By: Justin Easter
Subaru Factory Team - SkiPost Editor

I’m going to be very direct: I dislike being outside when it’s cold.

There are a few people I have met over the years that claim they aren’t cold when it’s well blow zero – they are liars.  I don’t think I’m alone in this sentiment.  The question is how do we address staying warm, especially on days when we are racing in this cold weather? 

Often we mention in SkiPost the products that the Subaru Factory Team uses, and this article is no exception.  Maybe there are other competing products out there that work just as well as the ones I will talk about, but we have tested the following products in some of the most extreme conditions on our own bodies.  This gives us the confidence to tell you that it works.

It should all start at the underwear!  The layer of clothing that is directly touching our skin is going to be the most valuable of all your pieces.  This layer is your first line of defense when trying to stay dry, and it is your last line of defense against the elements trying to get in.  When it gets cold, a simple long-sleeve base layer from Craft is agreeable.  When it gets cold and the wind picks up a bit Craft Wind Stop becomes a better friend than your ski buddy you’ve known for 30 years.  The reason we go with these Craft base layers is because it keeps you warm and dry.  A layer of polyester woven together with 40% worsted merino wool creates a thermal, itch-free surface.  A few good pairs of this will make your winter better, no doubt.

We should take a step backward really quick and talk about the first of all first layers – Wind Stop briefs and boxers.  Contrary to popular belief it really is ok for everyone to have a set of these, male or female. I would prefer to arrive at a race without my skis than without these.  The Gunda Boxer from Craft is an essential part of our ski-clothing lineup, and I really don’t feel I need to go into detail to make my point – you all have an imagination. 

Horror stories aside, your next step is finding the right jacket.  Jackets are a dime a dozen when you’ve been skiing for years, and there is very little I feel I can say about finding the right jacket.  When I was a kid my parents would tell me, “It’s not a fashion contest, you need to stay warm.”  I think that this is pretty much the bottom line, it could be the really colorful coat from 1987, but if it’s the warmest - wear it! (Note: great changes have been made since 1987 in jacket technology, so get an exploratory committee together and maybe look into that.)

Fingers and toes are hard to keep warm.  They are full of resistance against any honest effort to stay warm when they have decided to get cold.  Your best bet is to find a pair of gloves or mittens that keep your fingers warm and buy them.  I have seen people in the store looking at gloves that will clearly make their skiing experience more enjoyable in the cold, and then look at the price only to put them back on the shelf.  This is foolish, and they will regret that decision.  This is an investment that is worth every penny.

Between gloves and socks the one thing to keep in mind is that when both are dry they are more likely to keep you warm.  A thin, liner for your gloves can make a world of difference in the cold weather, and always having dry socks/dry boots that you put on right before you start skiing are essential.

Your best bet is to layer, period.  Layers give you the flexibility to adjust your cover as you get moving.  Having too many layers will provoke too much sweat, but if you have the option to take a vest off or zip off your warm-up pants you’ll be happier.  Boot covers and thin vests are great top layers that are really nothing more than a means to stop wind from getting at your feet and core.  A vest is non-intrusive enough that it is conceivable that you can wear this under your race number if it is a particularly windy day.

Reduce the amount of exposed skin.  This is something that should go without saying, but people forget.  That balaclava that you tell yourself you will buy next season could quite possibly be what keeps your face from frostbite.  Top the balaclava with a hat that fits well and has good coverage of your ears, and you’ll be set to go.

Last but not least, the most important aspect of staying healthy during the cold weather is to never stay in cold, wet clothing for too long. The easiest line of defense is simply to pack a warm, dry shirt for after your ski. Even if you are driving a short distance this change from sweaty clothing can prevent an unnecessary chill.

All of this is simple.  All of it should even be common sense, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded.  Cross country skiing is a winter activity, but when the temperature drops it can get dangerous to your overall well being.  Don’t sacrifice your health to save a few dollars, it’s truly not worth it!

EnjoyWinter Sweepstakes

1. Enter your name and email address and you will be directly entered into the EnjoyWinter Sweepstakes once.
2. Increase your entries by Inviting your friends to enter with our EnjoyWinter Sweepstakes invitation. Your name will be entered again for each one of your friends, up to 100, who accept your invitation.
3. The Grand prize is a Yakima Sky Box Pro FILLED with Subaru Factory Team Sponsors' products. Visit www.enjoywinter.com/sponsors.htm for prizes.

The Stowe Derby
February 25, 2007
Stowe, Vermont

One of the oldest and most unique ski races in the country! Competitors take a chairlift to the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Groups of 5 push off every 30 seconds and speed their way down the mountain's famous Toll Road (a beginner alpine trail in winter and scenic summer drive in the summer). After navigating approximately 6 km of twisting turning downhill, racers fight their way to the center of Stowe Village on approximately 10 km of mostly flat terrain.

Two divisions for the Long Course: Freestyle and Classical.

