Dear Oberon,
I have been getting sweaty when I go cross country skiing, and then when I stop to rest, I get very cold. What can I do to have a better cross country ski experience?

Sincerely,
Block of Ice

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Dear Block of Ice,
My answer to freezing cold weather has always been to grow a thicker layer of feathers! I might have an easier time of this than you since I am an owl and you are ostensibly a human. I have also never sweat, not having the glands for it. But I do have some advice for you, nonetheless!

First is this: the key to winter warmth and comfort is dryness. To remain dry, you should avoid sweating in the first place (and also avoid falling into snow banks if you can help it). I will dive into this in a minute, but first I want to give you my second piece of advice which is this: being underprepared in the winter can be dangerous! Being prepared can make a huge difference in your cross country ski experience. Your body burns energy in order to create heat, so never leave the house on an excursion into the woods without food, water, and dry socks.

One reason you humans sweat is because your body is trying to decrease its temperature, and sweating has a cooling effect. One way to prevent sweating is to avoid overdressing. It is tempting when you are starting out from your nice warm house to bundle up until you look like a balloon! Instead, you should use a strategic approach to dressing for cold weather sports.

There are ways to layer your clothing that will benefit you most when your body temperature is fluctuating up and down as it will on your XC ski adventure. The first step to this is knowing the functions of your different layers and how best to maximize their effect. Your base layer, the one closest to your skin, should be made of a wicking synthetic fabric, one which pulls moisture away from your skin. On top of your synthetic layer, you should wear something that can insulate well, such as fleece or wool. On top of that, wear a layer that is waterproof, but breathable. As you begin to exercise and warm up, you can remove or add layers until you reach a comfortable level. You should also bring along a dry extra layer that you can put on if you get too cold and wet in your other clothes.

Did you know that NorthWoods has cross country ski trails you can use? If you get too cold while you’re out on our trails, you can stop in at the Lodge for some hot cocoa and thaw out by a nice warm fire.

While you’re out exploring the winter woods, remember that though the world seems still and quiet, there are many critters going about their daily lives, some even building tunnels under the snow beneath your feet! For more information on the wonders of plant and animal life in the winter, check out the VT Center for Ecostudies monthly Field Guide newsletter. You should also keep your eyes open for tracks in the snow! Also, if you visit the NorthWoods trails this winter, come on by and say a quick hello to yours truly! Just be sure that you are quiet and don’t make any startling movements so you don’t spook me.

Hope to see you soon!

O