With March fast approaching it’s time to start thinking of the snow that is falling else were. Colorado and New Mexico are the hot beds to Oklahoma spring break skiers. I know this from experience, I was ski school staffer at Wolf Creek Ski area in Colorado and we prepared all season for the one mega-month when lifts would be working double time. March is here kiddos and parents alike and that means it’s time to ski!
You’ve set the date and and have booked the lodge for your ski bunnies and jack rabbits long awaited ski trip. It’s not time to hit the slopes just yet. You have a few more things to think about before you can be swishing through the pow at your favorite resort.
Wearing the right attire is key to having a successful ski adventure. Billy Dunn, Backwoods Sales Associate says, “base layers, mittens, and beanies are the most important to have before heading to the slopes. Especially this season with temperatures having been colder in the west than in seasons past.” Dunn also suggests for extra warmth a Patagonia neck gator for extra protection from the elements.
The biggest clothing misconception is that you can wear jeans as ski pants. I know everyone loves their favorite pair of jean, but do not scotch guard them to be ski pants. It’s not a good idea. A good pair of water wicking pants can be found most anywhere. In past seasons ski attire has been sold at chain stores such as Old navy and Target so it is not necessary to break the bank especially when it comes to outfitting the kids.
It’s important to protect yourself from the sun as well as the colder temperatures. Sunscreen should be your new best friend, because raccoon face is not. It might be freezing, but the rays reflecting on the snow will fry you fast. Remember you are much closer to the sun in the higher altitude so applying a good layer of sunscreen before you leave in the morning and then again at lunch can save you from the misery of having goggle burn. With that said a good pair of goggles or sunglasses is a must. The glare of the snow can burn your eyes and retinas before you know it causing snow blindness. Snow blindness can be very dangerous and even on gray overcast cast exposed eyes are at risk.
Everyone loves sharing in a merry time while on the mountain and mixing some peppermint kick in your warm beverage is always fun, but keep in mind that the amount you would consume on a night out in OKC is not the same you can handle while at altitude. There is nothing more dangerous than an impaired skier. If caught you can and will be arrested just you would be on a night out on the town. Just use caution when fixing up your hot coco.
Staying hydrated is also key to having a safe ski trip. It’s good to try and drink water each time you take a break or stop skiing. Most of the time you think your body is saying I am hungry, your really just dehydrated. Dehydration is often times masked with symptoms that appear to be altitude sickness. Such as headaches and fatigue. Generally just feeling run down and sluggish. Try staying on top of your hydration and you will reduce the risk of falling sick.
Altitude sickness can attack even the best skiers and it should be taken seriously when it is an honest case. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and feeling extremely light headed. If your not able to shake the symptoms the only way to relieve the pressure is to go to a lower altitude until the sickness passes.
Do not ski alone. I know your jonesing to try out the latest stunt you saw Bode Miller pull on ESPN, but let’s be real, your no Bode so stick with your group. Now if you are experienced and determined to tear up the powder alone set check in times and meeting places. Make the buddy system your friend.
Backwoods Sales Associate Billy Dunn says, “carrying two way radios to stay in contact especially when going with a group is smart.” Dunn suggest, the Garmin Rino, It’s a two way radio as well gps system.
It all really boils down to the fact your on spring break. Being safe and having fun is the best way to having a relaxing mountain adventure.
Girl vs. Wild’s top 5 places for Oklahoman spring breakers to ski:
1. Wolf Creek Ski Area located in southern Colorado with a base of 162 inches snow is not a problem here. Wolf creek is coined and rightfully so for having the most snow in Colorado. This mountain knows powder, and is also Colorado’s best kept secret.
2. Buttermilk located in Aspen Colorado with a base of 67 inches. They might not have the most snow, but this is the home mountain to ESPN’s Winter X-games so they must know something. With the Buttermilk Terrain park, X games slopestyle course, and the most epic of all the X Games superpipe.
3. Crested Butte resort in Colorado has an 89 inch base this is a true ski town. Great snow, shops, dinning and night life. You can have it all in this slice of Colorado. Crested Butte ideal for the family that has someone that wants the vacation just not the skiing.
4. Red River Ski area in New Mexico has a 65 inch base. Families have been loading the van and heading to New Mexico for years. Red River is a smaller resort that is ideal for family get aways or a quick weekend trip. If the kiddos tucker out with a half day of skiing there is still more fun to be had with tubbing and snowmobiling offered.
5. Angel Fire resort in New Mexico with a 54 inch base and the claim to fame of having the most diverse terrain in New Mexico there is sure to be your style of snow to run here. Angle Fire has two terrain parks, cross country trails and New Mexico’s only freestyle half pipe.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris
