Welcome Back!
Hey guys!
Welcome back to all returning skiers and Welcome all you 'newbies' :). I hope you are all as excited about the upcoming season as I am! I will see you guys soon (I'm still in AUS) -but until then, I though I would put up some helpful information for any of you that may be new to nordic skiing. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything that we forget to tell you guys about the basics like what is the best type of clothing to wear, etc.
Clothing:
Winter ski clothing can sometimes be expensive if you just go right out and try to buy it all at once. A better strategy is to make sure you have the really essential clothing and then build from there.
1. The most important part of ski clothes is some GOOD LONG UNDERWEAR. If you are to invest in a few pieces-this is one of them!! Make sure you get some that IS NOT made with cotton, but rather polypro or a good alternative. The local ski shops should be able to help you with this. Please, Please do not wear cotton as a 'base layer' as this will absorb all your sweat and just make you really cold.
2. Good hat and mittens/gloves. (Ahem-Millie :) Some days get pretty cold 'up top' especially if we are working on technique where there may not be constant skiing. Get a pair that will keep your hands warm, but that are maluable enough to fit in your pole straps and won't affect your skiing. Again-avoid cotton.
3. Good socks-I prefer nice wool ones. But the basic idea is to have ones that are made for being in the winter- or ski specific. Once-again. Avoid Cotton.
*All of these articles are probably the pieces of clothing that are going to 'make-it or 'break-it' in terms of being cold or warm this season. The best advice is to dress in layers with some non-cotton as your base layers-including socks, sports bras, etc. Other great items to have are a vest, heavy jacket (for really cold days/waiting before and after races), light jacket (while warming up), windproof pants,etc. These items however can be expensive and the best time to buy them is during end of season sales when things are sometimes up to 50% less! The bottom line-Don't break the bank trying to outfit yourself. As long as you have good 'basics' (long underwear, socks, mittens/hat), you should be set!
The best places to shop in town are usually Cross Country Connection and Fine Edge. Sierra Trading Post (Cheyenne) sometimes has good finds too. There are also some good catalogs based out of Minnesota and Michigan that can have good stuff from last year. (Ask becca as the company name is escaping me right now).
Cheers!-see you all soon.
Welcome back to all returning skiers and Welcome all you 'newbies' :). I hope you are all as excited about the upcoming season as I am! I will see you guys soon (I'm still in AUS) -but until then, I though I would put up some helpful information for any of you that may be new to nordic skiing. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything that we forget to tell you guys about the basics like what is the best type of clothing to wear, etc.
Clothing:
Winter ski clothing can sometimes be expensive if you just go right out and try to buy it all at once. A better strategy is to make sure you have the really essential clothing and then build from there.
1. The most important part of ski clothes is some GOOD LONG UNDERWEAR. If you are to invest in a few pieces-this is one of them!! Make sure you get some that IS NOT made with cotton, but rather polypro or a good alternative. The local ski shops should be able to help you with this. Please, Please do not wear cotton as a 'base layer' as this will absorb all your sweat and just make you really cold.
2. Good hat and mittens/gloves. (Ahem-Millie :) Some days get pretty cold 'up top' especially if we are working on technique where there may not be constant skiing. Get a pair that will keep your hands warm, but that are maluable enough to fit in your pole straps and won't affect your skiing. Again-avoid cotton.
3. Good socks-I prefer nice wool ones. But the basic idea is to have ones that are made for being in the winter- or ski specific. Once-again. Avoid Cotton.
*All of these articles are probably the pieces of clothing that are going to 'make-it or 'break-it' in terms of being cold or warm this season. The best advice is to dress in layers with some non-cotton as your base layers-including socks, sports bras, etc. Other great items to have are a vest, heavy jacket (for really cold days/waiting before and after races), light jacket (while warming up), windproof pants,etc. These items however can be expensive and the best time to buy them is during end of season sales when things are sometimes up to 50% less! The bottom line-Don't break the bank trying to outfit yourself. As long as you have good 'basics' (long underwear, socks, mittens/hat), you should be set!
The best places to shop in town are usually Cross Country Connection and Fine Edge. Sierra Trading Post (Cheyenne) sometimes has good finds too. There are also some good catalogs based out of Minnesota and Michigan that can have good stuff from last year. (Ask becca as the company name is escaping me right now).
Cheers!-see you all soon.
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