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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

Before the next Christmas carol turns you into the Grinch, hit the stream. This is something you will regret not doing when you are up to your eyeballs in wrapping paper. I know lives are busy and swept up in the frenzy of last-minute Christmas shopping, but take a day.

I took the load off your shoulders and did the leg work for you. All you have to do is pack the car and hit the river. That’s right winter fishing.

Get your road map out and circle the Mountain Fork river. This amazing Oklahoma river has some of the best fishing in the state and not a lot of people know you can fish in the December. Put on your winter waders and wade in.

Located in the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma north of Broken Bow this river is stocked with Rainbows and Browns with an average size of 9 – 12 inches, but take note that if you fish downstream of the park: The fish are bigger and the water is wider. That’s a good thing!

I know some of you are still caught on the fact I said fishing and winter in the same sentence. You can do it I swear. Make sure though you are wearing good waders with thermals on underneath. I am a big fan of the Patagonia Capolene line. Head to Backwoods on N. May Ave. in OKC. The Backwoods staff knows how to layer you up right.

Practice the buddy system. Be sure to let someone know where you are headed. Very few people frequent the Ouachitas in the winter and you would hate to be hurt or lost with not a soul looking for you. With that said, why not take a friend and you can show off your fishing prowess?

Here are last-minute closing notes if you are looking to fish amazing Oklahoma waters. Maybe even try out the new rod Santa brought you. Head to the Ouachita Mountains and fish the Mountain Fork River. With 12 miles of tail-water it is sure to not disappoint. If that didn’t get you, a 2-pound fish is not uncommon!

There’s ice, trees down, it’s hell outside. The streets are dangerous and should be treated as so. We need to take extra precautions to stay safe. A simple winter survival kit for your family is very important. Here is how you make a simple kit that you can store in your car and also in your house for just in case the situation should arise that you will need it. Here is how I have made mine. I keep one in my car and one in my coat closet. Get a spare backpack that is big enough to hold a few items. Be sure to have enough supplies to last you and your family three days. Three days is enough time for you and your loved ones to figure out how to move to your plan B. Now remember if you have pets they are apart of your family as well so count them in your family head count. Everyone’s needs are different so this list might be different for you, but this is a great start for you to jump from.

Here’s the list.

1. band-aids

2. gauze

3. antibacterial ointment

4. rubbing alcohol

5. ace bandage

6. small sewing kit

7. waterproof matches

8. a few sheets of newspaper and drier lint and fire starter

9. dry socks

10. flashlight with several sets of spare batteries

11. all your contact information you will need in an emergency

12. pet food

13. human food: granola bars work well

14. jumper cables

15. family size blanket

Hello fellow adventure and adrenaline junkies. I am hitting the road and exploring Oklahoma, and hopefully elsewhere. I am the stir crazy adventurous type. Always looking for a place to go and an adventure conquer. I will keep you posted on all my travels that come my way. If you want me to check out your neck of the woods tell me about it and I will mark it on my map.