Experts can race both Freestyle and Classical back to back, called The Derby Meister. There is also a short course for kids and those who wish to avoid the rigors of a long and sustained descent. After the race there will be an awards ceremony and dinner at the Rusty Nail where great prizes will be given out and racers can watch a video of themselves on a 20 FOOT SCREEN! Register at www.stowederby.com.
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ESSAY CONTEST DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING!
The essay contest run through SkiPost and the Subaru Factory Team will be due
on February 14th, 2007.
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Final Days To Sign Up For:
Tamarack Resort’s
Subaru Factory Team
Women’s Camp
February 8-11
The Subaru Factory Team’s
Kate Underwood will be leading this Women’s Camp!
Kate is one of America’s Top Racers
3rd place US National Championship 30km-2006, 5th place
American Birkebeiner-2005
For more information call 208-325-1312 or email
LClausen@TamarackIdaho.com
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Saturday, February 10, 2007
15k tour between Aspen & Snowmass, CO
Start at 10:00
Two Creeks Area, near Snowmass xc Center
Finish at The Aspen Cross Country Center
Cost: Individual - $35 • Family - $50
Children 17 & under Free!
Food at the finish, snack along the way!
Pre-Register at: www.utemountaineer.com
For More information: www.rmnordic.org
Race day Registration for Bappa Tour at Snowmass xc ski center between
7 - 9:30 am
Shuttle Bus will run every 15 minutes from Aspen XC Center to Snowmass XC center starting at 7:00 am through 9:00 am.
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5430 Sports Winter Triathlon
Winter Park, Colorado
Devil's Thumb Resort
February 4, 2007

$2,000.00 Prize Purse
USA Triathlon's Winter Triathlon National Championship
International Triathlon Union Pan American Championship
http://www.5430sports.com/winter/index.htm
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On Snow Swix Kick Wax Clinic
Elm Creek trails in Mlps, MN
Thursday Feb 8th at 6:30 PM

Bring your classic skis and Subaru Factory Team Wax Technician, Kevin Johnson, will work with you as you kick wax.

You wax together, go test your skis, come back to learn and test more.
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A Participation Prize will be given to continue supporting xc classic skiing!
One registered skier (age 18 and above) who completes one of the
following races (classic division) will win a Free trip to 2008 China Vasaloppet
50K classic xc ski race held in Changchun, China, on Jan. 2, 2008 (including
international and domestic air tickets, hotel lodging, 50k race registration
fee, fees to historic touring sites including the Great Wall, the Forbidden
Cities -- a trip package value of $2,800).

The races included in this Participation Prize are:
1) City of Lakes Loppet 25k classic race -- Feb. 4, 2007
2) Mora Vasaloppet 42k classic race -- Feb. 11, 2007
3) American Birkebiner 51k classic race -- Feb. 24, 2007
4) Rainbow Rendezvous 16k classic race -- March 3, 2007

The Participation Prize will be drawn on March 10, 2007 and will be
posted on skinnyski.com, www.rainbowresort.com, in SkiPost, and any other interested
website.
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Canadian Ski Marathon 2007
February 10 & 11, 2007
Lachute to Gatineau, Quebec

Join us on one of the best cross-country ski trails for two days of skiing between
the cities of Lachute and Gatineau. Complete the number of sections of your choice
on our double-tracked trail to win yourself a prize. Everyone’s a winner!

Choose your challenge at the 41st edition of the Canadian Ski Marathon on
February 10 & 11, 2007.  Take part in the new One Day Challenge  and ski
anywhere between 15 km and 75 km.  It is from Montebello that skiers registered
in this category will start their day and win pins depending on the number of sections
they complete.

Also back for 2007, the Mini-CSM, free for skiers 17 and under enabling young
skiers to experience the CSM spirit. Skiers registered in the Mini-CSM can ski
section 5 on Saturday, February 10 or section 10 on Sunday February 11.   It is a
unique opportunity to spend a day with the family and share the trails with skiers
of all levels.

Visit our website at www.csm-mcs.com or call our office at 819-700-6556 to learn
more about the Canadian Ski Marathon.
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February 17th, 2007
The Steamboat Ski Marathon at Catamount, CO
10k, 22.5k & 45k skate and classic events.  
The terrain is gentle, rolling and open.  The course is located on the grounds of the beautiful Lake Catamount Ranch and Club and offers continuous 3600 views of the Yampa Valley.  There is plenty of challenge for the lead pack with numerous short fast climbs and a nearly 2k gradual downhill finish for the ultimate sprint.

Early registration though January 31st, 2007

Entry form: entry at www.steamnboatxcski.org, click on “ALL RACES/RESULTS”

Contact: Dave at (970) 819-1014 or email to dave@steamboatxcski.org

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NOTE: If you have an event you would like to have in SkiPost please send emails to weanswer@skipost.com

For more information on Subaru's technically advanced all-wheel drive vehicles check out www.subaru.com

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