Breaking Tradition - Mountain Gear Tip #4

For years we have skiied on New Year's Day.  This year, however, Mr. Chill Factor dictates a change of plans.  When one lives in Skiing Heaven, one can be fussy.  My favorite weather web site noaa.gov says the following for Alta:

"Tonight: Snow. Low around -10. Wind chill values as low as -21. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south southwest. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

New Year's Day: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11am. Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 10. Wind chill values as low as -24. South southwest wind between 5 and 7 mph."

A tad frigid for even the toughest of folk.  1 to 3 inches of new snow is not a draw with those chill factors....on the other hand....if there were 21 new inches....


Mountain Gear Tip #4:  Always pack chemical hand warmers.  Open them at home before the drive, let them warm over the heat vent, then shove them in the toes of your boots.  When you reach the mountain, take them from the boots (now toasty) and insert them into your mittens.  If the day is too warm for them, stash them in a pocket and give them to a chilled child that you encounter on the hill.

Chemical toe warmers are worthless because they need air to work and you WILL feel the wad in your boot.

If you get cold on the mountain, GO IN AND GET WARM!!!