A Great Day of Cat Skiing
 
by: Lachlan Brown

Snowcat skiing offers strong-intermediate and expert skiers the ultimate powder snow experience.

Operators provide full-service guided tours into remote high-mountain regions. Powder snow and “fresh tracks” are the norm. Uphill transportation is provided by a tracked snowcat having warm, comfortable cabs. They usually accommodate 12 guests, two guides and a driver.

Some snowcat operators are based in towns or near highways and offer guests continued access to “civilization”. In some cases, guests use local hotels and restaurants for accommodation and meals. Such operators may offer single-day trips.

Other snowcat operators use remote lodges high in the mountains, far from cars and telephones. These lodges provide a multi-day backcountry experience in the midst of pristine alpine wilderness. They also place guests very close to their skiing.

Many backcountry “cat skiing” lodges offer double-occupancy bedrooms complete with private ensuite baths. They have cozy and comfortable sitting areas, dining halls with cathedral ceilings, drying rooms for boots and outside clothing, games rooms, well-stocked bars and “commercial” kitchens. They offer exercise areas, video players, satellite telephones, perhaps a computer with Internet access and, of course, a well-stocked bar. Guests can enjoy a social drink and spectacular views while luxuriating in an outdoor hot tub, and then step right to their bedrooms for a shower or a nap.

No special equipment is required for cat skiing, just boots and clothing. Powder skis can be rented at the lodge. However, snowboarders should bring their own boards. Guests will make the most of their snowcat skiing tour by being in good physical condition.

Lodge life is informal and relaxed. Juice and fruit and coffee are served at 7:00 AM and a buffet breakfast is available at about 7:30. Snowcats depart between 8:30 and 9:00, when guests are ready.

The first day of a tour is special. Guides take the first hour or so to make sure guests understand safety procedures. Everyone has practice using the radio beacons that the operator supplies. No one goes out without one.

The first run of the day is rarely more than 20 minutes from the lodge and the last run of the day can end at the lodge door. During the day, the group moves around, sampling different areas and never staying long in any one spot. Each run is in fresh, untracked snow.

On “bluebird” days, the guide will head for the high alpine. Perhaps for two or three runs on a glacier before trying the big open slopes, taking a run or two in each before heading to the next. The highest skiing elevation can be close to 10,000 ft and the views are spectacular. There is always time to pause for pictures.

If visibility is poor or if the alpine snow is unstable, it’s off to one of the many ridges to “ski the trees”. Tree skiing is amazing! The tree-protected snow is usually deeper and softer than in the alpine. It is consistent, light, and there are no moguls. The short, fat “powder skis” are easy to control. Forget the trees. Just ski the openings! Intermediate skiers who may never before have skied in trees find that they can not only do it, but that it’s fun.

In the old burns, the trees are gnarly, but very widely spaced. The living forest has closer-spaced trees, but offers beautiful glades and tree stands that may have been thinned. Some of the glades are as open as some ski-area runs. The old cut-blocks are great fun. Snow-buried stumps create “pillows”, small mounds to ski around or “pop” off. Landings are nearly always the same, soft and forgiving. It’s amazing!

Guests team up in pairs in the trees and the guide keeps a watchful eye. No one gets separated. When a guest “augers in”, his partner or the tail guide or someone else is close at hand to assist.

The speed of the group depends on it’s ability. A group of good skiers may ski non-stop to the bottom; perhaps 1800 or 2000 ft. of pure joy, with lots of “whoops” and hollers”. Slower groups will stop more often to rest, share experiences, take pictures and “smell the roses”.

Guides are very responsive to the needs of the group. The guests set the pace. There is no pressure to maximize equipment usage. Each group has a dedicated snowcat that moves at the pleasure of the group. Guides are expert at providing for different skiers in their group. Stronger skiers may enjoy some “steeps”, “drop-offs” or other challenges, while others are guided down more “mellow” lines.

By the end of the day, everyone is tired out. Guests who tire early can “sit out” a run and keep the driver company on the way back down the hill. If a guest wants to quit for the day, a staff member will shuttle them back to the lodge on a snowmobile. It’s all very relaxed and very friendly.

Packed lunches are eaten in the snowcats, as guests feel hungry. It’s possible to browse all day on a selection of sandwiches, wraps, cakes, cookies, buns and drinks. “Hip flasks” are definitely NOT welcome. Guides are extremely safety conscious and they want guests to be alert and functioning well at all times.

At 4:00pm, guests are welcomed back at the lodge with special snacks or hot soup. Guests then have over two hours to relax, shower, read, play pool, soak in the hot tub or hold up the bar. Other diversions are possible. Guests might have the opportunity to try out a snowmobile for the first time, to learn how these machines are driven, and to do some exploring.

Dinner is served at about 7:00pm and is of very high quality. Most operators provide gourmet cuisine with extensive wine lists and will carefully cater to guests with allergies and special needs. No one “dresses” for dinner. It’s a relaxed, laid-back and friendly affair. Staff mingles with guests and share tales of the day’s conquests. Amusing speeches and special “award” ceremonies are common. Everyone gets to know one another. There are no “loners”.

After dinner, guests disperse to read, watch a video or to congregate in the bar or games room for some friendly darts or pool. At about 9:30 PM guests start to depart for their beds. The bar usually shuts down by 10:30 PM. Everyone is tired and looking forward to the next day!

Some photos of cat skiers at play can be found by following the links located at the bottom of the Chatter Creek Cat Skiing photos Web page at: www.backcountrywintervacations.com/snowboarding-pictures.html

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Avalanche Notes for Skiers

Avalanches are easily the most significant hazard the off-piste skier is likely to encounter. Every year, roughly a hundred people die in avalanche accidents in the European Alps and many more are injured or badly frightened. A high proportion of these incidents involve skiers and climbers and all too many stem from ignorance.

These notes relate specifically to Europe. Most avalanche books available in English are based on North American conditions and research. In general the weather in the interior ranges of North America (e.g. the Rockies) is colder than in the Alps and as a result the snow pack is more complex and hazards longer lasting. With this in mind, I deliberately do not elaborate on crystal shape and size, or on the processes of rounding, sintering and facetting (sometimes described as ET and TG metamorphism), concentrating instead on what a skier can observe with eyes and ears, without delving beneath the surface of the snowpack.

