Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

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

Burn ban woes dampen camping. This past month has been a roller coaster of to burn, or not to burn. With high fire dangers constantly being announced we are in a State of danger. This means winter camping is even harder than just just the normal concerns of freezing.

Burn bans mean no campfire songs and smores shared with glee. No staying warm huddled up with friends. As soon as the sun drops it’s lights out, and temperatures follow fast.

Since february 1st: Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Carter, Cimmaron, Cotton, Comanche, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kiowa, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, and Washita Counties have all been under a burn ban.

If you look at a map of the counties listed this covers all of the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. A hot spot for winter camping.

Refuge officials state that numbers have not been affected by the ban, and in fact visitors are up from this time last year. Of the course weather has been unpredictable, but has not turned many away.

When camping during burning restrictions it is very important to remember any spark or flame can get out of control even if it’s not on the ban list.

With that said, when burning regardless of restrictions one should not count on campfires to stay warm. You never know what nature is going to do so one should be prepared for all temperatures.

Layer is a must, but more is not always better. A good rule of thumb is to never wear cotton clothing against your skin. Even when it is cold out the lightest excursion can cause perspiration. Cotton is much harder to dry which can lead to your body temperature dropping. A good synthetic or wool first layer is recommended.

Billie Dunn, a Backwoods Sales Associate says “as far as clothing goes it really is specific to the person. A hot natured person isn’t wanting to have the same layers on as a cold natured person. With that being said, an appropriate base layer is recommended such Capilene or Icebreaker.”

When getting around fire issues stoves come in quite handy. Dunn said, “the Snowpeak Gigapower or the Jetboil system, both are ultra light and compact. Ideal for backpacking, hiking or short weekend trips with 1-2 people. For 2-8 the Dragonfly or Whisperlight by MSR. With these you are not restricted to just using the ISO butane / propane fuel, and both of these are great for international traveling.”

It all really boils down to listening to your body. If you feel it’s to cold, it probably is and wait to warmer days.

Girl vs. WIld,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

I am dreaming of warmer days. Last night my camping sidekick and I had dinner and a brew while hashing out our being tired of the cold!

I am tired of having layers on my legs, thick high socks, shirts that cover my neck, and big puffy coats! Getting dressed to leave the house has become a sport in itself.

I ask you weather God’s, where are my sunny skies, rustling leaves, with temperatures above freezing?

I found myself day dreaming of being able to go into the wild lugging half the weight. No coats, no layers, no puffy down.

I lust for the days of chacos, sunglasses, ball caps and my favortie shorts and t-shirts!

Gary England I beg you please be kind and give me summer.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

The grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, I would say 9 out 10 times it isn’t. The same goes for this great state.

Oklahoma is A OK. In fact it’s far better that just OK. This past weekend I went on a winter camping trip in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. I grabbed a few friends and we hit the road.

Driving west on 44 we start chatting and laughing of good times, and dreaming up grand plans for the future. All of a sudden it hits me. I am in Oklahoma, and am having a great time. That’s right, I like it here. I live in this great state and look at all these amazing places I have at my fingertips. I have the best of both worlds!

Monday through Friday I have a great job that allows me to be creative and push my limits. I get to run through the city and take it all in. Local hot spots, live music, and eclectic food. As soon as Friday breaks I am ready for an escape. I pack fast and within an hour I am in the great outdoors. Far from the fast world, traffic and electricity, into experiencing the pleasures of what life is really all about.

Now I know what you’re thinking, because I have heard it a thousand times. If I could only live in Colorado or Utah, life would be perfect. I know from experience what you’re thinking because I lived in Colorado for 3 years. I ran through the mountains and loved every bit of it. But there was something missing for me. Family, success, and drive.

Well, I ask you this. Have you thought about what it is you want from those places?

If it’s mountains, hiking, clean trails, fresh streams and rivers, climbing great rocks, setting new routes, kayaking, or deep valleys. We have it all here. Just open your eyes!!! Oklahoma better than A OK!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

I made it back around 8 o’clock last night, oh wait I actually made it back around 4 o’clock, but as soon as I pulled into the city I realized that I left my wallet at the Medicine Park Love’s truck stop. Yes, you got it. I had to turn around and do the drive one more time.
I made it back safe and sound.

I am tired, wind burned, and ready for more! With relief hypothermia was never looming, and I didn’t loose my food to Ranger Rick the racoon. I will share tales from my trip tomorrow. For now you can flip through the photos from my adventure.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to the OKC Outdoor Network and all the amazing people I met this weekend. I will share my tales tomorrow. For now, I need sleep and a bed. From a very wise bear. Only you can prevent Forest fires. Girl vs. Wild Jacquelyn

Hit the ropes Jack. Yes I want to hit the ropes. Climbing ropes that is! I have not been climbing in what feels like an eternity. Probably because I had my shoulder repaired due to excessive injuries, but I am off the injured list and ready to be a monkey.Oklahoma has great climbing to offer any level of ability. I know it’s hard to believe, but Oklahoma has climbing.

I am sure you are thinking how is there climbing we don’t have mountains? We actually do have mountains. Or what I prefer to refer to as big hills.I started writing this yesterday, and then came to a scientific realization. Outdoor climbing in the winter would be far to frustrating, and with that said near impossible.

I have science backing me that you can not enjoy climb outdoors in the winter. Bonus, Ben the Brooklyn climbing guru agrees! Think about what your shoes are made of. Silicone toes? What helps Silicone create traction? Heat. Cold rocks plus cold silicone equals no adequate traction. Go inside!Downtown Oklahoma City is home to once known as OKC Rocks, now Rocktown Gym.

Rocktown is a converted grain elevator with 16 full silos linked together with various rooms. Featuring indoor and outdoor top rope and lead climbs over 80 feet. With 32 routes 9 of which are outside routes there is something for any ability level to climb. Climbing and bouldering instruction is available.

I do recommend you either go with someone who has climbed before, or get some assistant from one of the local rock rats. A tip for those who are honestly wanting to climb, make friends with your local rock rat. They will become you best friend in conquering a route. Who do you think made the routes in the first place. Go straight to the source.Lastly, before you hit the ropes here is some mind fuel. if this is your first visit give yourself at least 2 hours. All first time climbers are required to take a short, but informative belaying and safety orientation.

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!