Certain populations, like seasoned outdoor sports fans, are likely well aware of the need to wear sunscreen in winter. After all, developing burns and chapped skin after a day on the slopes is an experience most people don’t easily forget.

But a 2024 conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that nearly one in five Americans don鈥檛 know that you can get sunburned in the winter. The survey went on to note that even those who are aware of the risk aren鈥檛 using sunscreen properly during the colder months and that only six percent听protect their skin while working out or playing sports in the winter.

According to dermatologists, this is cause for concern. 鈥�Ultraviolet (UV)听radiation is present year-round, so proper winter sun protection is very important,鈥� says assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Excessive UV radiation exposure is linked with a higher risk of , along with and even of your immune system, raising your risk of getting infections.

If you make a point to put on sunscreen before spending time outside in the winter, congrats鈥攜ou鈥檙e doing more than the majority of Americans. But dermatologists say that your winter sunscreen game still may not be as strong as you think. Here鈥檚 what to know about using sunscreen in the winter for the best possible skin protection.

Don鈥檛 Wait Until You鈥檙e 国产吃瓜黑料 to Put On Your Sunscreen

Under ideal circumstances, you鈥檇 apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before you head outside, says Dr. ,听a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb into your skin to protect you.

If you happen to forget to put on sunscreen before you go out, slather it on as soon as you can. Just keep in mind that your skin is for about 15 minutes after the time you put it on, so you can still burn.

You Need to Reapply Your Sunscreen in Winter (And Often)

As in the summer months, it鈥檚 important to reapply your winter sunscreen to maximize your protection. The听AAD recommends reapplying every two hours or anytime after sweating.

鈥淵ou should pay special attention to areas on your face that are exposed, especially your cheeks, nose, lips, and ears,鈥� Massick says. If you鈥檙e planning to spend the day outside, she suggests carrying a sunscreen stick (like this ) or a travel-sized tube, which are petite and easier to carry with you than a full-sized bottle of sunscreen.

Again, if you鈥檙e sweaty, you鈥檒l need to reapply sunscreen more frequently. Parker recommends being extra aware of that if you鈥檙e spending time on the slopes or in any other situation where you鈥檙e surrounded by snow. 鈥淯V intensity is , and snow absorbs very little UV, reflecting 80 percent听of rays,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his means greater potential for UV exposure during winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.鈥�

One more thing to keep in mind, per , an assistant professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: you鈥檒l want to reapply sunscreen if you wipe your face with a towel or your gloves.

The SPF You Use Is Still Important

The AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. 鈥淚n the winter, stick to hydrating formulas or moisturizers with SPF to help moisturize the skin and protect the skin barrier from the cold, dry weather while giving UV protection,鈥� says ,听director of cosmetic and clinical research at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

Wassef agrees. 鈥淕iven the dry weather, using sunscreen in cream form may be more moisturizing for the skin,鈥� she says. Some popular choices include , which is reef-friendly and water-resistant, or , which contains vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals as well as the sun.

Pay Attention to Your SPF’s Ingredients

Keep in mind that there are two main categories of sunscreen ingredients: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens.

Chemical Versus Mineral Sunscreens

Ingredients in mineral sunscreens act as physical blockers that reflect the sun鈥檚 rays off the skin and are primarily formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, Massick explains. Because the UV rays are reflected off the skin, mineral sunscreens provide protection from both UVA rays, which cause skin aging and are linked to skin cancer, and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

For those with sensitive skin, Parker says that paying extra attention to ingredients, particularly those found in chemical sunscreen, is a must.

鈥淐hemical sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, cover specific UVA and UVB ranges, so a combination or mixture of chemical ingredients are needed to provide broad-spectrum coverage,鈥� she says. These sunscreens tend to rub in easier than mineral sunscreens, but the chemicals in them mean they have a higher risk of causing topical issues. 鈥淭hose with sensitive skin might experience irritation from chemical sunscreens and should instead use a mineral-based sunscreen which contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide,鈥� she says.

She adds that while physical sunscreens tend to be more听opaque and harder to rub in (resulting in that undesirable “white cast” we all strive to avoid), they are less likely to cause rash and irritation.听As a bonus, they鈥檙e also usually more environmentally friendly than their chemical counterparts.

If You Use Chemical Peels or Retinol Creams, Be Extra Mindful of Sun Protection

Chemical peels and retinol creams make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

This increased sensitivity happens because these treatments thin the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin, Massick explains. 鈥淭he stratum corneum serves an essential role as a barrier layer, protecting our skin from environmental insults including UV and maintaining skin hydration,鈥� she says. 鈥淭herefore, for those who routinely use exfoliants, year-round UV protection is critical to minimize sun sensitivity.鈥�

Zeichner agrees. 鈥淚f you are exfoliating the skin or using retinol, it is even more important to wear sunscreen as those ingredients can increase your risk of a sunburn,鈥� he says. Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours should protect you, Zeichner says. But, if you鈥檙e particularly concerned about burns or sun damage, you can increase the SPF.

Coat Your Lips With SPF, Too

Dermatologists agree that it鈥檚 a good idea to use a lip balm with SPF鈥攍ike 鈥攖oo.听鈥淯V protection for the lips is also essential to prevent precancerous damage known as actinic cheilitis,鈥� Parker says. 鈥淭his affects the bottom lip more than the upper lip and presents as rough, scaly patches which can develop small erosions or fissures.鈥�

Parker notes that in addition to being aesthetically irritating, this can develop into skin cancer with time. Skin cancers on the lip can be more challenging to treat and can progress more aggressively if not detected, Massick says. 鈥淧rotect your lips just like you would your skin with SPF directly applied on the lips, whether through a sunscreen product or specific lip product,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f using lip balm, make sure that you are applying liberally鈥攕wipe across the lips three times.鈥�

Can You Still Get Vitamin D from the Sun with Sunscreen On?

Don鈥檛 worry: you鈥檙e not sacrificing your daily dose of vitamin D while wearing SPF. 鈥淓ven with sunscreen, the skin gets enough UV light to create vitamin D,鈥� Zeichner says. However, if you鈥檙e concerned about your vitamin D levels, he suggests having vitamin D-rich foods like milk, salmon, mushrooms, and fortified orange juice.

If you鈥檙e still concerned, Parker suggests consulting with a healthcare provider to have your vitamin D levels checked. If they鈥檙e low, your doctor may suggest a supplement. 鈥淏ecause of these alternative options, it is not worth the risk of developing skin cancer from unprotected sun exposure,鈥� Wassef says.

Just because you can get sunburned in the winter doesn鈥檛 mean you will. Adding a few simple steps to your cold-weather skincare routine will go a long way toward protecting yourself鈥攁nd the quality of your outdoor play.

Want more of听国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Health stories?听.

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I鈥檇 put on tire chains before, and I might have set a speed record for attaching them had I been in my own driveway. But, somewhere on the side of a snowy mountain pass in the tiny alpine country of Andorra, all that muscle memory evaporated. We鈥檇 bought the correct chains for our vehicle down in town, but now they didn鈥檛 seem to fit around the tire on my rental car. Temperatures were plunging.

While I Googled tire chain tutorials, my partner smacked the frozen chains against the ground, hoping to gain a little elasticity. After an hour of struggling, a friend with four-wheel-drive vehicle showed up, and we opted to leave our rental ride on a snowy shoulder.

As we rolled back to town, I assessed my abysmal performance with the car. I am not a bad winter driver鈥擨 live and work in the mountains after all鈥攂ut driving a new car in dreadful conditions torpedoed my experience.

Driving a rental car鈥攐r any vehicle that’s not yours鈥攊n the snow is inherently uncomfortable. A lack of preparation can make things worse, quickly. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to avoid the pitfalls I experienced on my doomed Andorran adventure.

