Gear to Help You Stay Warm on the Coldest Ski Days
I’ve looked at the weather forecast here in Vermont and it's time to bundle up! As a skier, cold weather goes hand in hand with the snow and sport I love, but that doesn't mean I'm impervious to frostbite. Over the years, I've tried and tested many products to see what works to keep the cold out and warmth in. I’ve got a few pieces of gear to recommend to keep you warm on these bitter cold days.
I’m not talking about outerwear and base layers, I hope you have those dialed in by now, I’m talking about those little extras that can make a cold day bearable. I've got four recommendations for you.
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Keeping Feet Warm
Momtrends Media
Keeping Feet Warm
Let’s start from the bottom up. First tip, is to make sure you dry your boots overnight. I have a huge boot dryer in my house and portable book dryers from Hotronic for when I travel. These little devices make sure you start the day off right.
Ok, now things get a little pricier. The biggest investment you can make is in a heating element for your feet. I’ve used but heated socks and boot heaters. Both use rechargeable batteries to deliver heat. The socks are nice (check out my review here) because you can use them with any shoe, but after testing both, I can report that the boot heaters deliver a more intense heat and are the best bet for bitter days. I like the Hotronic brand. The newest model is the Hotronic Foot Warmer XLP 2C BT BDI Heated Insole Set (sizes small through 2XL). Compared to the socks, these heating elements deliver MORE heat and last longer (6000 mAh capacity offers a category-best 24 hours of constant heating power). You can dial the heat up or down with an app. The app is available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play Store
Shop The Warming Store here or get them at your local ski shop. While you can set them up yourself, I recommend you have them installed by a boot fitter.
Get $30 off orders over $300 at The Warming Store use code SAVE30
Aurora Heat Hand Warmers
Momtrends Media
How to Keep Your Hands Warm
When it comes to your hands, many of us have tried those cruddy disposable handwarmers. They are garbage (literally). There are a few alternatives. First you can go the direction of heated gloves (I haven’t tested any pairs that work great). I also like mitten systems, like Baist, that have glove liners that are made for the mitten. But my favorite find is the Auroroa Heat natural hand warmer. This is a small pelt that tucks into your mitten to trap your natural heat inside the glove. They work GREAT. The pelts are sourced from beaver trapped way up north in Canada. The fur nestles onto your fingertips and it feels great. I’ve had mine for two years and absolutely swear by them.
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Aurora Heat Hand Warmers are naturally biodegradable, and hypoallergenic.($79.99 ) Get them at Aurora Heat here. Use code SKIMOMS to save 15%
Skida neck warmers
Favorite Neck Warmers
Skida neck warmers are lined with the softest fleece. It's my pick for the coldest days. My tip is to buy a few and keep a warm dry one in your boot bag to switch off at lunch. All the Skida neck warmers are double-layered. It is the perfect accessory for protecting the neck, nose, and cheeks during winter's cold temps.
To get the special limited edition Ski Moms version head here. When you purchase from our shop 10% goes to the Share Winter Foundation. We put a Ski Mom logo on a few of our favorite prints.
We also want you to shop directly with Skida. To save 20% head here and use code Ski_Moms_20 at check out
The Boot Cap
If you don't want to splurge on boot heaters, I get it, but at the very least, treat yourself to Bootcaps. Made of high-density foam, you stick them right on your boots (make sure they go above the bindings!). These caps are stuck on with STRONG adhesive (mine have lasted over 60 ski days). They block the wind and keep your feet 10 degrees warmer. It's an easy fix for $50.
We have them on sale for $49.50 (you save $10) here in the Ski Mom shop.
Fend off Frosty Chairlifts with a Knicker
Moving right along, let’s talk about your backside. Those chairlifts can get cold, that’s where the insulated Fernie knicker comes in. I’ve only found these from Stio, but other brands may make them. It’s an insulated midlayer that goes over your baselayer and under your ski pant for added warmth. Totally works. I've also spotted another version (slightly less expensive) from Kari Traa. The Eva High Waisted Capri looks puffier, but it might be warmer.
These are my best tips to keep you warm and toasty. I’d love to hear your ideas. Remember to take breaks when you need them especially with little kids. Be safe and have fun out there.