Ice Avalanche
It is useful to start by distinguishing between ice avalanches and snow avalanches. Ice avalanches are created by the collapse of ice-cliffs, or seracs, due to the downward flow of glaciers and the pull of gravity. They often set off snow avalanches on their descent, but are immensely destructive in their own right. Skiers or climbers in the path of a serac fall are unlikely to survive. Although slightly more likely to occur in warm weather, they are basically unpredictable and can occur at any time, albeit infrequently.

Always keep an eye open for hanging ice above you and never linger in the vicinity of seracs.

Snow Avalanche
Snow avalanches are classified as comprising either dry snow or wet snow. Both wet and dry snow avalanches are further classified as being either loose snow (point release) or slab avalanches.

Wet Snow
Wet snow can be created by strong sunshine, a warm wind like the fohn, or rain. It is inherently weak and, once released, can flow on surprisingly gentle slopes. Wet snow avalanches often release in the vicinity of rocks that have been warmed by the sun and radiate heat into the surrounding snow pack. Snowballs that grow larger as they roll down a slope are a warning sign that surface snow layers are very wet.

Dry Snow
Snow that is cold and dry and unaffected by wind can be as much as 95% air. As a result, when released as an avalanche, it quickly forms a turbulent cloud which can become airborne, attaining tremendous speeds and travelling long distances. Fortunately, such avalanches only occur after exceptionally heavy snowfall or in combination with a huge serac collapse.

Loose snow avalanches
This type of avalanche, be it of dry or wet snow, starts from a single point and fans out as it picks up more snow. They are very common after any new snow and are a normal part of the settling process. When they are small and comprise only the surface layer they are known as sluffs. Provided there is not a great depth of new snow (less than 30cm), they are not normally a major hazard in themselves. Nonetheless, a sluff can easily knock skiers off their feet and the existence of a terrain trap below can render an otherwise innocuous slide lethal. Typical terrain traps are cliffs, boulders, trees, or a gully or hollow into which the snow can build up to great depth on top of an avalanche victim.

Slab avalanches
Slabs fracture along a line that may be anything from a few feet to hundreds of yards wide. Usually, this fracture is initiated by the shearing of the bond between two layers within the snowpack, most commonly new snow and the older snow beneath. In the case of wet snow, water trickles down through the snowpack until it reaches an impervious layer which could be an icy crust or could be the ground. The water continues to flow downwards but now it is flowing between the two surfaces, destroying the bond between them. If the bottom surface is the ground and it is suitably smooth, like a rock slab or long grass, a full-depth avalanche may result.

However, the most common type of slab, and the most common cause of accidents, is that created by wind.

Wind-slab
Wind-slab is snow that has been transported by the wind and deposited on a lee slope, as opposed to wind-crust which is the hardening of the surface of the snow by wind blowing over it. Wind-crust is usually no more than a few centimetres deep and is not a hazard in itself, except in skiing terms as breakable crust; wind-slab on the other hand, can form layers many feet thick and is only as safe as the bond which attaches it to the layer below.

Wind-slab can be soft or hard, or somewhere in between. At one extreme, when the snow has been transported by light winds of 10 mph or less, it feels like powder and is enjoyable to ski; at the other extreme, after strong winds of 40 mph or more, the original snow crystals have been so fragmented and they have packed down so densely when the wind decelerates, that the edge of a ski or boot barely grips. Both types, however, are similar in that they form a homogeneous layer which, until it has had time to form bonds with the layer below, is extremely unstable and likely to break away in a mass at the slightest provocation.

Because it is so dense, hard slab takes longer to bond to the layer beneath than soft slab. The more similar two layers are the quicker they will bond together firmly. Soft slab on top of soft old snow will stabilize more rapidly than the same slab lying on a crust. This is due to the way in which individual crystals attach to each other, a process known as sintering. Temperature, also, plays an important part in sintering, speeding it up when warm. (but still sub-zero) and slowing it down when cold, till at -40°C, it ceases altogether. Because of this, North and East facing slopes which receive less sun remain unstable for longer; yet because of the prevailing SW to NW winds in the Alps, it is these same slopes that receive most snowfall and are most prone to wind-slab.

It is important to remember that it does not have to be snowing for wind-slab to form. Snow blown by the wind can form slabs very quickly in sheltered spots even when the sky is dear and the sun shining. Remember also that sheltered hollows, ideal for slab formation, can occur anywhere on a mountain, not just on the lee side of a ridge crest.

Danger signs to take heed of are the squeaky sound of skis or boots on hard slab, cracks shooting ahead of skis, snow breaking away in compact blocks and the scary whoomph of snow settling under one. Angle of slope is critical in determining whether a specific slope is hazardous. Slabs rarely release on slopes under 30° and most commonly between 35° and 45° - steep ground for skiers. The most hazardous point on any slope is on a roll, or convexity, where the pull of gravity creates the greatest tension. However, in very unstable conditions it is quite possible to release a slab from an easy-angled slope well below the fracture line, bringing the whole slope down on top of one.

Finally, it is all too easy to forget that temperature becomes colder, winds stronger and snowfall heavier as you go up the mountain. Even if the snow is falling vertically in the valley, it is rare indeed for there to be no wind at all on the tops; and conditions even at the halfway station may bear little relation to what is happening at the ridge crest hundreds of metres higher.

Conclusion
Weak layers within the snowpack such as depth hoar or buried surface hoar can and do occur in Europe but seem to cause fewer accidents than in North America. In the Alps, the majority (though by no means all) of avalanche accidents:

• are triggered by the victims, they are not "acts of God";
• occur during or the day after a snowfall;
• involve surface layers of soft slab;
• are on North or East facing slopes;
• are on slopes of 30° - 45°;
• occur when the avalanche hazard is at Category 3 on a five-point scale. This is partly because most people have the sense to keep clear of avalanche terrain when the hazard warning is 4 or 5, but it also reflects a common misapprehension that Category 3 is relatively safe. In fact, the official description of the level of risk at 3 is "considerable".

If you decide that conditions are stable enough to ski on, or beneath, slopes steeper than 30°, do carry a transceiver and shovel and be practised in using them. Develop an awareness, through using ski poles or a clinometer, of what a 30° slope looks and feels like. And ski those steeper pitches one at a time.

Treat the mountains with respect, and have fun!

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Backcountry Skiing for Intermediate Skiers
 
by: Lachlan Brown

Snowcats have made backcountry skiing accessible to intermediate skiers.