Set Yourself Up for Storm Driving Success听

If you鈥檙e traveling to a snowy area, or a place where you could run into winter weather, your preparation must start well before you get the keys. Most rental car agencies offer four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options (even internationally), but these vehicles get booked fast. If you’re traveling in winter, secure your rental car with enough lead time.

Check if your rental company offers a cold-weather package. These packages sometimes include comforts like ski racks, heated seats and steering wheels, and also remote start capabilities, so the car can begin defrosting before you enter the driver鈥檚 seat.

Rental car agencies that operate in snowy regions of the United States typically offer all-weather and snow tire options, but check with an agent to confirm your rental is equipped with the proper winter rubber. Remember that all-weather tires are generally suitable for a wide range of conditions, but winter tires are specifically designed specifically for snowy and icy driving conditions.

You should also assess your driving routes prior to your trip. Say your next trip is to the desert, but is there a mountain pass between the airport and your sunny oasis. Knowing exactly where inclement weather may occur, or pinch points can happen, will help you be better prepared when unexpected weather rolls in.

Consider downloading driving map apps that integrate weather forecasts and extreme weather updates into their routes like Navver or DriveWeather so you can prepare for what鈥檚 ahead in real time.

These Tools Can Make or Break Your Trip

There are a few key pieces of equipment that can make or break your winter car rental experience. Here鈥檚 a few we can鈥檛 go without.

Ice Scraper

To keep your windows and mirrors clear, make sure you have an ice scraper that鈥檚 up for the job. Again, this item is an easy add, but an even easier one to forget. Most rental car agencies will provide a scraper for free upon request, but you might want to consider bringing a small one of your own, just in case.

Check out the Hopkins SubZero 80037, which is equally good for scraping ice as it is for shoveling and sweeping snow.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Underrated and understated, wiper fluid can be the difference between seeing the road and staring through an iced-over windshield. Reduced visibility is a major cause of winter accidents, so keeping your visual pathways clear is a huge safety boost. Wiper fluid has a lower freezing point than water and will prevent your wipers from icing up, but that stuff can go fast鈥攅specially in the heart of the storm. Make sure you鈥檝e got an extra container of wiper fluid in the car anytime you head into the mountains. Remember that wiper fluids come at different temperature ratings鈥攇et one that will freeze well below zero.

An Emergency Kit

You never want to expect the worst, but you do want to plan for it. Having a properly stocked emergency kit is a big plus for driving your rental car in the snow. What should you bring? For starters, add a flashlight, first aid supplies, a phone charger, a blanket, water, and a non-perishable snack or two. If you鈥檙e forced to pull over and spend the night in your vehicle, it鈥檚 important to stay warm and fueled up, all while keeping your devices charged for potential emergency contact.

We recommend the Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Kit.

Tire Chains鈥擸es or No? Well, it Depends.

While tire chains are commonly used in snowy regions around the world, rental car agencies don’t always provide them. In the U.S., agencies typically dissuade renters from using them on their vehicles, and some, like Hertz and Enterprise, prohibit their use entirely. The agencies maintain that their cars are fully equipped and winter ready.

Other agencies, such as SIXT, Avis, and Europcar, will offer the option to rent tire chains or a tire sock, which provides extra traction. Some others permit chains, but do not provide them. Make sure to check with your rental agency before booking, as these policies often change.

We recommend the SCC Auto-Track.

Check Your Car Before You Go

An individual rental car might see hundreds of drivers each year, and each one treats the vehicle a little differently. Before you roll out of the rental lot, make sure to go through a quick safety checklist.

First, clear all snow and ice from the car. This might sound like overkill, but as the car heats up and snow starts to slide, roof snow can fall onto windshields and obscure vision at intersections or when pressing on the brakes.

Next, check the tire pressure and tread. We mentioned that most rental car fleets have winter tires, but if those tires are noticeably under-inflated, they provide less traction in icy and snowy driving conditions. You should also take a second to check the wiper fluid, as that鈥檚 going to be the difference between an iced over windshield and unobstructed vision on the road.

Lastly, take a look at the wipers themselves. If they鈥檙e caked in ice or wearing thin, that鈥檚 going to affect performance and, ultimately, your view while you drive through that next storm. Again, rental agencies should be replacing these, but sometimes things slip through the cracks, and winter travel is one game that rarely offers do-overs.

Snow Driving Tips

Know Your Comfort Level

Ok, it鈥檚 time for a serious self-awareness test: How comfortable are you driving in the snow on a scale from one to ten? If that number is low, it might be wise to simply wait out a storm or leave for your destination a little earlier.

If you rank a little higher on the scale, think about other drivers on the road. Are you driving at night? Are you in a place where people are also accustomed to driving in snow? Are you driving highways or side streets? Is the area you鈥檙e traveling through equipped for plowing and snow removal? Driving in a snowstorm in New York City is a very different experience than a snowstorm in Dallas, for example.

Low Gears Are Your Friend

A little manual control goes a long way when the mercury dips, so don鈥檛 be afraid to shift into lower gear to get a bit more grip on the road. This is especially helpful while heading downhill when a rash application of the brakes could send you sliding.

Avoid Cruise Control

Driving at high speed in inclement weather is obviously not a great call, but believe it or not, cruise control can also cause unforeseen headaches on highways and interstates. This automatic setting doesn鈥檛 account for changing road conditions and can actually cause loss of traction on slippery surfaces. It may be a temporary inconvenience for road warriors, but stormy weather calls for an active foot on the gas and brake and those hands on the 10s and 2s.

Understand the Challenge

Winter driving comes with challenges, but a little snow in the forecast shouldn鈥檛 reroute your entire itinerary. Like most driving, the more road time you log in adverse conditions, the more accustomed you will become to slippery roads and windblown highways. A new-to-you car can throw a bit of a wrench in that equation, but following these easy steps and being flexible with travel plans can go a long way in making your winter rental woes a thing of the past.

The post Driving a Rental Car in the Snow Is a Recipe for Disaster. Here鈥檚 How to Stay Safe. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

What happens to your body when you get lost and confused on a mountain in the bitter cold of a winter night? In 2016, The 国产吃瓜黑料 Podcast launched with this harrowing story of a lost motorist fighting for his life. Based on Peter Stark’s classic feature, Frozen Alive, it is still considered a high-water mark for experiential audio storytelling.

The post The Cold Hard Facts of Freezing to Death appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Three years ago, I was pursuing a herd of elk down a steep gully into a remote mountain valley in southwest Montana when it began to snow. The storm was unexpected and hyper-local; it often is in the mountains. It was only the middle of September, so I wore thin base layers under soft-shell pants, a thin fleece jacket, and low-top hiking boots. I opted to leave my rain gear and insulation in my truck, six miles away, to travel as fast and light as possible.

As the snow turned heavier and wetter, it soaked through my layers and into my boots, leaving me totally drenched. I really began to worry when I stopped shivering.

Hypothermia is the cause of around 1,500 deaths a year in the United States, according to a published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Hypothermia begins to occur when your body鈥檚 core temperature falls below 95 degrees, according to Chris Adams, a flight nurse for the , a nonprofit transport network that takes high-risk patients to hospitals by helicopter, working out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Adams says he treats hypothermia virtually every time he rescues a trauma victim.

The majority of hypothermia cases happen听in where emergency services may be unavailable or slow to respond. And in many colder places, hypothermia is the cause of unintentional death, after vehicle accidents.

Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because its occurrence often involves the unexpected. Just like during my elk hunt.

My ATV was waiting on a trail 1,000 feet above me, at least a 30-minute hike away. My efforts to reach the vehicle partially dried my torso and legs, but my hands and feet were still totally numb by the time I climbed the gully. Riding the ATV back to my truck was a challenge. The numbness in my fingers made it hard to operate the controls, and the urgency to reach safety had to be balanced with the additional windchill created by speed.

