Newsgroups: rec.skiing

            The rec.skiing Frequently Asked Questions List
                              -or-
   Everything you always wanted to know about skiing and were *just* about
   to ask by posting.

   The rec.skiing FAQ is a work in progress and is maintained by glen
   baker (glenb@sr.hp.com) Additions and corrections to the FAQ are 
   welcome. If you have an addition or correction to make please take the
   time to write it out in the format of the FAQ so that I don't have
   to try to figure out how to say what you're trying to say!


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   *       REALLY IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER STUFF!!               *
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   * The rec.skiing FAQ is a compendium of questions and     *
   * answers that frequently appear on rec.skiing. Neither   *
   * the contributors to the FAQ, the posters of the FAQ,    *
   * nor their employers make any claim whatsoever regarding *
   * the accuracy or safety of ANYTHING in the FAQ. Any item *
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   Index:
       1) Welcome, Disclaimers, etc
       2) Alpine Equipment
       3) XC equipment/Info
       4) Clothing
       5) Technique
       6) Transportation
       7) Lodging
       8) Phone Numbers
       9) Miscellaneous
      10) Jobs
      11) Summit County
      12) Southern California
      13) Exercises
      14) National Ski Patrol
      15) Europe
      16) Lest we become too serious

 ------------- Section 04: Clothing -------------

 4.01) "My friend says he skis in blue jeans. Do I really need to spend 
       a bunch of money on expensive ski clothing?"

     Yes and no. First of all, jeans are probably the absolute worst
     thing you can wear in the mountains unless you're absolutely positive
     that it's going to be sunny and warm all day. Cotton holds moisture
     and becomes a terrible insulator when it gets wet. 

     Expensive clothes, however, are *not* necessary. If you're on a 
     budget then a pair of wool pants, a good warm hat (wool or 
     polypropolene), a good pair of gloves or mittens, and a warm jacket
     will work just fine. 

     Cardinal rule: if you get cold you'll get miserable.

     If you're going to really get into the sport and intend to go rain
     or shine then here's a list of stuff that will help lighten your
     checkbook:

       - Silk or polypro ski socks. Wool tends to itch and is often too
         bulky for a good fit in todays boots.

       - Silk or polypro thermal underwear. Wicks moisture away from the
         body and is easy to clean when it gets smelly.

       - Stretch pants or a lined shell. Stretch pants are usually warm
         but may not be all that waterproof. Shells are usually more 
         versatile but many people don't think they look as cool.

       - Various layers for the torso which may include polypropolene 
         pull-overs, wool sweaters, and the like. 

       - A light gore-tex or similar jacket. Heavy lined parkas are warm
         for those storm days but you can get the same warmth and far more
         versatility by layering underneath a shell.

       - Wear a hat or headband to protect your ears - frostbite hurts.

       - Have either a good set of mittens or gloves.  X-Cs should
	 have an extra dry set.  Famous mountain stories exist about
	 people losing fingers and toes.  Mittens are clumsy, but have
	 less surface area for heat loss.  Good gloves tend to be a bit
         more expensive.



     Nordic: Don't dress for alpine when going nordic!  

       - Follow the rules for alpine, with a couple of exceptions...

       - Avoid over-dressing, bring a small day pack to put extra
	 layers of clothing in, and have one or two layers in the
	 pack for when you stop.  Include a pair of light wind pants
	 for the legs.

       - Gore-Tex is not recommended for HEAVY exertion.  It does not 
         breath fast enough.  Leave the down parka in the car, along with
         a change of dry warm clothes for when you are finished.


 4.02) "What's the story on this Gore-Tex stuff?"

     Steve LaSala has written an excellent article on Gore-Tex. It's far
     too long to include here in the FAQ and deserves its to be posted
     and perused all by its lonesome. In brief, Gore-Tex is not totally
     waterproof...a wetsuit is much better. However Gore-Tex is a lot
     more comfortable on the hill.


Newsgroups: rec.skiing