WINTER FEELS GOOD!
A GUID E T O SKIIN G & SN OWBOA RD IN G
WINTER FEELS GOOD in so many ways. It’s good for the heart, the head and the soul. But before
you head for the hills—or even your own backyard—there are things you should know. In this
guide, we’ll briefly introduce you to gear and clothing, and steer you towards great resources for
complete information, including the Winter Feels Good web site, winterfeelsgood.com.
How to dress for winter fun
Wearing the right clothing is the first step in getting ready to play outside in
the snow. You want to stay warm and dry. The best way to dress for winter
fun is to wear layers of clothing. This allows you to add or remove layers,
depending on the weather and your activity.
Easy as 1-2-3 Layers
1. FIRST LAYER. Worn next to the skin, usually long underwear. Look for
a synthetic fiber—usually polyester—that can “wick,” or move, sweat away
from your skin.
2. MIDDLE LAYER. Your insulation layer, including turtlenecks, sweatshirts,
sweaters and pullovers. Popular materials include fleece and wool.
3. OUTER LAYER. Usually pants and a jacket, which should block the
wind and repel snow and sleet. Most genuine outerwear is waterproof and
“breathable,” meaning it keeps moisture on the outside but allows moisture
from the inside—your sweat—to escape, so you stay dry and comfortable.
DON’T FORGET: Hat, headband or helmet • Goggles • Sunglasses • Waterproof gloves/mittens • Sunscreen with SPF 30
w w w.win t e r f e els g o o d.c o m
ALPINE SKIING
SKIS: Virtually all skis now are “shaped,” with narrow waists and wide tips and
tails. These skis turn easier and can be used in shorter lengths—the top of the
skis should be between your chest and nose.
BOOTS: Come in traditional sizes and also “mondo point,” which is the boot
length in centimeters.
BINDINGS: A ski shop employee will set your retention setting, based on weight
and skiing ability.
POLES: Are the right length when, with pole grips in your hands and pointed
ends touching the floor, your forearms are parallel to the ground.
TAKE A LESSON: First-time skiers should always take a lesson from a qualified
instructor. Call your local ski areas and sign up for a learn-to-ski class or, if you
have skied before, a refresher course.
Alpine skiers improve balance and flexibility, strengthen
quadricep and hamstring muscles, and can burn more than
400 calories per hour in this anaerobic and aerobic activity.
Snowboarding
YOUR STYLE: Choose Freeriding if you want to ride any terrain in any snow
conditions and Freestyle if you’re more interested in jumping and doing tricks
in half-pipes and terrain parks.
YOUR STANCE: “Regular Foot” riders stand with their left foot forward on the
board; “Goofy Foot” riders stand with right foot forward. If you don’t know
your stance, have someone push you gently from behind; whichever foot you
put out first for balance is probably the foot you should have in front.
YOUR ANGLES: For Freeriding, beginners should ask that their bindings be
set shoulder-width apart, with a stance angle of 15 degrees for front foot and
3 degrees for back foot. For Freestyle riding, widen your stance and reduce
the angle of your front foot below 10 degrees.
YOUR LESSON: Always, always take a lesson from a qualified instructor your
first time snowboarding. Be prepared to fall. But get through your first day and
be on your way to a lifetime of fun.
Snowboarders increase coordination, flexibility and balance,
strengthen leg muscles and can burn more than 400
calories per hour in this anaerobic and aerobic activity.
www.winterfeelsgood.com
• Info on gear, apparel & getting started • Health & nutrition tips • Ski, snowboard shops near
you • Ski, snowboard areas near you • Affordable learn-to programs • Ski clubs in your area
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