By the time I got to my truck and clumsily climbed into the driver鈥檚 seat, a glance in the rearview mirror revealed blue lips surrounded by my ghastly pale face. I cranked the heat, turned on my seat warmer, and sat in silence for half an hour while the shivers returned and stabbing pain crept into my extremities.

According to Adams, I was probably in a stage of mild severity while hiking up the mountain, then into moderate hypothermia by the time I鈥檇 reached the truck. Preparing to survive hypothermia is an essential skill for those of us who recreate outdoors in cold weather.

How Can You Tell If You Have Hypothermia?

Luckily, hypothermia has clear indicators. “Watch for the ‘umbles鈥攕tumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness,鈥� reads a white paper on hypothermia published by .

Medical professionals parse the stages of hypothermia by internal body temperature. But since you can’t get an accurate read of your body’s internal temperature with oral thermometers, according to a , you and I are better off looking at symptoms.

According to Adams, symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Feeling cold
• Loss of motor control, including both fine (operating zippers) and gross (the ability to walk)
• Impaired mental abilities impacting speech and consciousness
• The slowing of respiratory and heart rates

A mildly hypothermic person will still be shivering, but begin to lose fine motor control. A telltale sign of moderate hypothermia is when the victim stops shivering, and when walking and standing become difficult. In a severe stage of hypothermia a person may听be unable to stand or walk, and will likely lose consciousness altogether. Beyond that, the body approaches death as its heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute, breathing stops, and eventually the heart fails.

“Uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, confusion, and reduced coordination can quickly spiral into unconsciousness,” John Barklow tells 国产吃瓜黑料. After serving as a Navy diver, Barklow trained Navy SEALs in cold weather survival techniques (including self treatment of mild to moderate hypothermia), designed clothing systems intended to reduce the odds of Special Operations Forces experiencing hypothermia, and now works as the lead designer for Bozeman, Montana-based technical clothing brand , while still teaching survival classes and seminars.

How to Prevent Hypothermia

Beyond wearing enough insulation to remain warm in a given temperature, it’s important to consider the materials you’re wearing.

The worst of those is cotton. Because cotton fibers are hollow and carry a negative electrical charge,听. Cotton fabrics can hold up to 27 time their own weight in water, then refuse to dry out.

Wool is a lot better. It absorbs only 30 percent of its own weight in water, and the microscopic structure of its fibers can work to break the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, producing a tiny amount of heat.

Down, even varieties treated with hydrophobic coatings designed to repel water, loses its ability to loft (and keep you warm) when wet.

Best are synthetic fabrics and insulations like polyester and nylon, which only absorb around 0.4 to four percent of their weight in water, respectively. Because synthetic materials dry so much faster as a result, they鈥檙e a much safer option in cold, wet conditions, or when you run a risk of submersion. I鈥檝e recently transitioned to an all-synthetic clothing system for backcountry adventures, for that reason.

In what Barklow calls the “,” he submerges participants in freezing-cold water, then instructs those students to add layers of synthetic insulation, drink water, and consume easily-digested calories. Patients huddle inside breathable rain shells designed to keep out the weather and prevent convective heat loss. The warmth generated by their bodies, held in by warm-when-wet synthetic insulation, is able to force water first away from their skin. Moisture gets drawn out through the layers of clothing, enabling their bodies to return to safe temperatures.

鈥淲ith a great clothing system there鈥檚 no need to carry extra [equipment],鈥� Barklow says.

Adams backs this up. “This is a really good idea, if you have the right clothes,” he states. “Preparation is everything.”

The nurse also says that if you begin to experience hypothermia symptoms, and you’re alone in the backcountry, you should focus on creating body heat. “You can hike up a hill really fast,” he says.

How to Treat Hypothermia

Barklow鈥檚 method also tracks with survival advice given by the , which prescribes protecting yourself or a patient from the environment, drying them out, and then warming them up using a heat source. With Barklow鈥檚 method, which requires synthetic clothing layers, you don鈥檛 need to remove any clothing, or 鈥斕齛nd you don鈥檛 need a fire.

Should you lack such a clothing system, the approach becomes a little more complicated. You鈥檒l need shelter, dry insulation, and a heat source. In mild stages of hypothermia, you can use something as simple as a tent, a dry sleeping bag, and another person鈥檚 body heat, warm water bottle, or chemical heat packs. (Place the latter two items on the neck, arm pits, and groin where large arteries pass close to the skin). As you progress into moderate and severe cases, hypothermia will require more significant sources of heat,听like a heated structure or vehicle or a wood stove, and ultimately treatment by medical professionals.

Adams recommends paying close attention to preventing convective heat loss through contact with the cold ground, and suggests chemical heat blankets (like those sold by ) as a heat source. “I lay down a wool blanket, put a heated blanket on top of that, lay the patient down, then layer heated blankets and another wool blanket on top of that,” describes Adams. “Then we just crank the heat in the helicopter until the patient warms back up.”

Adams is careful to caution against shocking a hypothermia victim with too much heat,听though, saying you shouldn’t submerge them in a hot bath or shower. “It’s gotta be slow,” he says. “Just focus on getting the ambient temperature nice and high, and rewarming slowly.”

What about CPR? In severe stages of hypothermia, a person鈥檚 pulse may not be detectable at the wrist due to severely constricted blood vessels, and when checked at the carotid artery may be as slow as just a few beats-per-minute. Adams warns against chest compressions as a result, but says blowing warm air into an unconscious victim’s lungs may help increase their core temperature.

Barklow recommends that you don’t just leave survival skills up to chance. “You need to train in realistic conditions to ensure you and your gear perform as expected,” he says.

Ensuring your layers are a match for the conditions is something you should first try in a safe environment. “You don鈥檛 want to realize that you and your kit aren鈥檛 up to the task of saving your life after you swim a glacier-fed rapid while on a remote packraft trip in Alaska,” he says.

Adams offers one final piece of advice: don鈥檛 give up. Due to the protective effects of cold temperatures, complete recovery can be possible even in severe, prolonged hypothermia cases.

Wes Siler recently returned from a trip to Yellowknife, in northern Canada, where temperatures were as low as -38 degrees Fahrenheit. He was warm, comfortable, and safe throughout. You can ask him more detailed questions about outdoors gear and other topics on .听

The post This Is How to Survive Hypothermia appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

At Backpacker, we鈥檙e champions of hiking year-round鈥攚hy trade your trail time for couch time just because it鈥檚 a little chilly outside? But we鈥檙e also clear-eyed about winter hiking鈥檚 challenges. When the mercury drops, what would be a pleasant weekend trip can become an ordeal. Instead of recharging you, it leaves you more drained at the end than you were at the start.

Instead of just surviving your winter adventures, you can learn to . Knowing what gear will help you stay comfortable and happy in the cold is a good place to start. We polled Backpacker鈥檚 editors and the rest of our parent company 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 staff to get our coworkers鈥� personal favorite gear picks for hitting the trail in the winter, and came away with a hit list that might just help you turn the fourth season into your favorite hiking season.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Argali Absaroka 4P Tent

Dennis Lewon鈥檚 idea of essential winter gear: a big tent. 鈥淲inter loads are already heavy so it can be tempting to bring a smaller and lighter tent,鈥� said Lewon, 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 director of content (and Backpacker鈥檚 former editor in chief). 鈥淏ut having more space and ventilation makes winter camping so much more comfortable, especially with the long nights.鈥� is a four-person pyramid tent with an unusual feature: a fold-up titanium stove that puts out enough heat that our reviewers could hang out in their baselayers during freezing nights. This isn鈥檛 like the canvas hot tents you may have tried in the past: The Absaroka听 packs down to the size of a paper towel roll, the stove to the size of a laptop case, and the whole package weighs just more than 5 pounds.

