Gentlemen, those cotton shorts and briefs are best avoided on a cold day. Try wearing thin polypropylene liners under a pair of wool or wool-blend socks. If your toes are susceptible to cold, resist the temptation to put on too many socks-you'll only restrict circulation, making feet colder. Instead invest in a pair of light overboots, and occasionally swig something warm, sweet, and non-alcoholic to help cut the chill. Mittens are best if you're prone to cold hands, as they allow fingers to share body heat.
Gloves are better for precise ski pole control.
Don't use too heavy a pair or they'll be sweat-soaked in the first kilometer. It's amazingly easy to burn your skin, particularly on a hazy day, so wear sunscreen-you'll still get a tan. Sunglasses are vital-snowblindness makes your eyes feel as though they've been sandpapered and can damage corneas. Chilling problems occur more often than overheating. Extra hats or headbands don't take up much room in a fanny or day pack.