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There is nothing worse than being freezing on the slopes. Along with it just being generally unenjoyable, it isn’t great for your muscles either. They need to stay warm so that you can ski your best.
And while unfortunately, we cannot control the weather – or ensure a bluebird day every single day of the year – there is a lot you can control to help you keep warm and toasty on the slopes. Here are eight ways to stay warm on the slopes.
How to Stay Warm on the Slopes
1. Make sure everything is fully dry from the day before
This is absolutely key.
If it’s been snowing, your gear will inevitably get wet. Ensure you dry it out properly overnight. Whether that be near the radiators, on boot & glove dryers, or in the tumble dryer (although a lot of tumble drying can affect waterproofing), make sure everything you put on is fully dry the next morning. If you start the day with damp gear, you’ll likely stay cold all day as it will never have an opportunity to dry fully.
2. Layer up
Knowing how to layer for skiing is one of the most efficient ways to stay warm on the slopes. Plus, wearing layers gives you the flexibility to add extras (that you definitely brought in your rucksack) or shed them to adjust if the temperature changes throughout the day.
Think about your layers in three key sections:
- Base Layers – should wick away moisture and be form fitting
- Mid Layers – should trap body heat
- Outer Layers – should keep away the wind, rain and snow
Extras – It never hurts to throw an extra layer, pair of gloves or buff in your rucksack in case things get too wet, or you want to adjust your layers throughout the day.
Not sure what else to pack? Check out our Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List.
3. Take a break
Simple but effective. Go inside, grab a hot chocolate or vin chaud and cosy up by the fire for a bit. If the temperature is set to be really low, plan breaks into your day ahead of time. This will ensure you stop often enough to warm up, and ultimately, make the most of your time on the slopes.
4. Make sure your gear is waterproof
In general, almost all ski gear is waterproof. If you’ve purchased a new jacket or pair of salopettes, you’ll be good to go. Be sure to double check your kids‘ gear though. You may find kids kit doesn’t have as high of quality materials as adult gear. But they are even more susceptible to the cold that us big kids, so it’s even more important that your child’s gear is up to snuff.
Ellis Brigham has a great selection of high-quality waterproof kit for both kids and adults.
If your gear is a bit older it will start to lose its waterproofing, especially if you’ve thrown everything in the washing machine and tumble dryer a few times over. Don’t rush out to buy new gear straightaway though. You can get re-waterproofing sprays and washes to help bring that repellency back. It won’t work as well as it did when your jacket was brand new, but it will definitely extend the life of your kit.
Get your gear ready for your next ski trip. How to prep your ski gear.
5. Keep moving!
Standing or sitting still for too long on the mountain will make you colder, quicker. If you find yourself standing around too much, get going quicker. Get that workout in, push yourself on the slopes and you’ll warm up from the inside out by exerting tons of energy. And the bit of extra fitness does not hurt either. And small movements make a difference. Toe and finger wiggling while you’re sitting on the chairlift will help keep your blood circulating.
6. Properly fuel up
Having lots of energy is key for a day’s skiing. But your body will burn a lot of energy trying to keep warm, so it’s essential that you have lots of fuel for it to burn.
Start the day with a filling breakfast – we’re talking an eggs ’n bacon kind of breakfast, or a hearty bowl of porridge is always nice in the winter. Indulge in a big lunch on the mountain – burgers, pizzas and fondue galore – you are on holiday after all!
Looking for some lunch spots? Here are the best mountain restaurants in the Three Valleys.
7. Don’t focus on it
Easier said than done, but the more you think about something, the more attention you’ll draw to it. If you find yourself with teeth clenched and shivering, you’ll inevitably shiver some more. Try to forget about it – you are skiing after all! Head down a challenging run, or give the park a go. Maybe take a route you’ve never been down or try to reach the highest peak in resort. If you’re focused on the task at hand, it will be easier to forget about being cold.
8. Get the help of some hand & body warmers
Luckily there are companies out there who do their bit to aid the cold experience.
Häago is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of quality, eco-friendly single use warmers. They have a full range of hand, toe, body & foot warmers which last up to 8+ hours and emit heat of an average of 45c.
Simply open the warmers and shake for 3 minutes to activate, once done, stick the hand warmers in your pocket or glove for maximum efficiency, the body warmer can be stuck on the inside of your jacket to provide a comfortable warmth on your body and the toe and foot warmers are placed in your boot.