ReadEra App

With early sunsets, winter nights are already long, and when winter storms move in, it鈥檚 easy to find yourself waiting out the weather for hours or even days. Packing a book is a great way to kill time, and I鈥檓 partial to this free e-reader, which I鈥檝e paired with public domain ebooks (Dracula, anyone?) from . ReadEra doesn鈥檛 have any ads, subscription fees, or annoying pop-ups, handles a wide variety of file formats well, and it makes it easy to organize your files. I especially appreciated the customization: Being able to change font size and background has kept me from straining my eyes into oblivion while paging through stories on my phone.

Hothands Hand Warmers

We鈥檝e lost count of how many colleagues professed their love for these disposable warmers, which they stuff into gloves, boots, and sleep systems. 鈥淚 hold onto those puppies real tight each night or stuff them in my sleeping bag,鈥� wrote Emma Veidt, Backpacker鈥檚 associate editor. Trying to cut down on your waste in 2025? Zippo鈥檚 HeatBank 9s, which combines a USB-rechargeable hand warmer with a power bank, is a reusable option.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Pants

Packing down pants to take the chill off the coldest nights is a favorite strategy of Jake Stern, 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine鈥檚 digital editor. Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 Ghost Whisperer pants keep weight down with 800-fill down and gossamer ripstop construction; a men鈥檚 medium weighs in at 9.6 ounces, but still features two side pockets and ankle zips to make getting them on and off easy despite the trim cut. Bonus: Pair them with a matching Ghost Whisperer Hoody to create the world鈥檚 most technical sweatsuit.

Baffin Cush Booty

Cold toes are a little issue that can have a big impact on your comfort, and packing insulated booties is a lightweight, easy way to banish them in camp. There are a lot of good choices on the market, but Ryan Snow, 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 data warehouse engineer, suggests this pair, which features a B-Dry waterproof liner and blended polyester and wool insulation for warmth. A drawstring around the cuff seals out drafts, while the nylon bottom is resistant to punctures and features silicone accents for slip-resistance.

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC Hammock and Wooki Underquilt

On fourth-season adventures, Mike Ardagh, a support operations tools specialist for 国产吃瓜黑料, prefers to avoid sleeping on the cold ground entirely with a hammock system. His model of choice: the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, which at just under 1 pound 6 ounces is comparable to some ultralight tents out there. Ardagh pairs it with the company鈥檚 Wooki underquilt, which he calls a 鈥済ame-changer.鈥� The quilt features 850-fill dry-treated duck down, and fits users up to 6 feet, 6 inches; a 0-degree, XL model weighs in at a reasonable pound and a half.

A Warm Water Bath for Your Canister Stove

This cheap hack comes from Anthony Walsh, Climbing鈥檚 digital editor, who鈥檚 used it down to -30掳F. Just put a plastic container big enough to fit your fuel canister in on a sleeping mat or pack, add warm water, and stand your canister inside to help increase the canister鈥檚 pressure. 鈥淚t seems like a magic trick: literally just a splash of water will turn a sputtering stove into a total beast,鈥� Walsh said.

Underwood The Bubbles Sparkling Wine

If you鈥檙e a fan of a tipple around the fire, these cans of sparkling wine are a compact, great-tasting option. 鈥淪ure, it鈥檚 added weight, but life鈥檚 too short not to celebrate the moments that make us feel alive,鈥� said Sierra Shafer, editor in chief of Ski and editorial director of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 国产吃瓜黑料 group. 鈥淗ow fun is it to pop a little bottle of champagne at the summit or once you鈥檙e settled in camp for the night?鈥� (A non-alcoholic canned option: Gruvi鈥檚 Sangria is a fruit-flavored, alcohol-removed wine that鈥檚 just tannic enough to taste like the real thing.)

Skida Sunday Alpine Neckwarmer

A neck gaiter is a multifunctional piece of equipment for staying comfy on both summer and winter adventures. Quality is important when you pick which neck warmer to bring, said Shafer, but so is quantity: 鈥淚 swear by my Skida Sunday Alpine Neckwarmer, but more importantly, packing a second gaiter in your pocket or pack can be a lifesaver when your first one gets damp from condensation or snow,鈥� she said of this polyester model, which comes in an array of vibrant prints. 鈥淎 fresh, dry gaiter makes a world of difference in keeping the elements out and staying warm,鈥� Shafer said.

Bear Creek Soups

What鈥檚 better than hot soup on a cold night? With classic flavors like minestrone and cheddar broccoli, this popular brand 鈥渕akes a big pot of warmth, is super easy鈥攋ust add water鈥攁nd is pretty dang good for a packaged mix,鈥� Lewon said. (Downside: None of these mixes are vegetarian, so if you鈥檙e plant-based, you鈥檒l need to look for another option.)

Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody

It鈥檚 not the lightest down jacket on the market, but the Fitz Roy is as warm of a layer as you鈥檒l feasibly be able to pack in. 鈥淚t鈥檚 way too warm to hike in, and I鈥檝e been told it makes me look like I鈥檓 wearing a trash bag, but it makes hanging around in sub-freezing conditions actually bearable,鈥� says Jen Smith, a software engineer for 国产吃瓜黑料. The Fitz Roy features 800-fill down encased in a DWR-treated recycled nylon shell. At 14.8 ounces and packing to about the size of a 1-liter Nalgene, it鈥檚 reasonable to carry, and includes twin chest pockets, side pockets, and an internal stuff pocket for quickly storing essentials. Plus, a drawstring waist helps keep out the elements.

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Next to not bringing enough warm enough layers and forgetting to check the weather, hitting the trail without appropriate traction is among . It鈥檚 one that鈥檚 easy to miss until it鈥檚 too late, too: Trails that climb from lower elevations听 may be bare at the beginning but covered in heavy snow and boilerplate ice higher up. Even if your hike doesn鈥檛 end in disaster, having to carefully edge your way down a slippery trail instead of stepping with confidence can cost you time, leading you to get to camp or your car later than you had planned. Here鈥檚 why you need traction, and .

How Hiking Traction Works

Grab a pair of your street shoes and a pair of your hiking shoes and . Compared to your casual footwear, your trail runners or boots have a toothier, more rugged-looking sole. Hiking traction鈥攕uch as ice cleats, crampons, and snowshoes鈥攖akes that to an extreme: By concentrating your body weight into a small area, their points penetrate into and grip hard snow and ice in a way that your footwear alone can鈥檛, and provide multidirectional grip rather than skating off the surface. Which specific kind of traction you need depends on the conditions you plan on hiking in.

Ice Cleats

Better known as Microspikes (technically a trademark for Kahtoola鈥檚 version of them), these diminutive points are smaller and generally more flexible than crampons. They feature a set of small steel or tungsten carbide points, mounted on either a chain or rubber structure that fits snugly around your footwear. Ice cleats are great for general use in winter; they鈥檙e usually enough for everything but steep, mountaineering-adjacent routes in the mountains.

are a good middle-of-the-road solution that can handle a wide variety of conditions, with twelve 鈪�-inch spikes per foot and a secure elastomer upper. The , which features a Boa system for dialing in fit, is another option.

Crampons

For the most extreme routes that involve long, steep alpine ascents or the potential for high-consequence falls, you may want something a little toothier than ice cleats. That鈥檚 where crampons come in. These clawlike steel spikes come in a variety of flavors; for hiking and light mountaineering, you鈥檒l want a pair of strap-on 10-point crampons鈥攏ot one of the heavier-duty (and just plain heavier) models intended for ice climbing. Unless you know you鈥檒l be hiking strictly on snow, resist the urge to get aluminum crampons, which are lighter but will dull or even break quickly on rocky terrain.

feature chromoly steel spikes, an independent rear, and toe bindings that work with just about any boot or shoe and feature a fold-flat heel support so they take up as little pack space as possible. At just under a pound and a half per pair, they鈥檙e relatively light for the category, too.