Backcountry skiing offers vast expanses of soft, consistent powder snow in remote and spectacular high-mountain settings. Often considered the domain of hardy and self-reliant ski touring enthusiasts, or of proficient and deep-pocketed helicopter skiers, backcountry skiing is now easily accessible to intermediate-level snowcat skiers.

Snowcat skiing is typically much more affordable than helicopter skiing and can be more adaptable to skier ability. Also, it requires no special equipment or backcountry experience. However, good physical fitness is desirable, especially in skiers with little powder snow experience.

Snowcat skiing operators offer full-service tours into remote, high alpine areas. Guests stay in comfortable lodges offering double-occupancy bedrooms with private baths, excellent food, and outdoor hot tubs, complete with bar service. Guests’ needs and comfort and safety comes first, both inside the lodge and on the hill. Everyone has a good time.

Western Canada boasts many backcountry lodges, where intermediate and expert skiers alike use snowcats to access the very best of backcountry skiing. One such lodge can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.backcountrywintervacations.com/vertebrae-lodge.html.

Guests ski in groups of 12. Each group has a dedicated snowcat, two highly qualified guides and a driver. Groups can be assembled according to ability, and because the snowcat and guides move at the pleasure of the group, the whole party enjoys terrain and a pace of skiing that best suits them. There is never pressure to maximize the utilization of the equipment. Snowcat skiing is equally enjoyable for experts and strong intermediates alike and for both skiers and snowboarders.

On the hill, the lead guide sets the track and the guests follow, with everyone skiing in fresh, untracked snow. The guide stops periodically to regroup and to give people a chance to rest, to take pictures and to share their experiences. The frequency of stops depends on the ability and strength of the group. Strong groups may ski non-stop to the bottom; 1800 to 2000 ft. of pure joy! Other groups may have a few stops along the way. The guests determine the pace, not the guide.

The lead guide keeps his flock together and sees that no one falls too far behind. The second guide, called the “tailgunner”, is always the last person down the hill. If a guest falls or has difficulty, the tailgunner will be at their side to assist.

Snowcat skiing offers a special experience for family groups (children aged 19 & older)*, ladies groups, groups of business associates or groups of friends. In a diverse social group, everyone can feel relaxed and “part of a team”. Companions can be enjoyed, not only in the lodge in the evenings, but also on the ski hill. Groups keep together and interact while skiing and, on the ride back up the hill, share jokes and conversation. The snowcat rides allow guests to unbutton, warm up, dry out, enjoy some lunch and to take more pictures.

Many guests arrive in prearranged groups of 12, organized by one of the group members. These groups fill a single snowcat and can be very compatible, with everyone skiing well together.

However, individual guests can be assured of just as good a time as members of pre-arranged social groups. The tour operator will usually try to place individuals in a suitable group and they will quickly make new friends and fit in to a very sociable environment.

Guides are expert in finding “lines” for skiers of differing ability. Better skiers might enjoy some “steeps” or “pop” off bumps while others in the group are guided on a more “mellow” line. Everyone has ample opportunity to challenge themselves.

As the end of the day approaches, and guests may start to tire, they are welcome to sit out a run and ride back down the hill with the snowcat driver. A slower skier may occasionally “sit out” a run to allow the rest of the group to ski a little faster. If a guest wants to “call it a day”, a staff member will drive them back to the lodge on a snowmobile. Staff is committed to service and want to make guests as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Safety is the primary concern in the backcountry. Snowcat skiers are always led by fully trained guides. The guide not only selects safe terrain, but also the safest track through the terrain. When the snow is unstable in the alpine regions, above the tree line, skiing will be restricted to more stable slopes at lower elevations. The first line of defense is prudence and even in periods of high stability, guides will always “play it safe”.

“Tree skiing” is a fixture of all backcountry skiing. Snowcat skiers never hesitate due to weather. On stormy days, snowcat skiers just head to the trees, where the snow’s best and the visibility is good.

The smooth consistency of the snow and short, fat “powder” skis allow intermediate skiers to master terrain they would not normally attempt. There are no moguls and lumps of snow to contend with. The snow is soft and light and helps control speed. Skiers who rarely “ski the trees” not only find they can do it, but that it’s fun! The sense of accomplishment and delight after a first “tree run” is enormous.

Snowcat skiing offers a welcoming, fun-filled and comfortable experience to skiers and snowboarders having a wide range of abilities. It’s an experience that’s nice to share with friends and family, but single individuals can be assured of enjoying themselves, having wonderful skiing and of making new friends.

Many snowcat operators recommend that skiers be at least “strong intermediates” and some snowcat operators prefer expert skiers only. However, physically fit intermediate skiers of lesser ability can also do well at many snowcat skiing venues, especially if they are part of a specially organized group of 12. Skiers who are unsure of their ability should discuss their concerns with a tour operator, who will be pleased to make recommendations.

*Children younger than 19 may often accompany their parents. However, more mature offspring will better enjoy the other guests and life in the lodge. Guests in their 20’s will relate well to many of the staff.

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Blind Skiers See the Light
 
by: Stephen Michael Kerr

About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountain Ranch, one of the top cross-country ski centers in the United States. Known as the "YMCA of the Rockies", it boasts a large ski chalet and over 90 kilometers of packed and groomed trails.

From January 30 to February 6, 2005, the center will host the 30th annual Ski for Light International event, a week that brings blind and mobility-impaired adults together with sighted ski instructors for cross-country skiing and fun social activities. Participants come from the United States, Norway, and several other countries to either learn skiing for the first time, or improve on previously developed skills.

The first Ski for Light was held in Norway in 1964, and was so successful that a nonprofit all-volunteer organization was formed. Chapters began spreading to other parts of the world, and the program was first introduced to the United States in 1975. The idea is to provide the blind and mobility-impaired a chance to experience the freedom and benefits of physical activity through cross-country skiing.

At the beginning of the event, each skiier is paired with an instructor/guide, according to experience level. Beginners are taught basic fundamentals of the sport, while more advanced skiiers work on improving their techniques and endurance.

Skiiers navigate the slopes in pre-set tracks or grooves in the snow, while their instructors ski on a parallel set of tracks. The guide advises when to change direction, speed up and slow down, and describes any changes in the level and direction of the tracks. Skiiers with mobility impairments use sit-skis, while their guides give instructional tips and offer physical assistance if needed. In addition to cross-country skiing, mobility-impaired participants also have the chance to learn the sport of sled-hockey during the week.

