Ski survival: Tips and gear for staying warm in a cruel Canadian winter

Canada has been experiencing some record breaking cold snaps nationwide this winter and that can make staying active a struggle, especially for skiers and snowboarders. Riding up a windy chairlift and racing down an icy mountain can translate to serious discomfort at -15°C or colder especially if you have a low tolerance for low temperatures. Worry not. If you're wishing for warmth we've got you tips and gear for staying toasty on the slopes in even the most frigid conditions.

Feet first

For most people extremities are usually the first part of your body to give you trouble in the cold. If you've ever had to reach down to check if your toes were still there after a winter walk you know what I'm talking about. Keeping your little piggies warm on the ski hill starts with the right boot. While ordering online can score you some major deals, nothing beats some in-person expertise. Most ski shops or major sporting chains will have an expert on hand to get your properly fitted. Your boots may not always line up with your shoe size and different brands can have drastically different fits so a try on is a must.

Buying a heat moldable liner is worth the cost for a custom fit. The boots should feel secure but not suffocating with room to wiggle your toes. The Head Advant Edge line is a great place to start with a plethora of choices based on ability level and cost. 

MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is a great place to try them out too with a satisfaction guarantee that allows you to bring them back if they aren't working for you even if you've taken them for a test run.

If you are someone who suffers from sweaty feet, avoid what I call 'the double up don't'. You may feel inclined to throw on 3 pairs of socks to stay warm, but this can alter the fit of your boot making them too tight which in turn restricts blood flow. Restricted blood flow = bad news for staying warm. A single pair of moisture-wicking ski socks like these Merino Wool Ice Breakers ($24) should do the trick.

If you want some low-cost cozy insurance, stick on a couple Hothands Foot Warmers ($3 for 2) before you slip on your boots. Finally, don't over tighten your boots. Gone are the days of wrenching your buckles closed with all your might. The advanced technology in today's boots don't require it. The ankle and shin buckles should be snug for control but you should be able to close the buckles on the top of your the boot using only your pinky finger.

The simple miracle of mittens

If you get cold feet, you probably get cold hands too and the right gloves can be hard to find. For a long time I was insistent on wearing gloves as opposed to mittens. After many expensive experiments I finally gave in to mittens and it was a game changer. While you do lose some dexterity they limit the frigid airflow over your fingers and allow them to share warmth with each other inside.   

After a lot of research I landed on these Kombi Great Manitou Mittens as a top pick.  

They are reasonably priced at $140 and feature a mostly leather exterior great for cutting wind and moisture wicking drirelease technology for all those people with sweaty paws. The best part: these puppies have a zippered compartment on top that you can throw a warming pack in for extra heat.

Head's up

While science has debunked the myth that humans lose the most body heat through their heads, it's still a good idea to keep your cranium warm. A good helmet can do that and keep you safe at the same time. The crème de la crème of helmets right now is the Oakley Mod 5.  

At $240 it's not cheap, but this a Mercedes for your melon. It features an adjustable vent on the top of the helmet to control air flow allowing you to adjust as your temperature changes. The removable ear flaps are key. These ones have a hollowed out centre which keeps your ears warm but avoids that uncomfortable aching you can get if they are pressed up against skull for an extended period. It also has 2 brim options allowing a custom fit for your goggles to avoid a gap in your forehead that can give you major wind burn.

Wanna warm it up even more? Add a balaclava.  

This Ninjaclava By Outdoor Research ($36) is just thick enough without altering the fit of your helmet and gives full face coverage with tiny silicone tabs below the eyes that help your goggles stay put over top.

Warm up worries

If you are an all day skier, you are bound to head inside for a snack or a warm up at some point. But beware, heading inside can have some detrimental effects on your plan to stay warm once your return to the great outdoors. When you get inside it's important to shed some layers. If you keep on all your gear you are gonna start sweating and sweat in the enemy of warmth on the slopes. The more moisture on your body the faster the cold will creep in and turn you into a Game of Thrones-worthy White Walker.

Lose the jacket, ditch the balaclava and dry your mitts if there is a fire nearby. At the very least undo your boots, and if possible take them right off. The plastic shell is likely still very cold and without the movement and blood flow associated with skiing they will act like ice packs on your feet!  

It's electric!

Sometimes genetics just aren't on your side and you have to turn to technology for help. Luckily there have been leaps and bounds in warming technology that can turn you into a literal toaster on the slopes.

Heated ski boots can be hard to find but Salomon's X Pro Custom Heat Boots ($549) are getting good reviews.  

Three heat settings can toast your tootsies from 4 to 18 hours and they come in both men's and women's options with a recharge port built right into the boot.

Wanna stick with the boots you have? Then get ready to step into the future with the Lenz Heat Socks ($350-$400).   

Yes, they are very expensive socks but with a non-invasive battery pack that sits above your boot and washable heating elements integrated into the socks, I feel like the future is finally catching up to our feet. The company also makes heated vests, gloves and mitts. The products are also all Bluetooth controlled so you can sizzle via your smartphone using the Lenz App. The only thing missing: Bluetooth heated underwear… but I'm confident we will get there.