When you’re planning on vacationing somewhere with a lot of snow such as Utah and wish to enjoy winter activities such as skiing or snowmobiling, it’s best that you prepare your winter wardrobe beforehand. Failing to prepare and plan your snow clothes would put your ski lodge reservation or snowmobile rental in Utah to waste as you’d probably end up freezing or getting sick due to lack of insulation in your clothing. So here are basic tips and considerations when preparing your winter wardrobe:
All About Layers
If you haven’t experienced snow or visited an area stuck in perpetual winters such as some parts of France, Austria, Switzerland, or New Hampshire, you’d probably find it funny or absurd when movies and television shows present their characters in thick and bulky layers of snow apparel. But this is quite an accurate representation of how you should be dressing up.
You’ll need as many layers as you can wear to keep you warm while still be able to move properly. Wearing too many layers can restrict your movement, so you’ll have to be smart about the fabric you’ll be wearing and the number of layers. Here are the four basic layers you’ll need for extreme cold weather:
Long Underwear. To start, you’ll need a good base. It’s not enough to wear your usual boxers or lingerie, you have to dress appropriately and practically — and that includes your underwear. You’ll need “long underwear” which fits well on your skin and is made from nonabsorbent material. This first layer will help keep your skin dry and prevent water from being absorbed and freezing your skin and limbs.
Mid Layer. Your next layer should be able to absorb the moisture that’s being kept out of your long underwear. Synthetic fabric is best for mid-layers, although wool would be a good alternative. Your mid-layer should be the shirts (T-shirts or long sleeves), sweaters, and pants you often use when you jog or exercise.
Insulation Layer. This layer should be thick and allow you to keep yourself warm. Insulating garments are often designed specifically for extreme cold weather and are made of insulating materials such as down and/or specially-designed synthetic fabrics.
Shell Layer. The shell layer is the second most important layer, next to your long underwear. The shell layer serves as a “shell” to prevent cold air and wind from coming into contact with your other layers, thus keeping you warm.
Don’t forget the Rest
Head. It’s important that you wear cold weather head protection such as a balaclava, and a winter beanie. The bottom line here is to have as little skin exposed, so make sure you have enough winter accessories to keep your face and head warm. Wearing goggles protective winter goggles would help you see in the snow and prevent your eyes from drying out painfully.
Hands. For you to ski, ride your snowmobile, or do any other activity using your hands, it’s important for you to wear gloves specifically made for cold weather.
Feet. Make sure not to skimp on the socks either. Wear insulating knee-high socks to keep your feet warm, and pair it with down snow boots that help insulate your feet as well as provide enough traction to travel over snow.
Conclusion
Winter or areas with constant or heavy snow can be quite enjoyable as long as you’re able to wear enough layers to keep you warm and functional. So if you’re ready to experience snow and snow activities for the first time, it would be a good idea to check if the clothing and apparel you have in your wardrobe are ready as well.
