Several neighborhood families headed for the hills this past weekend. We traveled up Hwy 22 to Maxwell-Butte Snow Park. There we found a lovely one-mile trail for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well as a super-fun sledding hill. I’ve blogged about this great location before: check here for more details.
Where does a snow loving family find skis or snowshoes to rent in Salem? (I’m so glad you asked).
Where does a snow loving family find skis or snowshoes to rent in Salem? (I’m so glad you asked).
Of course, the trick to real family snow-fun is staying dry and warm. Wet = cold = cranky = whiny demands to “go home right now!" And that’s just me: The kids don’t like being cold much either.
So how do you dress to keep the cold away and the fun in hand? (You’re asking such fabulous questions today).
Here’s the 3 level lowdown:
Level #1 is a thin layer of synthetic fabric (polyester or polypropylene).This is the modern day “long underwear”. You need a long sleeve shirt, pants and socks that should be “kind of stretchy and fit tight to your skin”. This level is the most important level, as it is the base. Skiers, sledders, and mothers chasing kids doing said-activities will break a sweat. In this event, cotton is your worst possible enemy! Go to the sports store and shell out for this layer – you’ll be thanking yourself for years.
Level #2 is the “fluffy layer”. (Yep, we’re using only the fanciest, most efficient words here at NW Kid Chaser.) This layer includes wool or the heavenly fabric known as polar fleece. Throw on socks, pants, and a jacket or vest and call it good. When the boys were little, I found inexpensive polar fleece jumpsuits at the local resale shop. They wear well and those cutie kids grow up fast – so buying them second hand is a great option.
Level #3 is the final layer and needed for day-long outings, wet snow, and anyone who is likely to find them self sitting or laying in snow. This includes five year-olds who like to fling themselves off small hills so as to “body-surf” down the sledding run or mommies who haven’t skied in awhile, lose their balance, and yelp while ungracefully toppling over. (Like me!) This layer consists of a dry shell. That can include a ski jacket, fancy ski pants from Columbia and/or hand-me-down ski-bibs. Fabric should be water resistant (or water proof) and breathable. Check the tags, ask the salesman, and be assured that this layer lasts a long while as well. Any purchase is a future investment in warm, dry fun. February is usually a great time to pick up these items, as well as snow boots, on clearance.
All the rest includes mittens, hats, scarves, and boots. These items are mostly based on personally preference. I always bring an assortment to fit the day’s weather and our specific needs. I like polar fleece gloves as they allow the greatest use of hands, but they can become wet/cold during a snow ball fight. Pulling out a new pair in the nick of time is key, and even better if you include those nifty little hand warmers if things get too bad. Again – cotton is NOT your mountain top friend. Save it for the dry, comfy clothes you wear in the car on the way home.
All this info comes from the man I love. At our house, we say “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and Mr. Obery knows quite well how much I dislike the cold. He taught me the power of appropriate layers and makes sure we’re geared up properly. If you want a second opinion – check out this video from Livestrong.com
Happy Winter Everyone!
So how do you dress to keep the cold away and the fun in hand? (You’re asking such fabulous questions today).
Here’s the 3 level lowdown:
Level #1 is a thin layer of synthetic fabric (polyester or polypropylene).This is the modern day “long underwear”. You need a long sleeve shirt, pants and socks that should be “kind of stretchy and fit tight to your skin”. This level is the most important level, as it is the base. Skiers, sledders, and mothers chasing kids doing said-activities will break a sweat. In this event, cotton is your worst possible enemy! Go to the sports store and shell out for this layer – you’ll be thanking yourself for years.
Level #2 is the “fluffy layer”. (Yep, we’re using only the fanciest, most efficient words here at NW Kid Chaser.) This layer includes wool or the heavenly fabric known as polar fleece. Throw on socks, pants, and a jacket or vest and call it good. When the boys were little, I found inexpensive polar fleece jumpsuits at the local resale shop. They wear well and those cutie kids grow up fast – so buying them second hand is a great option.
Level #3 is the final layer and needed for day-long outings, wet snow, and anyone who is likely to find them self sitting or laying in snow. This includes five year-olds who like to fling themselves off small hills so as to “body-surf” down the sledding run or mommies who haven’t skied in awhile, lose their balance, and yelp while ungracefully toppling over. (Like me!) This layer consists of a dry shell. That can include a ski jacket, fancy ski pants from Columbia and/or hand-me-down ski-bibs. Fabric should be water resistant (or water proof) and breathable. Check the tags, ask the salesman, and be assured that this layer lasts a long while as well. Any purchase is a future investment in warm, dry fun. February is usually a great time to pick up these items, as well as snow boots, on clearance.
All the rest includes mittens, hats, scarves, and boots. These items are mostly based on personally preference. I always bring an assortment to fit the day’s weather and our specific needs. I like polar fleece gloves as they allow the greatest use of hands, but they can become wet/cold during a snow ball fight. Pulling out a new pair in the nick of time is key, and even better if you include those nifty little hand warmers if things get too bad. Again – cotton is NOT your mountain top friend. Save it for the dry, comfy clothes you wear in the car on the way home.
All this info comes from the man I love. At our house, we say “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and Mr. Obery knows quite well how much I dislike the cold. He taught me the power of appropriate layers and makes sure we’re geared up properly. If you want a second opinion – check out this video from Livestrong.com
Happy Winter Everyone!