The sighted instructors are volunteers from all over the United States who pay their own way to attend, just like the other participants. Duane Farrar, a blind skiier and chairman of Ski for Light's Public Relations Committee, says their role is vital to the success of the program.

"They are there because they love cross-country skiing and wish to share that love with someone like myself who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience the sport and the exhilarating sense of freedom that it brings," Farrar explains.

The highlight of the event is a 5-K rally and 10-K race, complete with national anthems and Olympic-style finish line. Skiiers get the chance to showcase the skills they've learned during the week over a measured distance, but don't have to be competitive or athletic. The only thing asked of them is to give skiing a try, and have fun.

Mary Kozy, a blind clinical social worker from Chicago, was a bit apprehensive when she attended her first Ski for Light in 1978. But it didn't take her long to discover the joy of learning to ski, and meeting other people with positive attitudes.

After attending Ski for Light, I caught the "if I can do this, I can do anything" attitude, and went on to love skiing," Kozy recalls. "It is a real high to go to SFL for a week and be around so many enthusiastic people."

While skiing is the big attraction, it is only part of the total experience. After a day on the slopes, skiiers and guides return to their hotel for dinner, talent shows, music and dancing, or just lounging in a heated pool or hot-tub. Even poor snow conditions can't stop the event. In cases of extremely low temperatures or not enough snow, participants organize games, field trips, exercises, and other activities.

Many skiiers believe the most rewarding aspect of Ski for Light is the memories and camaraderie they share with each other and their guides.

"The friendships I've made through SFL are deep, and those I will have all my life," Mary Kozy says. "People come through town and visit, and we are now like a big family."

Deborah Kendrick, a freelance writer and devoted participant, agrees. "I believe there is no other environment in which participants suspend, so completely, the sense of who is and who is not a person with a disability," she says. "People of all walks of life come together for that one week to share a love of skiing, the outdoors, learning, and loving life."

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Cold Nose, Cold Toes

Have you ever been so cold that your skin has turned white in places? If you have then you've experienced frostbite. Frostbite usually affects nose tips, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes. It occurs with exposure to cold, combined with a lack of the blood to circulate heat. Once the area is affected, a lack of oxygen causes damage to the tissues.

There are two types of frostbite superficial and deep. The onset of frostbite is painful, but is often overlooked since the nerves eventually freeze causing numbness. If the part is painfully cold, then suddenly stops hurting when obviously not getting warmer, frostbite should be expected. It's important to watch these areas of exposure in your companions.

Superficial frostbite will usually appear yellow or grayish. The underlying tissue will still be soft and pliable. It can generally be cured by putting the injured area in direct contact with warm skin, such as the armpits or abdomen. Thawing the part will help restore circulation. Putting cold fingers under a neck gaiter at the base of the neck also works well.

Deep frostbite is much more serious. It usually affects the hands or feet, and may eventually lead to the loss of an extremity, if not cared for properly. When tissue is frozen deeper, the underlying tissues become solid and wooden. The tissue will likely turn brown and blister on the surface, as well as underneath. The skin is white and waxy or chalky in appearance. Frostbite, especially blisters should not be treated by rubbing with the hands or snow! Otherwise, damage will be much worse! Rapid rewarming is advised, because it leaves less damage.

The decision to thaw an extremity in the backcountry should be measured by two things. First of all ask, could the injured part become refrozen? If the extremity is thawed then refrozen, it will lead to gangrene. Secondly decide how the patient will be evacuated, because thawed tissue should not be used or walked on.

If a helicopter or sled rescue is possible, then thaw the part as soon as possible to reduce damage from an extended period of oxygen deprivation. Avoid allowing the extremity to slowly thaw out spontaneously during a walk out. If the only way out is by having the patient walk, snowshoe or ski, keep the extremity frozen or wait for help.

If providing first aid in the field with deep frostbite, a shelter will be needed. An igloo or ice cave would be great if already built. Otherwise, a tent would be much faster and easier. If no tent is available, find a natural wind block, use tarps and know how to make an emergency shelter before venturing out.

When treating frostbite, use a stove to heat water to a controlled 102-108 degrees F, which is hot like the temperature of a Jacuzzi, but you can still place a hand in it. Do not use a fire or really hot water, because the tissue will be burnt. If the water becomes cool, remove the injured part then add hot water and stir, until the required temperature is regained. Be sure to test the water. Use a pan that is bigger than the extremity, so skin is not touching the sides. While rewarming give the patient hot drinks to improve morale and apply heat packs to non-frozen areas to improve circulation. The affected area should become a deep red or bluish color, when thawed. Expect the procedure to take about 20-30 minutes.

After thawing use sanitary dressings to soak up heavy drainage from blisters. Although blisters will be very painful to the patient do not break, scrape or rub them, because it will cause more damage and once open they may become infected. Separate digits with soft cotton. Also, elevate the extremity to increase circulation. Continue to wrap in a thick bandage and protect it from further injury.

To prevent frostbite any time of year, wear layers of clothing that wick sweat away from the body, as well as insulate. Then use shells that protect from wind and precipitation. The clothing should not be tight. Choose footwear suitable for the activity and use socks made with synthetics or wool as opposed to cotton. Gloves, mittens and glove liners should be worn throughout the day. A fleece hat and neck gaiter or scarf must be worn to reduce 40 percent of heat loss. Then place a windproof hood over the hat for extreme weather.

By taking these precautions the nose tips, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes will have a much lower chance of being affected. Once frostbite occurs, rapidly rewarm the frozen extremity as soon as possible, by placing against warm skin for mild cases or use hot water for deep frostbite. Plan ahead for evacuation and do not allow the damaged tissues to be used or refrozen. Carry a first aid kit to bandage the affected areas and protect them. Then take the patient into the hospital as soon as possible.