Snowshoes

If you鈥檒l be negotiating deep snow as well as hardpack, a pair of snowshoes that鈥檚 built for mountain use can be a good option; just keep in mind that they鈥檒l be clumsy and not especially useful on variable or rocky terrain. Look for a pair with teeth along the frame as well as at the toes, sturdy construction, and a heel lifter, which will help your calves from wearing out on long climbs.

were a favorite of our snowshoe testers this year. More than 70 steel teeth along the frame and seven at the toe provided reliable grip even on icy sections, and ratchet straps on the upper foot kept our tester鈥檚 footwear from slipping and sliding during testing in Montana.

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There鈥檚 no other way to put it: My skier friends and I are hedonists. We chase the pleasures听of a 100-day ski season, cold snow splashing in our faces as we make turns in deep powder. We stay up late dancing, eat fondue and sip a cold beer on a sundeck under an azure sky. We minimize discomfort by shelling out beaucoup bucks for absurdly expensive outerwear and spend hours in a ski shop tweaking our plastic foot-coffins.

Despite this dogged commitment to skiing, I’ve recently made a compromise, to preserve my sanity while chasing snow 12 months a year, to maximize pleasure and minimize pain, I will no longer wake up at the crack of dawn on powder days to chase bottomless turns alongside the early-risers.

I know. I know. That鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about鈥攖here鈥檚 an early morning ritual that skiers hold sacred. Rise early, brew coffee or grab a cup and a breakfast burrito at the local cafe, boot up in the lot well before the bullwheel spins, and snag first chair and an untracked run.

For dedicated skiers, that experience is universal. But I鈥檓 over it. My old early morning routine will give you a clue as to why.

It went something like this: I’d wake up bleary-eyed (I have never been a morning person) at 6 A.M. Fumble upstairs and realize the temperature of my living room has dropped to 48 degrees Fahrenheit.听

After an arduous experience shoveling and loading the car, I would drive to the mountain. Rubbing a slim circle in the fog on my windshield so I could see if I was still on the road, I would hit traffic. Some crossover driver who thought all-wheel drive is the same thing as having snow tires spun off the road and stalled the creeping line of also ill-equipped cars to a standstill.

By the time I make it to the resort, boot up, and get in the lift line, I can see nothing but ski tracks on every bit of choice terrain on the hill.

It’s just not worth it. I鈥檓 done waking up early for pow days.

If you鈥檝e read this far, you鈥檙e probably thinking, 鈥淒oes this guy even like skiing?鈥� No. To be clear:听I love skiing. I eat, sleep, and breathe skiing. I’ve built my life around it to the point where I live 20 minutes from the resort, an incredible privilege that has ravaged my savings account to its core. In fact, I’m so obsessed with the sport that I couldn鈥檛 care less what kind of snow conditions I ski. Skied up chop is just as fun to me as deep powder, so I鈥檒l be as happy showing up at noon on a powder day, just as the early birds are starting to leave from their primo parking spots.

I鈥檒l spend the afternoon hours popping off soft moguls, finding air anywhere and everywhere. I鈥檒l hunt for stashes of snow that the wind has picked up and recirculated. I鈥檒l lap the chair that crowds have abandoned, thinking it鈥檚 all been skied out and laugh as I find pockets of pow and ski right back onto an empty chair lift.

I鈥檓 a backcountry skier too, and I live among a range that is more than 200 miles long and populated by fewer than 15,000 people. So don鈥檛 worry. I still ski powder. But to me, that鈥檚 no longer what resort skiing is for. It鈥檚 for hot laps with your friends and not stressing over morning lines, car accidents, traffic, or powder panic.

This weekend it鈥檚 going to snow another foot and a half, and you can find me lapping Mammoth Mountain鈥檚 Chair 22, the best chairlift on earth, from 2-4 P.M. Because I鈥檓 a hedonist, and I鈥檒l be having more fun than anyone else on the mountain.

Jake Stern is a digital editor at听国产吃瓜黑料. He spends the winter months skiing as much as humanly possible. He just needs his beauty rest.

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When it comes to ski resorts and wintery adventures, the mountain towns in Colorado have an embarrassment of riches. Growing up in New Jersey, my family would drive nearly five hours to ski the resorts of Vermont. Sometimes my dad would pile us in his van and do a 10-hour round trip in a single day. I have so many fond memories of chilly outdoor time with my family as a kid. Then, I headed west later in life.

Why I Love These Mountain Towns in Colorado

When I moved to Boulder, Colorado I was blown away to learn that I had nearly a dozen resorts within a two-hour drive and another dozen more just a bit further. The initial allure was, of course, the downhill. But then I began to discover the other adventures on offer, from fat tire biking along stunning singletrack and Nordic skiing past old gold mines, to snowmobiling and dog sledding in the backcountry.

Every ski town has its own personality, plus quirky annual events that I try to time my visits around. The properties from 鈥攁 hip hotel membership club that started in Breckenridge and now has outposts in Vail, Winter Park, and Steamboat Springs鈥攊s my typical go-to stay for the hyperlocal vibe, convenient co-working spaces, athlete-worthy gyms, and restaurants with high-quality cocktails and food (from $169 to $299 minimum per night).

If you prefer a vacation rental, has properties in Vail, Beaver, Creek, Aspen, and Snowmass and recently introduced Peak Pursuits, an adventure-focused concierge service that can arrange activities such as heli-skiing and sleigh ride dinners. Here鈥檚 my cheat sheet on how to navigate the on and off-piste winter thrills of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado.

Best Things to Do in Aspen-Snowmass

I have a soft spot for Aspen. If you look past the glitz and glamor you can still find a soulful mountain town with epic adventures on offer. A free public transportation system transfers you between the resort鈥檚 four mountains, each with its own personality and appeal (Buttermilk for families; Aspen-Highlands for its mythic bowl). And Hero鈥檚, the new terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, will push your edge with chutes and gladed areas. You can be part of the downtown apr猫s scene, but I prefer to get my culture fix after skiing and visit the or .

Where to Play

In my opinion, Aspen-Snowmass has Colorado鈥檚 best . A season uphill pass costs $69 ($10 of the fee goes to Mountain Rescue Aspen) and gives you access to dedicated routes on Buttermilk and Snowmass mountains all day, and you can uphill Ajax Mountain and Aspen Highlands when the lift isn鈥檛 spinning. The Roaring Fork Valley is also a , boasting 60 miles of free cross-country and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt.

I like to work up an appetite, skate skiing the so I can splurge on the burger at Woody Creek Tavern or I鈥檒l pay for a $25 pass at Ashcroft Nordic Center, set across from an old ghost town, so I can cross-country ski out to for their pre-fixe lunch menu. They also have an option to reach the restaurant by horse-drawn sleigh.

For unreal views without a lot of effort, book a with T Lazy Ranch (from $275).

Where to Stay

Aspen has no shortage of ritzy hotels with see-and-be-seen crowds but I prefer the low-key properties in both Aspen (from $629 a night) and Snowmass (from $569 a night). Rooms are outfitted with Smeg fridges and microwaves, banquette seating for dining or remote working, plus plenty of hooks and cubbies for ski gear. In the morning, you鈥檙e treated to a complimentary breakfast buffet. After skiing, you can soak in the hot tub or heated outdoor pool then hit the bar for live music and wood-fired pizza.

Where to Eat

The former log cabin recently underwent a renovation and expansion and this season will be accessible by foot off of Snowmass鈥檚 new Coney Express Lift. You can ski in for lunch or extended apr猫s hours, which feature shotskis and charcuterie boards, or book an evening snowcat dinner.

