Links for dressing comfortably and successfully
STORES
Adventure Cycle/Ski (Winona store) -Skis, poles, boots, wax, bindings, hats/gloves, windbriefs, baselayer tops/bottoms, technical jackets/pants, drink belts Pioneermidwest (Twin Cities store and online) The team utilizes Pioneer Midwest a lot because of their service and pricing. Tyrol Ski (Rochester store) -Baselayer tops/bottoms, technical jackets, socks, windbriefs, buffs, hats/gloves, drink belts Target/Wal-Mart/Fleet Farm (Winona stores) -Base layer tops/bottoms/socks. Again, look for anything "Wicking" and avoid cotton GearWest.com (Twin Cities store and online) -Skis, poles, boots, wax, bindings, hats/gloves, windbriefs, baselayer tops/bottoms, technical jackets/pants, drink belts SierraTradingPost.com (Online only)(limited availability) -Baselayer tops/bottoms, technical jackets, socks, windbriefs, buffs, hats/gloves, drink belts -search the following brands: Salomon, Craft, Toko, Swix, Bridgedale, Pearl Izumi, Smartwool Akers-ski.com (Online only) -Skis, poles, boots, wax, bindings, hats/gloves, windbriefs, baselayer tops/bottoms, technical jackets/pants, drink belts BASIC ESSENTIALS WINDBRIEFS Guys need a pair of "Windbriefs." These are essentially windproof underwear and cold wind can be especially painful for men. Trust me. It can be painful obviously when its 5 degrees and windy, but 25 degrees can be painful with enough wind and no sun. Windbriefs are available at Sole Sport, Adventure and GearWest. GLOVES The best gloves are "Lobster gloves." These are a hybrid between gloves (20-35 degrees) and mittens (sub 20 degrees). If you want one pair of gloves, I recommend buying a pair of lobster gloves. Although warm in the 20 degree range, they still function and are perfect for the sub 20 degree weather. WIND JACKET Whether you pull an old running jacket from the closet, buy a $5 Goodwill wind jacket or buy a technical ski jacket for $125, these are adaptable for all winter conditions because they stop the wind. Many of the coaches use old cross country running jackets and layer underneath for anything from 25 degrees and lower. NEW SKIER CHECKLIST 1 pair of Skate ski boots 2 pairs of technical socks 1 pair of windbriefs 1 pair of wicking long underwear 1 pair of wicking long sleeve shirts 1 pair of wind pants (optimal to have long ankle zipper to remove over ski boots) 1 pair of lobster gloves 1 wicking hat (that covers the ears) 1 Buff (used as headband, hat, neck gaitor, or facemask) 1 water bottle belt |
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