Mountain Gear Tip #9

Keep your fingers and toes warm. 

Nothing is going to heat your toes (except battery powered footbeds) so you have to keep the warmth in.  I invented toe hats, which is thinsulate sewn between two layers of flannel that fit just over your toes (think mittens without the thumb).  Wear these under your socks.  Someday I shall patten them.

If your fingers get cold, purchase the best mittens you can find. This can be a harrowing feat since most outdoor-wear shops don't carry those for -20 degrees. The hunt is worth it.

Mittens are warmer than gloves.  Liners make them warmer, chemical heaters make them even warmer, placing your thumb under the warmer and then tucking your thumbs into your palms keeps things even warmer.  And for the ultimate warmthness, shove the above arrangement under your arms for the lift ride.