I buy an uphill pass just so I can attend the monthly at the Cliffhouse at Buttermilk.

, a new dive bar in Aspen, was recently opened by two locals and affordably-priced food was a term of the restaurant鈥檚 deed-restricted lease. A beer and beef slider will cost you less than $10; a steal in Aspen.

And if you鈥檙e flying in or out of the airport, a detour to , tucked away in the Aspen Airport Center, is a must. Her flavorful dishes, like vegetable maffe, a West African peanut curry, and seafood gumbo, pay homage to her French and Ivory Coast roots.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

Buttermilk Mountain will host the Winter X Games January 23-25, 2025 and the and the Visa Big Air January 30-February 6. But I鈥檓 most excited for the inaugural halfpipe event of Olympic snowboarder Shaun White鈥檚 new Snow League, happening March 7-8.

Best Things to Do in Breckenridge

Just 80 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge is one of the state鈥檚 most popular Front Range ski resorts. Some lament the crowds, but I find once you鈥檙e on the mountain, it鈥檚 easy to spread out. Five peaks boast more than 180 trails webbed across nearly 3,000 skiable acres of terrain, ranging from high-alpine bowls to beginner-friendly tree runs.

I like to rise early and warm up with a yoga class at and always build in a down day to explore the boutiques, restaurants, and public art and studios of the in Breck鈥檚 charming Victorian downtown.

Where to Play

Rent a fat bike (they also have e-fat bikes) from and explore the nearly 20 miles of groomed trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center (half-day rentals from $65). The outfitter鈥檚 guided rides to and are great because they provide transportation back to town so you can imbibe worry-free (from $85).听

Where to Stay

The feels more like a restaurant with rooms. The Euro-style inn has just four, Scandi-minimalist suites stocked with useful amenities like Topo Designs backpacks and yoga mats. Two of the town’s best eateries are just below the rooms. The seafood-centric, ground-floor restaurant features a raw bar and items like fish and chips and lobster roll sliders; the basement-level speakeasy-inspired tavern serves comfort foods like cheesesteaks and fried chicken sammys. (From $399 per night.)

Where to Eat

Matt Vawter, chef and owner of , was recently named the James Beard Awards鈥� best chef in the mountain region. The mega accolade, often called the Oscars of the food world, has made reservations to experience his exceptional tasting menu a must.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

, a wacky celebration of the Norse god of snow, takes place December 12-14, 2024 with a colorful parade of costumed revelers. This year, Breck will try to lure 1,370 participants to help reclaim the unofficial world鈥檚 longest shotski record from Park City. I hope to be there.

Best Things to Do in Crested Butte

I live in one of the greatest mountain towns in Colorado, but I still get mountain-town envy every time I visit Crested Butte. The soulful vibe and lack of big brand hotels and chains have earned it the reputation as Colorado鈥檚 last great ski town. If you鈥檙e seeking rowdy terrain, Crested Butte Mountain Resort delivers. Known as the North American birthplace of inbounds extreme skiing and riding, it boasts more than 560 acres of expert terrain. Want bragging rights? Tackle Rambo, a 55-degree-pitch run considered the steepest lift-served, tree-cut trail in the U.S. Beyond the resort, the surrounding Gunnison Valley offers a treasure trove of backcountry adventures to satiate all types of outdoor lovers.

Where to Play

Cat skiing with local outfitter on 1,000 acres of powder-blessed terrain just ten miles out of town ranks as one of my all-time snowboard days (private cat for up to 10 people costs $8,500 or buy a single seat for $850).

If there鈥檚 a dry spell, is a perfect alternative to downhill skiing and grooms a number of areas around town that are free to access. The maintains nearly 35 miles of trails that can be accessed with a $25 day pass. The six miles of trails at the Town Ranch and on the Rec Path can be accessed for free.

Where to Stay

Ski-in/ski-out has an on-site ski rental shop, a sprawling spa, spacious rooms, and a lounge in partnership with local film company Matchstick Productions that hosts screenings and athlete activations (from $230 a night).

Where to Eat

Carb up at the , a dive-y pizza spot. I love that the menu at the has healthy options like the completely satisfying quinoa-spiked power salad, as well as the not-so-healthy stuff you crave after a day slaying pow, like a burger topped with pork belly and fried onions.

On Sundays, in-the-know locals Nordic ski or snowshoe to , located one-mile from the Peanut Lake Trailhead Loop.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

, an outrageous costumed American Birkebeiner qualifying Nordic event, takes place February 1, 2025 and the course winds through the heart of downtown making it a favorite spectator event.

Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs

Ski Town USA is known for both its ultra-dry, trademark 鈥渃hampagne powder鈥� and Old Western cowboy character. In the last few years, the resort has been re-imagined with a new base area, complete with a skating rink and food hall, and a dedicated beginner area, Greenhorn Ranch. Advanced skiers once bemoaned the lack of expert runs. No more. Last year the resort debuted Mahogany Ridge & Fish Creek Canyon, some 650 acres of test-your-mettle terrain.

A free bus runs every 20 minutes between the village and town, making it easy to explore galleries and shops like stalwart western wear.

Where to Play

Channel your inner cowboy (or girl) on a snowy trail ride at , led by fifth-generation wrangler (and enthralling storyteller) Ray Heid ($150). Then warm up with a steamy soak. I like the ease of ($29) but clothing-optional-after-dark is an experience ($20, cash only). If you don鈥檛 have 4WD and snow tires, book a to reach the secluded springs ($50 round-trip, entry fee included).

Where to Stay

The historic recently renovated its 35 rooms and has a hard-to-beat downtown location walking distance to shops and restaurants. (From $199 a night.)

Where to Eat

Options abound. On the hill, you can choose from ramen, pizza, tacos, and subs at the . In town, the offers Jamaican jerk chicken, poke bowls, classic cocktails, and more. Brunch at is worth a late start on the slopes, particularly for the banana foster French toast and smoked tomato and pesto Benedict.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

Like a rodeo on the slopes, the annual , January 20, 2025, always leaves me in stitches as I watch cowgirls and cowboys in their chaps and Stetsons speed down a dual slalom course, hit jumps, then lasso a person, saddle a horse, and ski across the finish line.

Families shouldn鈥檛 miss the oldest west of the Mississippi. Celebrating 112 years on February 7-9, 2025 the festivities include ski racing, skijoring, and a fireworks-studded night show featuring the famed Lighted Man, who shoots fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit while skiing down the hill.

Best Things to Do in Telluride

Telluride looks like it was meant for a snow globe. Nestled in a picturesque box canyon within the jagged San Juan Mountains, it isn鈥檛 the easiest resort to reach in winter, which means you rarely find crowds. If you make the effort, you鈥檙e rewarded with quad-burning slopes and a darling downtown lined with Victorian homes, art galleries, indie boutiques, and some seriously great dining.

A free, pedestrian gondola makes it effortless to bounce between the mountain and the historic downtown while soaking in awesome views.

Where to Play

can access more than 200 square miles of high-alpine skiing and its single-day heli-trip promises six runs with up to 14,000 feet of leg-quivering vert (from $1,875 per person).

I always like to build in a mellow activity to temper all of the adrenaline and one of my favorite experiences over the years has been dog sledding the snowy trails of the Uncompahgre National Forest with family-run company, . (Prices vary, for current rates.)

Where to Stay

I like the convenience of the ski-in/ski-out (from $399 a night), and appreciate their massive fitness center. Intimate, five-bedroom (from $550 a night) is steps from the town gondola and feels like a fancy B&B, complete with complimentary wine, beer, and snacks, and hearty breakfast spread.

Where to Eat

Sometimes I opt to stay downtown just so I can be walking distance to the , an institution beloved for its monster-sized, made-from-scratch baked goods (the homemade pop tarts are addictive).

