Clothing - the eternal worry

This is the area that most people have problems with once they have decided on a cross-country skiing holiday. The eternal "what do I wear?" reminds me of people heading for a party unsure of the dress code. My best advice is DON'T run down to your nearest sports shop and ask them for advice - they've probably no idea about what cross-country skiing involves!
On the subject of clothing there are a few key words which walkers and others will be familiar with. The first one is "layers". Three or four thin layers are better than two thick jumpers. The air trapped between the layers will help to keep you warm. It also allows you to add & shed clothing to regulate your temperature more easily. Secondly, the "skin layer" is the most important - i.e. what you put on first!. It's as good a place as any to start.

Next to your skin you should have some form of "thermal" wear, most definitely NOT a cotton t-shirt. There are a whole variety of modern garments available today all claiming to be the best. What IS important is that they are able to "wick" away the moisture produced by skiing. You'll soon discover that you get warm from skiing but you'll also produce a fair amount of moisture which when it cools can produce a horrible sensation down your back if you've got the wrong skin layer. Many "older generation" skiers will claim that wool is the best - it is indeed warm, even when wet - but let's face it, who wants to be wet! The same goes for your legs, buy a decent pair of thermal long-johns and it's money well spent. When selecting your top go for something that is nice and long at the back - it keeps your bum warm when you're falling over!

What you have over your thermals is more likely to be a subject for discussion. Personally, I'm not that bothered about this "middle layer". I always have a good jumper stuffed in my rucksack to put on when I stop for a bite to eat on a cold day. When skiing, I use a variety of things from a good thick "lumberjack" shirt to a fleece jacket. Don't go out and buy anything special is my advice - save your money for the "outer".

If there's one thing that's important when going outside in a cold climate, it's to have protection from the wind. Minus 5 Celsius is all well and good but with a stiff breeze it'll feel like minus 20 due to "wind chill". A good windproof jacket should have drawstrings for adjustment. Loosen up at the waist and bottom of the jacket when you're working hard and tighten them up when the wind is blowing or you're at rest. A hood is essential to keep the wind from whistling down your neck. First time skiers can get away with a roll up hood but when you've been in the mountains with a wind blowing you'll soon appreciate a stiff hood with plenty of adjustment. If you also do a fair bit of walking and other outdoor activities then consider a jacket made from "Gore-Tex" or similar product. These wonder fabrics incorporate waterproofing and windproofing with an ability to transport moisture from inside the jacket to the outside. On the whole they're relatively expensive but worth the money if you are out in the rain and snow a lot. On your legs you can opt for two or three layers. If you walk with thin jogging bottoms they're OK but if you fall down a lot (probably will as a beginner!) then they can become wet and you'll need a pair of waterproof trousers. Alternatively, go for a lightly padded pair of semi-waterproof (water-resistant) salopettes or something similar. I personally don't like the straps over my shoulders as cross-country skiing requires free movement which I feel they inhibit. On your first day of skiing you're likely not to be generating as much warmth as other days and you'll quickly learn how many clothes you need - it varies enormously from person to person.

And now to the accessories:

A good woolly hat is essential, don't forget that most of your heat escapes through your head. Many prefer a headband when skiing but always have a hat in your bag.
Your hands are sure to meet with the snow on several occasions so here it pays to be covered up. Mittens keep you warmer than gloves but whatever you go for make sure they cover up your wrist where you arteries are close to the skin. If you suffer from poor circulation a pair of silk gloves inside mittens will keep you warm. Improving skiers will settle for thinner gloves as they tend to have less contact with the snow and generate more heat through skiing.
Socks are a personal thing and walkers will swear to their own "secret" recipe to avoid blisters. I find that one good pair of socks is enough but it depends how good a lining your ski boot has.
Finally, something to cover your eyes. Snow reflects the light extremely well and snow-blindness is a particularly painful condition. Even, or some would say especially, on a cloudy day your eyes will be looking at the snow most of the time. Sunglasses are far better than goggles for cross-country skiing. The expensive ones provide little or no more protection than the cheap ones - just check that they offer UV-A and UV-B protection. Skiers sunglasses often have patches over the nose and at the side of the eyes to provide better protection.
 

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Wind chill

A table showing the effect of wind on the way your body will feel due to wind chill factor. For example, with an actual air temperature of minus 5 with a fresh breeze it will be the same as experiencing minus 20.