Why is Staying so Dry Important for Winter Sports?

On one hand, the question that the title of this article poses seems like a bit of a self-answer-er. Dryness is crucial during winter sports, is it not? Well, yes, but how many of us not only understand this lesson, but put it into practice when we actually venture into the outdoors?

Too often, people will not enjoy a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding because of the unpleasant experience that cold snow brings with it. Even if you don’t find yourself face-washed in the snow, there’s a decent chance that if you’re under-dressed, you’ll end up with snow in your boots, on your ankles, and freezing up your wrists. You have to ask yourself if this is really the kind of experience that you want to create for yourself.

With these points in mind, here are some specific reasons that staying dry is so important for enjoying a winter sport.

#1. Heat retention.

If you’re going to keep your natural body heat, “leaks” into the open air won’t suffice. These leaks in your clothing left exposed will allow snow to creep in, not only making you cold, but making you wet. In case you haven’t noticed, once you’re wet, it can be hard to get dry again if you’re out and about in the snow.

Moisture is devastating to heat retention because cold water will only serve to lower your body temperature, even if the clothing still protects you from the outside air. Sometimes, it’s better to sacrifice the clothing for dryness – and change your clothes – in order to raise your core body temperature. In survival situations, this is especially true. If you’re going to retain your heat, you’re going to have to let dry clothes – the only kind that will trap your body heat – do their work.

#2. Undressing again.

One not-so-popular aspect of winter sports is the preparation that goes into making the trip happen. For many, this is well worth the rewards, but what about taking off all of your snow equipment afterwards? It’s a little less pleasant if all of your clothes are wet and you don’t know what to do with them. If, however, you kept yourself dry with a nice under-layer of long underwear, you know how pleasant it can be to return to some heat indoors with clothes that are still dry and wicked off much of your body’s own natural moisture.

Staying dry is nearly as important as staying warm, and it will help you prepare for feeling like you’re exercising during the Spring or Fall.

Photo Credits: 416style

Originally posted 2009-06-16 05:18:12.

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crucial, dryness, heat retention, moisture, natural body heat, staying dry, unpleasant experience, winter sports

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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on September 11, 2011 in ski tips, snowboard tips. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.