On piste, , North America鈥檚 second highest elevation fine-dining restaurant, channels Italy鈥檚 Dolomites with its charcuterie and cheese spreads, deep wine list, and killer mountain views. I still haven鈥檛 experienced the omakase menu at , a stellar sushi spot in town, but their happy hour is one of the best deals around with half price sushi rolls.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

Many Colorado resorts now host a , but Telluride鈥檚 (February 22-March 1, 2025) stands out for its raucous pool parties and kick-off event, the Telluride Aids Benefit fashion show gala.

Best Things to Do in Vail

People like to hate on Vail because its parent company is a mega ski conglomerate. That shouldn鈥檛 take away from its seriously great terrain. I鈥檝e lived in Colorado for a decade and am still discovering all that the resort鈥檚 seven back bowls have to offer in its 2,785 acres of terrain. And in the last few years, the Bavarian-inspired village has been reinvigorated with new bars, restaurants, and the wild entertainment venue, .

Where to Play

Skiing the Minturn Mile, an out-of-bounds run that spans three miles and drops 3,000 vertical feet, is a right of passage for hard-charging locals.听 I usually think of Nordic skiing as a killer workout, but turns it into an adventure by leading half- and full-day tours into the White River National Forest where you鈥檙e likely to ski past abandoned mines and wildlife (from $160).

Where to Stay

I love how the celebrates the resort鈥檚 1960s heyday. Design details, like framed 10th Mountain Division pins in the rooms, nod to the region鈥檚 alpine heritage. After a day on the hill I head straight to the downstairs recovery lounge, equipped with massage guns, leg compression sleeves, and a Himalayan salt room. (From $469 per night.)

Where to Eat

Matsuhisa has some competition now that upscale sushi spot has opened in the Grand Hyatt Vail. This winter, Denver鈥檚 award-winning Italian restaurant, , opens in the Four Seasons. On the mountain, I can never resist the smell of barbecue wafting from , accessible off chairlifts 3, 17, and 7.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

I鈥檝e marked my calendar to see the action at the at neighboring Beaver Creek December 6-15, 2024. Music fans won鈥檛 want to miss , a weekend concert series April 4-5, 2025 featuring DJs like Interplanetary Criminal and Don Fuego (tickets from $99).

Best Things to Do in Winter Park

I鈥檒l admit, the initial appeal of snowboarding at Winter Park was that I could bypass traffic by hopping on the , a stress-free, direct train service that runs Friday through Sunday throughout the winter from Denver鈥檚 Union Station to the base of the resort (tickets from $19 to $39).

Widely considered Colorado鈥檚 original ski resort, it strikes a rare balance of being both a destination yet feeling like locals still rule the hill. I鈥檝e been a devotee since my first trip. You鈥檒l find newbie and kid-friendly groomers and some super fun glades at Winter Park and neighboring peak Mary Jane is known for its thigh-burning moguls and hike-accessed Cirque terrain.

Where to Play

Head to to snow tube ($35 an hour), fat bike ($20 per hour), and snowshoe (rentals $25 per day).

On select Saturday evenings this January through March, you can uphill by headlamp for an alpine dinner at , a vintage lodge near the Explorer Express and Prospector lifts, then descend under the stars.

Where to Stay

I satisfy my cabin fantasies by staying at the . This collection of 31 Instagram-worthy, mid-century-inspired cabins feature Malm fireplaces and deep soaking tubs and the restaurant has an Argentinean gaucho grill that cooks tomahawk ribeyes and wagyu for the decadent burger to perfection. (From $299 a night.)

Where to Eat

The main drag of the town of Winter Park is about three miles from the resort and even on snowy nights I brave the drive just to have the fiery curries at . And the French fries (yes, the fries) at are so good I sometimes just have a whopping serving and an old fashioned and call it dinner.

Don鈥檛-Miss Event

The annual Spring Bash and Splash is a rowdy series of bluegrass concerts, costume contests, beach parties, and pond skims held every weekend from the end of March through April.

Any time Jen Murphy gets frustrated sitting in Colorado鈥檚 I-70 ski traffic she has flashbacks to traffic jams enroute to the icy slopes of Vermont and the 30-second descents of the Poconos, the stomping grounds of her youth. Jen is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and our travel-advice columnist who has recently written a beginner鈥檚 guide to Costa Rica, a story on how she used AI to plan a trip to Maui, and shared tips on how to get refunded for vacations听bunked by bad weather.听

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Winter 国产吃瓜黑料 in Colorado鈥檚 Top Mountain Towns appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

You know you need warm layers when the temperature drops. But not just any jacket will do. Choosing the right insulation for the conditions is the key to enjoying cold-weather adventures鈥攁nd staying safe.

Number one, you want a good warmth-to-weight ratio, and that means apparel made with either natural goose down or synthetic polyester fill. Both types of insulation are packable and warm, because they trap air and create a lightweight, heat-retaining buffer between your body and the outside elements. But beyond that, they have different properties and benefits, so choosing the right insulation for your needs depends largely on conditions and personal preferences. Do you want something that鈥檚 more water-resistant or more compressible? How do you prioritize sustainability, durability, and affordability? Here鈥檚 how to understand the differences and make the best choice.

Down insulation, which uses the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers on ducks and geese, offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It鈥檚 breathable, packs well, and can last for decades if it鈥檚 cared for properly. Trade-offs? Down does not perform well in wet conditions, as the feathers tend to clump in bunches, losing the loft that keeps you warm, and it鈥檚 hard to dry. Some down is treated with a water-resistant coating, but it鈥檚 still not ideal for wet weather. Also, you鈥檒l want to check that any down used is harvested in a humane way.

Synthetic insulation has always been a top choice for anyone expecting wet conditions, because it still insulates when wet. There used to be a wider gap in packability, but more and more adventurers are turning to synthetic insulation for their warmest layers because innovative companies like are making huge strides in creating synthetic fibers that are sustainable, durable, and high-performing in the field.

Not only does synthetic insulation maintain its ability to keep you warm even if it gets wet, but it also dries quickly, making it a superior choice in harsh conditions. Synthetic insulation is also typically less expensive than goose down.

The Italian brand Thermore was founded on this very principle and has continued to be a pioneer in sustainable, high-performance synthetic fill. The brand was established in 1972 by Lucio Siniscalchi, who saw the rise of winter sports like skiing and knew the discipline would demand more technical apparel than what was available at the time. Thermore has been pushing the envelope ever since, developing the first recycled synthetic fill in the early 1980s. Siniscalchi saw how used bottles were being melted to create solid plastics and recognized an opportunity. He decided to have those same bottles melted to create fibers that could be used to insulate jackets. Currently, 98 percent of Thermore鈥檚 products are made from recycled content.

鈥淧roviding sustainable insulation and down alternatives is part of our mission and something I鈥檝e grown up with,鈥� says Patrizio Siniscalchi, managing director of Thermore and son of Lucio Siniscalchi. 鈥淢y father pioneered the use of synthetic fibers for apparel because those fibers provide more flexibility and higher durability, and we鈥檙e still working to ensure our entire portfolio is as sustainable as possible. We aim to blend performance and sustainability with everything we do.鈥�

Consider Thermore鈥檚 recent launch of , a 100 percent recycled insulation that has proven to be more durable than traditional down, making it a win-win for anyone who wants a jacket that鈥檚 both sustainable and performs beautifully in the field. Stio鈥檚 jacket uses 60 grams of Thermore鈥檚 ECODOWN, for a lightweight 鈥渟hacket鈥� that鈥檚 perfect as a shoulder-season outer layer or a midlayer in colder temps. Karbon鈥檚 Epic is an even warmer option, ideal for winter sports, with 120 grams of ECODOWN in a hooded jacket with a snow skirt.