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Definition of Snow Types

The following are standard definitions of snow types and their associated abbreviations. Powder-PDR: Cold, new, loose, fluffy, flaky and dry snow which has not been compacted. Packed Powder-PP: Powder snow, either natural or machine made, that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but is not so extremely compacted that it is hard. Hard Pack-HP: When natural or machine made snow becomes very firmly packed. The snow has never melted and re-crystallized, but it's been tightly compressed through grooming and continuous wind exposure. You can plant a pole in hard packed snow, but it takes more effort than packed powder. Machine Groomed Snow-MGS: Loose granular snow that has been repeatedly groomed by power tillers so that the texture is halfway between LSGR & PP. Some of the snow is granular & has been so pulverized that the crystals are like powder sugar. It's neither LSGR or PP. Wet Snow-WETSN: Powder or packed powder snow that has become moist due to a thaw or rainfall, or snow which was moist when it fell. Wet packed Snow-WPS: Natural or machine made snow that has been previously packed and becomes wet usually because of rainfall. Loose Granular-LSGR: This surface results after powder or packed powder thaws, then refreezes and recrystalizes, or from an accumulation of sleet. This is also created by machine grooming of frozen or icy snow. Frozen Granular-FRGR: This is undoubtedly the most misunderstood surface condition in ski reporting. It is defined as a hard surface of old snow formed by granules freezing together after rain or warm temperatures. Frozen granular will support a ski pole stuck into its surface while ice will chip away and not support a pole. Wet Granular-WETGR: Loose or frozen granular snow which becomes wet after rainfall or high temperatures. Icy-ICE: Not to be confused with frozen granular, ice is a hard, glazed surface created either by freezing rain, ground water seeping up into the snow and freezing or by the rapid freezing of snow saturated with water from rain or melting. Ice will chip away and not support a ski pole when stuck into it. Variable Conditions-VC: When no primary surface (70%) can be determined, variable conditions describe a range of surfaces that a skier may encounter. Parts of trails can be Loose Granular, partly Packed Powder, and parts Frozen Granular, for example. Corn Snow-CORN: Usually found in the spring, Corn Snow is characterized by large, loose granules during the day, which freeze together at night, then warm up again and loosen during the day. Spring Conditions-SC: This is the spring version of Variable Conditions. It is used when no one surface can describe 70% or more of the terrain open for skiers. Windblown Snow-WBLN: Powder or granular snow which has been blown by wind into forming a base.

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Organize a Cat Skiing Trip, Ski at a Discount
 
by: Lachlan Brown

What’s better than backcountry powder shared with a couple of good friends? What beats chasing your buddies through the trees, sharing great lines on open slopes and watching your mates “pop” off bumps into the “pow”? Now, if that though brings a smile, broaden the picture to include 12 good friends. Think about a day of great powder shared with the 12 people you most like to ski or ride with. Then expand that thought to three or four days in succession. Oh, yes, and throw in some uphill tranportation that gives you 12 to 15 great runs a day.

If it seems like a wild dream, it’s not. Snowcat skiers are doing it every year.

Assemble your own group to share a snowcat and two guides and to control the pace of each day’s skiing. The cat rides back up the mountain become almost as much fun as the runs down, filled with the old lies and jokes and stories that you all enjoy sharing. Evenings in the bar at the lodge playing pool or darts for “shots” or soaking in the hot tub just continue the fun of the day. Our "Favorite Chatter Creek Photos" ( http://favorite-chatter-creek-photos.blogspot.com). were taken by some old friends who go cat skiing together every year.

Many cat skiing operators in BC encourage groups. At least two operators offer no particular incentive to group leaders, but point out the advantage to having companions that know one another and are all compatible skiers and riders. However, at least three BC operators provide group organizers a free seat and one operator offers two free seats (take 12 people, pay for 10). Other operators offer a discount ranging from $1200 per day, to $1500 for a 4-day tour. Typically, it’s all or nothing and the group size must be 12 to qualify for a discount. As nice as it is to get a great discount, Group Organizers shopping for a cat skiing tour should think about group discounts last, after making a short list of operators having terrain and skiing conditions that best suits their group’s needs.

Organizing a group is no cakewalk. The group organizer is the sole point of contact with the company. He or she collects and accounts for all funds, makes lump payments on behalf of the group, distributes company literature, collects client information and submits it to the company. Above all, the organizer ensures that group members understand the tour dates, transportation arrangements, meeting times and special conditions like baggage restrictions or clothing needed for the trip in to a remote lodge.

The real effort goes into filling the group with compatible skiers. A sign-up list circulated at the end of each tour always generates lots of interest in the following year. Everyone’s ready to be back next year; same time, same place, same group. Fantastic! However, things change a bit in the following weeks, when the deposit becomes due. People return home and remember (or are reminded of) family vacation promises, visiting relatives, budgetary constraints and other priorities. Then it’s “scramble time” for the Group Leader. The deposit is due shortly and the group is not full. Some Group Leaders end up subsidizing the group deposit.

Finally, the organizer handles last minute changes. People get sick or have emergencies or “things” happen at work and substitutes have to be arranged. Snowstorms can force last-minute changes to travel plans, requiring telephone calls to the entire group, as described in the article, “Getting to Chatter Creek: Go Early and Get there“ ( http://backcountrywintervacations.com/getting-to-chatter-creek.html)

You may have known your buddies for years, but you don’t really understand them until you try to organize their ski trip. As one cat ski operator noted, “It’s like herding cats”. One or two email messages is not enough to convey critical dates and other information. There is always that benighted soul who forgets or is confused or looses forms or is always late with payments. Experience teaches the value of a standby list of people happy to step in and replace “foot-draggers”. That usually focuses the attention!

Regular reminders and specific confirmation is needed to ensure that people really do understand what they need to know, and that critical dates and times really have been recorded in next year’s calendar, and not this year’s. If the meeting point is in a different time zone, alarm bells have to be rung regularly, or people will forget the time shift, or get it backward. People need reminding that there is a day of travel before and after the dates of the tour. If tour members are married, it’s a good idea to ensure their wives know “the drill”.

Different organizers handle their discount in different ways. Merle McKnight, manager of Chatter Creek, in Golden recommends, “Put it in your pocket, you’ve earned it!” Many organizers do just that. Others share the discount with the group members, giving everyone a small discount. One organizer rents a bus to take his group from Calgary to Golden, where his cat skiing tour starts. That tour really starts and ends in Calgary and everything in between is a blur.

In the end, whatever frustration a group organizer may bear falls right away on that first run of the annual tour, as one’s mates charge down the hill, with whoops and hollers and powder snow flying. The grins on their faces make it all worth while!

Having written so much about organizing groups, I should add that, over the years, I’ve had a number trips with two or three friends, sharing a snowcat with strangers. Without exception, these trips have been wonderful experiences. I’ve made new friends and have thoroughly enjoyed myself. Even though I am an experienced skier, I have rarely felt held back by weaker skiers. Well, perhaps just once. Snowcat skiing is so “laid back” and relaxed and guides are so skilled, that a range in ability within a group can “work” very well. Most snowcat skiing operators encourage just strong intermediate and expert skiers, so “slower” skiers are rarely far behind. More often than not, they end up waiting while the hotshots “scope out” special challenges; cliffs, bumps and the like.

