dead air space in between that material and the surface of your skin. As for the choice between gloves or mittens, that decision is up to you and should be based on practical needs, not fashion concerns. Some manufacturers are now making mitten/gloves with one slit right down the middle, leaving two fingers on one side and two on the other. These might be worth checking out.
- Your lower back. This may seem like an odd area of the body to worry about getting cold, but anyone who's ever sat on a chairlift with a 40 mph wind gusting up the back of the shirt knows what I'm talking about. Several manufacturers now make their ski bibs with a high, elastic back. Get a pair of those if you can.
- Your feet. Again, be thinking about air space. Whatever you do, don't try to cram a foot wrapped in three layers of socks into a tight ski boot. The multiple sock theory may make the boots feel tighter but it will also prevent blood from flowing to your toes. When it comes to socks, go thin to win. Also, when wearing pac-boots like Sorels, try to have your feet as high off the ground and as far away from the surface of the snow as possible. Buy some good wool inserts and stick them in between the liner and the shell - underneath your foot.
- Cotton. Avoid it. And if you're planning on doing any extensive hiking to earn your turns, don't forget the extra dry shirt to put on after you're finished climbing. There's nothing worse than a long, slow, cold descent wearing a damp top.
- A tip on goggles. The best way to keep them from fogging up is to never fall wearing them. If they do get snow on them, and just will not stay clear, you're better off bringing them inside and drying them out completely before you head back out.
- Layer, Layer, Layer. It's the best advice you can get. Forget the stretch pants, forget the neon tights, just stick to simple long underwear and practical, comfortable, keep-you-dry outerwear. Shy away from the big, poofy, do-it-all jackets and pants unless you're planning an expedition of Iditarod-esque proportions. Instead, go with a warm layer of fleece and a shell.
- The best way to prevent yourself from being cold is to never get cold to begin with. Stay active, stay dry, stay moving and do whatever you have to keep the blood flowing.
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