Water, Cool, Clear, Water
Hydrate or die. We need water to live and we need it even more in a dry, cold climate like Summit County in the winter. Your body is begging for it, so bring a reusable water bottle, or take frequent hydration breaks in our on-mountain restaurants and soak it up like a sponge.
Be Like an Onion
Layers on layers! Base layer, mid layer, outer layer. Good base layers help trap heat in all the right ways. Look for wool or synthetics to keep you dry, as cotton layers tend to trap moisture and leave you wet and cold. No bueno. Add an insulating and puffy mid-layer to help keep you warm and cozy. Then top that off with a wind and waterproof outer layer, and boom! You’re on your way to looking cool but staying warm. Bonus tip: throw some handwarmers in your mittens to stay extra toasty during those high alpine laps.
Modest is Hottest
Literally, hottest. Any exposed skin will be quick to freeze in these temps, so invest in a good neck gaiter or buff for your face and limit the amount of skin exposed everywhere else. If you see white or waxy patches of exposed skin, you’re showing early signs of frostnip and in the danger zone! Find shelter and warm up immediately.
What's cooler than being cool? Being prepared!
How to stay warm, dry, and safe in single digit temps
You wake up, excited to get on the mountain, you start your coffee, and you open your weather app. High of 3 degrees?! Oof. That’s cold cold. That’s cold as hail. That’s colder than a witch’s...you get it. But you’re tough! And, the snow is great! So, read on below for our advice on prepping for freezing temps at high elevation. Because what’s cooler than being cool? Being prepared for any conditions!
Bumps & Bowls
Challenge yourself to bump runs and bowl skiing to warm up those muscles! How about a hike? Get that heartrate up and the blood pumping to stay warmer on cold days. You’ll be stripping a layer in no time.
F is for Friends that do Stuff Together
U is for I’ll check U if U check me! Ski and ride with a buddy – it's way more fun! And, you can check in on each other, look for those white patches on their nose, and make sure you’re encouraging each other to stay warm and take plenty of breaks.
Warm it Up
There are plenty of locations spread out across Keystone from River Run to Mountain House, and from Dercum to Bergman to take a break indoors and warm up. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to grab a hot tea, coffee, or hot cocoa which is proven to warm you up from the inside. Hungry? The hot noodle bowls at 9280' Sake House are our favorite thing to eat for lunch on a cold-day. Take these low temp days as a chance to grab a high temp treat between laps.
The snow is good, the temps are cold, and you can still have a banger of a day on-mountain with a little preparation, a little toughness, and a lot of laps. Stay toasty, warm, and dry out there friends!