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Ski Fitness for Recreational Skiers
 
by: Jim Safianuk

Imagine yourself cruising down a groomed run carving elegant turns with your new shaped skis. In the distance you see two symbols, a blue square for a left turn and a black diamond for a right turn. Without hesitation you steer to the right. The pitch becomes steeper, the snow is un-groomed, and there are trees, lots of trees. You stop momentarily, pick a line, push off, and tighten your turns as you begin the descent.

Getting in Shape

Many skiers would have taken the left fork with the gentle groomed slope. Some skiers reach a plateau in their ability and find it difficult to advance to the next level. This doesn't have to be. The keys to unlocking your true potential lie in your mind and body. When you are mentally prepared and physically fit, the goal of becoming an expert skier can be realized.

Developing a Fitness Routine

Expert level skiing is more demanding on the knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, and back so preseason preparation is the norm. In short, you need the correct ski fitness routine to handle the rigors of expert skiing.

Your ski fitness routine should include:

• Ski stretches to improve your flexibility and mobility
• Ski exercises to build your leg and core strength and endurance
• Jumping exercises to enhance your explosive power and side-to-side quickness

Stretching for Ski Fitness

Let's start off with ski-specific stretching and leave the exercises and cardiovascular for another article. Lesson #2 of Skills of the Expert Skier contains ten ski stretches that you can do at home or on the road. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, prepares you for movement, and helps you to bridge the gap from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain.

When you stretch and exercise often, you will learn to enjoy movement. You will be preparing yourself for the rigors of skiing in the expert zones where the ability to move quickly and easily is of prime importance.

First, we'll get into the why and when you need to stretch, before moving on to the basics of good stretching.

Why do ski stretches?

Stretching on a regular basis will make your skiing a lot easier by:

• Reducing muscle tension
• Relaxing your body prior to skiing
• Signaling your muscles that they are about to be used
• Increasing your range of motion during skiing
• Improving the ease and freedom of movement
• Enhancing the quickness of your ski turns
• Preventing injuries such as muscle strains and pulls

In addition, ski-specific exercising requires you to have a good command of ski stretches before you start doing the exercises. The reason for this is that some of the exercises will simulate actual expert level ski movements so you need to have your muscles relaxed, loose, and flexible, just as if you were beginning a day on the slopes.

Stretching before Skiing

Stretching can be done any time you feel like it. However, in the context of downhill skiing and the training course, I recommend you do ski stretches:

• At home, before you start the ski-specific exercises
• At the chalet, motel, or inn where you are staying, just before leaving for the ski hill
• At the ski resort, before your first run of the day, with your boots on and skis off

Stretching after Skiing

Strenuous activities like downhill skiing, especially at the expert level, promote tightness and inflexibility in the muscle groups. Therefore, stretching before and after any physical activity will keep you flexible and help prevent common injuries.

I know it's difficult to stretch after a long day of skiing. I have trouble doing this myself. On the last run when someone shouts out, "It's Miller time", your mind is more focused on that tall, cool one then on doing any more physical exertion. Besides, you've worked hard all day and deserve a break. I agree!

As a compromise, I would recommend that you do standing, ski stretches at the base of the hill after your last run, with your skis off. You can get way with just these stretches after skiing on smaller hills with less demanding terrain, and especially if you are not going to be skiing the next day.

However, if you are skiing in the mountains for six or seven days in a row, I strongly suggest that you do a complete set of ski stretches when you get back to the place where you're staying. After stretching, hit the hot tub. After the hot tub, go for a one to two mile walk. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. The idea is to keep moving so your muscles won't become tight and stiffen up on you.

Trust me, I've seen a lot of people disappear on week skiing trips simply because their muscles became stiff and sore, or worse, they got injured from pulled or torn muscles. Skiing at an expert level requires you to be agile at all times with the freedom to move quickly and easily without any pain or stiffness. Stretching is an essential that you need to learn and put to practice on a regular basis.

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Ski Jumping - History of Ski Jumping

The origin of Ski Jumping can be traced back in 1860 when Sondre Norheim of Norway, who is also considered as the Father of Ski Jumping, jumped and reached 30 meters without poles over a rock. After two years, the first ever competition on Ski Jumping was organized at Trysil, Norway.

After the World War I, an aerodynamic technique known as the Kongsberger Technique was developed by Thulin Thams and Sigmund Rudd, both from Norway. This technique is a style of jumping with the upper body bent at the hips, a wide forward lean, and with arms extended at the front.

Since then, other people have put their mark in the development of Ski Jumping. Sepp Bradl of Austria was the very first person to jump one meter farther than the 100-meter mark in 1936. After one year, Chamonix in France became the witness of the first FIS Nordic World Championships having only one jumping event.

A second Ski Jumping event called the Large Hill was added to the program in the 1962 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships held at Zakopane, Poland.

Other personalities who became part of the milestones of Ski Jumping include Swiss jumper Walter Steiner who won in the first FIS Ski- Flying World Championships in 1972 at Planica, Slovenia. Likewise, Toni Innauer of Austria grabbed the overall title in the first FIS World Cup season in 1979-1980. Before 1988, ski jumpers would keep their Skis parallel. Since then, the V-style has come into being where skiers keep their Skis in a V-shape to maximize the lift.

It is evident that Ski Jumping had undergone changes and developments over the years. Nowadays, more and more people are experiencing the joys of Ski Jumping in many countries all around the world. Many enthusiasts of this Skiing Discipline participate in other competitions like the FIS Junior Nordic World Ski Championships. Moreover, the FIS World Cup and the Continental Cup events held regularly are accommodating a lot of Ski jumpers from numerous countries.

In the case of Ski Jumping, it follows that when there are developments in the tactics and techniques in Ski Jumping, there are also modifications in the Ski Jumping equipment and facilities. Sensibly enough, the equipment must meet the requirements brought about by new and improved maneuvers in different Ski Jumping events. For instance, Ski jumpers are able to reach greater distances. Thus, the hills must be contoured precisely on the path where Ski jumpers would go so they would not be more than 20 feet off the ground. In addition, there is a need for improved Ski Boots and Ski Bindings which allow greater lift and more control during the jumps.