And that鈥檚 just one of Thermore鈥檚 innovations. The company also developed , a hybrid tech that blends the high loft of blow-in insulation with the ease of use of rolled insulation, which is great news for consumers because it provides similar benefits of down but is more cost-effective to manufacture. Result: high-performance, more affordable garments.

is another new product that promises to revolutionize insulation for hard-charging, adventure-minded consumers thanks to its high warmth-to-thickness ratio. The new, condensed fiber is incredibly thin without sacrificing insulating properties, which will allow manufacturers to minimize bulk when making technical garments. Ultimately, with Invisiloft, brands can make a thinner jacket or sleeping bag that is just as warm as a thick puffy, in a package that鈥檚 easy to pack and wash. And yes, this new fiber is also made from 100% recycled poly that comes from used water bottles.

鈥淥ur R&D team continuously travels to experience the latest trends and technologies,鈥� Siniscalchi says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a process that does not stop and is constantly evolving. The goal is to provide a real benefit to the consumer, not just a cool marketing story.鈥�

Translation: No greenwashing here. Since there are no federal laws regulating sustainability claims, some companies use terms like 鈥渆co-friendly鈥� and 鈥渘atural鈥� to prey on well-intentioned consumers, making vague and misleading claims. It鈥檚 false advertising, and until the government steps in, it鈥檚 going to continue. The most common form of greenwashing is lies of omission鈥攍ike claiming to use recycled content but not stating how much. Thermore provides all the details you need to understand how sustainable practices are incorporated into its products.

鈥淚t is our moral duty as suppliers to not just ensure that our products are meeting elevated sustainability standards but also to educate consumers on what to look for in the marketplace,鈥� says Siniscalchi. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we are investing in initiatives to both obtain gold-standard environmental certifications and use language that is honest and clear in all of our marketing materials.鈥�

鈥淲e love our job and are completely focused on both the brands that work with us and the end consumer,鈥� Siniscalchi adds. 鈥淲e want end users to better enjoy their everyday life or sporting activities to the highest level鈥攕ustainably.鈥�

Based in Milan, Italy, specializes in the research, development, production, and marketing of high-quality thermal insulation for performance apparel. Through its global sales network and its production facilities in the Far East and Europe, Thermore caters to the best brands in the outerwear industry. Thermore was the first company to launch a recycled insulation and is now highly focused on sustainable innovation, using post-consumer waste such as PET bottles.

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There鈥檚 nothing like a thrilling winter expedition鈥攖he kind of pursuit that leaves you in awe of the natural world. Whether you鈥檙e navigating riveting mountain ascents or chasing snowy silence in the backcountry, the fourth season introduces challenges that require technique and specialized equipment. Snow, cold, and wind can conspire to turn any outing into an epic. But daunting conditions are no excuse to stay inside, especially if you have the gear to match the season. With a dialed layering system, you can handle whatever winter brings.

That鈥檚 why exists: to keep you warm, dry, prepared, and protected in the face of winter鈥檚 worst. Crafted and refined using field-tested input from The North Face鈥檚 elite athlete team and proven on expeditions around the world, this modular system encompasses every layering piece you need to adapt to unpredictable conditions. No matter what your favorite alpine activity鈥攚hether it鈥檚 skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering鈥擲ummit Series lets you enjoy the cold, not hide from it.

Better Base Layers

A warm, sweat-wicking base layer is the cornerstone of any effective layering system, and the Summit Pro 120 Crew sets the tone for cold-weather comfort. It blends heat-regulating performance and stretchy mobility in a soft, 100 percent recycled fabric. 鈥淭he Summit Pro fits snug next to skin and keeps me warm while moving the sweat away from my body,鈥� says The North Face Athlete Matt Cornell, who wore Summit Series on multiple expeditions, including the first ascent of Jannu, Nepal. 鈥淚 use it day after day.鈥�

Summit Pro 120 Crew

Multipurpose Midlayers

Temperature regulation while you鈥檙e on the move is the key to staying comfortable in winter: You don鈥檛 want to get too cold, but you also don鈥檛 want to overheat, as sweating too much has its own consequences. Thankfully, this is where midlayers, the next key component of the Summit Series layering system, shine. First up is the FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie, a versatile fleece that provides the perfect balance of warmth and breathability as you forge your way uphill or down. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 ski touring, I wear it all the way from the start in Chamonix Valley up to the Argenti猫re Basin鈥攚hich is about 6,500 feet of elevation gain,鈥� says alpinist and The North Face Athlete Fay Manners.

FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie

If low temperatures call for a piece with more insulation, The North Face athletes reach for the Breithorn Hoodie. This puffy midlayer鈥檚 800-fill, water-repellent ProDown preserves warmth and resists precipitation. It also makes the jacket compressible enough to stash in a pack until you need it鈥攁t which point you鈥檒l be glad you took it along for the ride. 鈥淲e were forced to spend the night just below the summit on a tiny sloping edge. The Breithorn appeared as a beacon of warmth at the bottom of my pack. I鈥檝e never loved it more than I did at that moment,鈥� recounts athlete Coline Girod about an exposed bivy in the French Alps.

Breithorn Hoodie

Weather Protection, Perfected

Embracing winter weather means heading into the storm, not running from it. When snow and wind are in the forecast, having a fortresslike shell鈥攁nother essential element in the Summit Series system鈥攊s paramount. On high-octane missions requiring an outer layer that provides breathability and dependable protection, the Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT Jacket is your best friend: Its FUTURELIGHT three-layer membrane, The North Face鈥檚 most breathable waterproof fabric, will keep you from redlining. And although it鈥檚 a lightweight piece, this shell is built to last: 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 on-route, I鈥檒l often rest an ice ax on my shoulder if I鈥檓 placing protection or switching hands. The Torre Egger鈥檚 durability means I don鈥檛 have to worry about damaging the material,鈥� says Manners.

Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT Jacket

Built for skiing and snowboarding, the freeride-inspired Verbier GORE-TEX庐 Jacket is another shell that provides a reliable refuge from the elements. Its rugged three-layer GORE-TEX庐 construction will keep you dry and warm. Thoughtful design touches such as an articulated fit, a powder skirt, and seamless shoulders make this a do-it-all shell that excels from the skin track to the drop-in. Just ask pro snowboarder and The North Face Athlete Victor de Le Rue: 鈥淭he Verbier Jacket is a thin but durable shell that breathes where I need it to. It鈥檚 easy to layer under and has big, efficient pockets that are perfect for what I do,鈥� he says.

Verbier GORE-TEX庐 Jacket

On-Demand Heat

When the mercury plummets, the final layer of the Summit Series system locks in heat and keeps freezing temps at bay. The Pumori Down Parka is the warmest jacket in the Summit Series arsenal, providing luxuriously cozy defense against the cold. Stuffed with lofty 800-fill ProDown that鈥檚 water-repellent and ultrapackable, the Pumori鈥檚 feature set鈥攚hich includes concealed hand pockets, internal drop pockets, an adjustable hem and hood, and a two-way zipper鈥攃onserves every possible bit of heat. 鈥淭his jacket allows me to step into the unknown with confidence, knowing I have the absolute right piece for anything,鈥� says skier and The North Face Athlete Christina Lusti. Each layer in the system works together to strike the highest level of warmth while remaining adaptable to the conditions. And that鈥檚 what Summit Series is all about: the perfect winter layering system for whatever may come.

Pumori Down Parka

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor LLC, was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for the rigors of their next adventure. Today we are the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people explore and test the limits of human potential. We protect our outdoor playgrounds and minimize our impact on the planet through programs that encourage sustainability. The North Face products are available at premium and specialty retail sporting goods stores globally and the company is headquartered in鈥疍enver,鈥疌olorado. For more information, please visit鈥�.

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