The different Ski Jumping techniques, tricks, and equipment just keep on getting better and better as time progresses. Ski Jumping has been around for thousands of years and until now, people are getting engrossed in this amazing Skiing Discipline. There is no question about it since it never ceases to bring fun, thrill, and excitement to Ski enthusiasts.

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Lights, camera, and lots of snow Ski resorts pay big money for supporting role in movies

Skiers are seen taking to the slopes of the Steamboat Springs ski resort in Colorado during the winter of 2000. Ski resorts are paying so-called location fees to be included in ski movies as a way to promote their business and attract visitors. Skiing has morphed from fringe fun to big business since 80-year-old filmmaker Warren Miller's days as one of America's first Hemingway-esque ski bums in 1946. Back then, Miller camped with an 8mm camera shooting Hollywood stars on skis at Idaho's Sun Valley. His first movie cost less than $500 to make. But today, with the 55th Warren Miller Entertainment ski movie debuting across the country, some resorts quietly pay as much as $50,000 for a segment in the popular ski movies. "It is sort of a surprise," Miller said when asked about it from his home in Washington state. "However, with everything about the film production costing so much these days, I guess I can't be too surprised." Sponsorship is nothing new at Boulder, Colo.-based Warren Miller Entertainment. The venerable moviemaker enlisted Ford Motor Co. and Old Crow whiskey as sponsors as early as the mid-1950s. But resorts didn't start paying for Warren Miller's attention until the mid-1980s. And they didn't start paying big until Miller's company was sold — in part by his son, Kurt — to media conglomerate Time Warner Inc. in 2000. "Location fees" are common in the movie business. However, Warren Miller Entertainment's competitors, Teton Gravity Research in Wyoming and Crested Butte's Matchstick Productions, say they do not charge them. Resort officials say it's worth the steep price for the exposure from being in a Warren Miller movie, even though Miller no longer directs the films. He just narrates them. "The fees they ask for are a great value as a customer and as a partner," said David Perry, vice president with Aspen Skiing Co., which paid the movie company around $50,000 to include its Snowmass ski area in the latest Miller flick, "Impact." Andy Wirth, vice president of marketing for Steamboat and The Canyons in Utah, said Miller's brand "carries a great deal of credibility and is really a key device in jolting people into thinking about skiing." But resorts pushing powder is only part of the attraction. Wirth recently inked a five-year deal — worth a little less than $50,000 a year — to include American Skiing Co.'s Steamboat and The Canyons in five consecutive Miller movies. That includes several minutes of always-flattering ski video in the annual movie, advertising in Warren Miller Entertainment's SnoWorld magazine and access to portions of Time Warner's massive database of loyal skiers and high-quality video footage to use in their advertising. Being under the umbrella of Time Warner, which posted $39.57 billion in sales last year, requires Warren Miller Entertainment to grow, said Max Bervy, a longtime film producer and director with Miller. Growing the company means more than luring more viewers into theaters once a year. It requires the resort fees — and new revenue streams such as television shows and filming for corporate sponsors. "When you grow in the ski world, it's not usually within the sport," Bervy said. That mirrors the strategy for the industry as a whole, which relies on lodging, real estate and other entertainment as much as lift-ticket sales. A host of sponsors, such as DaimlerChrysler AG's Jeep division and General Mills Inc.'s Nature Valley granola bars — seen extensively in the latest movie — makes it possible for the Warren Miller film crew's peregrination, putting them in locations such as Bulgaria, Acapulco and the remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. "It costs a lot of money … to shoot in these exotic locations," said Perkins Miller, a Warren Miller Entertainment executive producer who is not related to Warren Miller. "But listen, we are not making a commercial. It's an inspired feature film. Location incentives are common in the film industry." But those fees can be daunting for smaller resorts. The owners of Silverton Mountain have courted Warren Miller representatives but couldn't come up with the money. The local chamber of commerce considered raising money to help. "Money was the big discussion," said Amy Gass, executive director of the Silverton Chamber of Commerce. "They were talking about more than my whole marketing budget for the year." The company is considering a plan that would have one of the film's many sponsors help fund filming at the remote, expert-only ski area in southwest Colorado, Bervy said. Crews filmed there in March this year, but the footage was for a gear company that sponsors Warren Miller Entertainment — and not for the annual film. "We love Silverton," said Perkins Miller. "If Silverton fits into one of our story lines, we'll go there. The story drives the movie."

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Skiing Dictionary: Ski Language, Terms & Slang

These are the Skiing Terms, Ski Definitions, Skiing Slang and other Ski words currently stored in our database.

AFD

Stands for Anti- friction Device. This is a small and smooth pad located directly behind the toe-side piece of the Ski Bindings.

Avalanche

Is a condition when huge masses of Snow slide down a slope. This is one of the major dangers during winter. See our articles on Avalanche Awareness and Avalanche Survival and Rescue and learn the dangers and types of Avalanches.

Basket

It is a round, usually flat, disc located near the Ski Pole Tip. For more informaiton, see our article on Parts of Ski Poles.

Bumps

This is another term for Moguls. For more details, see our article on Mogul Skiing.

Camber

It is the amount of space beneath the center of a Ski when it lays on a flat surface and its weight rests on the Tip and Tail. For more information, see our article on Parts and Features of Skis.

Cross- country Skiing

It is what you can do if you want more peaceful and cost-effective mode of exploring backcountry wilderness. For more details, see our article on Cross- country Skiing.

Crud

This is a tpye of Snow or Snow surface characterized by an uneven surface with lumps of soft Powder-like Snow and slippery patches. For more information, see our article on Snow Types.

DIN Settings

This stands for Deutsche Industrie Normen. It is an internationally agreed scale to ensure that Ski Bindings worldwide release under the same force. Check out our article on Ski Bindings - Components and their Functions to know more about DIN Settings.

Edge

This refers to the metal strip found at the bottom corners of Skis. For more information, see our article on Parts and Features of Skis.

Flex Adjustment

With this adjustment, you can change the amount of resistance to the forward movement of your ankle. See our article on Ski Boots - Components and Features to know more about Flex Adjustment and other characteristics of Ski Boots.

Flexibility

This is the most essential physical conditioning factor in preventing Skiing injuries. See our article on Ski Fitness - General Conditioning to learn more about Flexibility as well as other elements to Ski Fitness.

Freestyle Skiing

This is a Skiing Discipline which incorporates techniques in Skiing and acrobatics. For more information, see our article on Freestyle Skiing.

Frostbite

Occurs when body parts are exposed to extreme cold for a period of time. Learn the various ways on how to prevent Forstbite. For more details, see our article on First Aid - Frostnip and Frostbite.

Fruit Booter

A skier who skis on mini skis.

Gondola

Also called Cabine Lift, this is the largest and most comfortable Lift. Check out our article on Lifts On Piste - Different Types of Ski and Snow Resort Lifts and learn more about Gondolas and other Lifts.

Grass Skiing

This is simply Skiing on grass. It is an all-year round Skiing Discipline which is done on grassy slopes using special equipment.

Heli Skiing

Is a Skiing Discipline which allows you to ski on infinite slopes with untouched Powder. A helicopter is required to take you where normal transportation cannot reach. For more details, see our article on Heli Skiing.

Herringbone

This refers to the technique of moving upwards. It is named after the marks left by the Skis when this technique is used.

Hypothermia

This is a life- threatening condition wherein the body temperature of the person has dropped dramatically below normal. For more information, visit our article on First Aid - Hypothermia.

Powder

This refers to freshly fallen, soft Snow. For more information, see our article on Snow Types.

Prerelease

Is the term used when your Skis come off earlier than expected. Visit our article on Ski Bindings - Having the Correct Release Setting to know more about Prerelease.

Roller Skiing

This is another all-year round Skiing Discipline. Roller Skiing is done by skiers to continue training in the off season.

Rope Tows

They are the simplest Surface Lifts and consist of a loop of rope with knots that move around and around. See our article on Lifts on the Pistes - Different Types of Ski and Snow Resort Lifts to know more about Rope Tows.

Shaped Skis

Are relatively new and improved Skis characterized by 'hourglass' shapes. They are Skis which are designed to turn. For more details, see our article on Ski Anatomy and Construction.

Sidecut Radius

Is the measurement of how deeply or shallowly the Ski's cut is from the Nose of the Ski to the Waist. For more details, see our article on Parts and Features of Skis.

Ski Jumping

This is a Skiing Discipline which focuses on flying as far and as smooth as possible with your Skis on for maximum lift. For more information, see our article on Ski Jumping.

Slush

Generally, this is Snow that is starting to melt and thus becomes further wet. See our article on Snow Types to have better understanding of what Slush is.

Speed Skiing

This is a Skiing Discipline which focuses on achieving the highest possible speed on Skis. For more information, see our article on Speed Skiing.

Stem Christie

Is a Turn which is completed by skididng on both uphill edges.

Stem Technique

This is a basic technique in making and linking turns. For more information, see our article on Skiing Beginner Course - Making and Linking Turns.

Telemark Skiing

This is a Skiing Discipline which features the thrill of speed and free-heel Skiing. Visit our article on Skiing Disciplines - Telemark Skiing and learn the important points in Telemark Skiing.

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What to Wear to Tear: The Secret to Layering

Big, baggy jeans and flannel shirts may have been high snowboard fashion six or eight years ago and if you're a once-or-twice-a-season rider you may still wear them, but here at the millennium those who ride are getting much more technical in their clothing choices--and that means layering.

Layering is the key to comfort in any outdoor recreation. Whether it's a balmy 35 degree liquid snow day at Hood or a bone-chilling negative 35 and blowing in the Alaskan Chugach Mountains, you'll want to layer. Because our bodies operate best at a constant 98 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to keep your body as close to that as possible. Once your body goes a short distance down the thermometer beyond that point, it becomes hypothermic, and from there it's a quick trip past unconsciousness to death.

Proper layering consists of three elements which are often referred to as the three W's: wicking, warmth, and water/wind.

Something Wicking This Way Comes

Always start with a wicking layer. No matter what the conditions, you will probably work hard enough to break a sweat. In the next minute you may be quickly cooling down sitting on the lift. Our bodies are biomechanically engineered to employ evaporating water vapor (in the form of sweat) to cool us down, but this may over-cool us if the outside temperature are low. This is why we need a clothing layer that will quickly transport that water vapor away from the skin.

The wicking layer should be a light-weight material. It is usually a thin layer but can be found in several weights. Traditionally this layer was wool, but although wool keeps you warm when it's wet, it doesn't encourage water to transpire through other layers. Today this layer is usually some blend of polyester fibers.

Body Heat

The warmth layer varies the greatest depending on the temperature outside and how much heat you produce during a given activity. Like the wicking layer below it, the warmth layer of today is made from recycled pop bottles in the form of polyester polar fleece. This stuff has become so common-place these days you can buy it anywhere from Patagonia to J. Crew in several weights and in a seemingly unlimited supply of styles and colors.

The warmth layer is worn between the wicking layer and the water/wind layer. Despite its light weight, fleece can get rather bulky, so try not to wear too much. You also don't want to have the layer so thick that the heat from your body can't push water vapor beyond the outside layer. The key is to allow water a pathway to get out away from your body.

The Perfect Storm Layer

This is the outside water/wind layer and is arguably the most important layer (although none of these layers alone will offer ultimate protection from the elements). This layer provides the most immediate barrier to the outside elements. It also has a couple important jobs. It used to be all the outer layer could do to keep rain and snow from soaking a body to the bone. Unfortunately even the most waterproof-only layer will not keep a warm body dry for too long. The problem is the water vapor transported from the wicking layer through the warmth layer has no place to go once it reaches a waterproof barrier.

Enter waterproof/breathable materials. It all started with Gore Tex and now there are more waterproof/breathable fabrics on the market than you can shake a snowboard at. Most are either a two or three layer lay-up consisting of the following: an outer material of either nylon or polyester with a waterproof/breathable membrane either laminated or sprayed on the inside of that and an optional third wicking layer (usually a tricot nylon) laminated to the inside of that. On the outside of the outer nylon or polyester material is usually a factory applied coating of DWR (durable water repellent) that keeps water and dirt from affecting the breathability of the waterproof membrane. A DWR can be found on most fabrics in the outdoor industry and will eventually wear off.

All of these waterproof/breathable fabrics do their job but some are more breathable than waterproof or vice-versa. They are usually produced as a shell but you will find some with added insulation. The key is to find a material in a style and price-range that works for your riding climate and personal body climate.

Remember, none of these layers will be 100 percent effective by themselves, but used properly together they will provide as much protection from the elements as one can hope for while still providing optimum freedom of motion. And remember, COTTON KILLS.

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