Albertan ski girl
Angel Diva
I'd love that too!
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How cold is too cold to ski?
- Thread starter ski diva
- Start date
I'd love that too!
Inoffensive Nickname
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Anything below zero F is too cold for me. It's usually single digits when my skis start sticking. Our midwestern weather has been erratic, at best, but I've already skied more runs this season than I did all last season. We've managed to keep about a foot of accumulated snow (which means 2-3' manufactured snow as base). Last Friday, we got to ski while it was snowing and it was gorgeous and in spite of being the end of the day and choppy, conditions were amazing!
NbyNW
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
When I lived in Alberta, it was routinely -19 to -25 Celsius during the heart of ski season, so I learned to dress appropriately. And that's where I did most of my basic learning, so I think that will forever be my reference point.
A few years ago I managed a weekend trip with friends to Tahoe, and it was absolutely balmy. I was overdressed and had to keep removing layers throughout the day.
A few years ago I managed a weekend trip with friends to Tahoe, and it was absolutely balmy. I was overdressed and had to keep removing layers throughout the day.
Ursula
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
My first season in Big Sky, MT. We had a cold spell right over Christmas. The lifts didn't start spinning till the temperature came up to negative 20 degrees F. We instructors were huddled around the fire place in the ski school building, each with a hot cocoa in our hands. A lady walked in and wanted to sign up for a beginner lesson. The desk staff announced to her that at the moment we are not teaching - it was too cold. Lady interrupted and said: I am dressed warm and I want to start right now!. Staff tried to explain that everything is still closed because of the cold .... To no avail. The lady was adamant that she wanted to start right now! Our ski school director got involved, tried his best to convince her to wait till it would warm up. In the meantime, the lady got somewhat irritated with everybody. That's when I thought maybe I could help. I told the boss not to worry - I would take care of the situation. I escorted the lady outside, helped her to carry her skis up to the rope tow (yes, no magic carpet yet....). At the rope tow (still cold soaked and not moving), I showed her how to put on the skis, we pointed them uphill in the rope tow track and started to walk uphill. No side stepping, no herringbone or duck walk. Straight uphill. Upon reaching the top, we turned around, I had her point her skis straight down the hill (no wedge, just truly parallel) and asked her to push hard with her poles to propel herself forward. With all her might she pushed, the skis squeaked, slipped about an inch and came to a stop again. She pushed again, moved another inch and came to a squeaking stop. She paused ...... then looked at me and said: I get it! IT IS TOO COLD! With that said, we both laughed and WALKED straight down the bunny slope back to the ski school. And joined the hot cocoa party.
CarverJill
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I have skied in some serious cold in the east. Tremblant over new years, Jay Peak and Sugarloaf, ME are most memorable. In Sugarloaf they wouldn't let you on the lift if you had any skin showing. Only the surface lifts (AKA T-bars) were open that day as well. I'm the kind of person who either hes freezing feet or sweating ones. It makes me crazy! 
On cold days I just need to go in a few extra times, get my boots off and warm up my feet. 
My next plan is boot heaters but I've sort of been waiting 'till I need new boots and the tech for them has advanced to be less annoying.
For now I'm happy I'm on the west coast and mostly the temps are above zero degrees.
On cold days I just need to go in a few extra times, get my boots off and warm up my feet. My next plan is boot heaters but I've sort of been waiting 'till I need new boots and the tech for them has advanced to be less annoying.For now I'm happy I'm on the west coast and mostly the temps are above zero degrees.
Skisailor
Angel Diva
I have skied in some serious cold in the east. Tremblant over new years, Jay Peak and Sugarloaf, ME are most memorable. In Sugarloaf they wouldn't let you on the lift if you had any skin showing. Only the surface lifts (AKA T-bars) were open that day as well. I'm the kind of person who either hes freezing feet or sweating ones. It makes me crazy!
For now I'm happy I'm on the west coast and mostly the temps are above zero degrees.
I ski with hotronics and boot gloves and my feet are never ever ever cold. Don't wait! Be good to your feet and yourself. No more discomfort or need for toe warming breaks while trying to enjoy your ski day. The hotronics are easy to install and I've moved them from boot to boot to boot by myself. No problem.
nopoleskier
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
-13F almost -14F and my ski school director wants us on the Mt. CRAZY!!! If I HAVE to go out I'll look like this. BRRRRRRRR
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@nopoleskier - looks familiar....
Am716
Certified Ski Diva
Skied yesterday when it was -18 with wind chill (but that brought up the debate of was wind chill was actually a thing ). And this morning it was -24 but I decided after skiing 11 hours in negative degree weather yesterday I was going to wait until it warmed up a couple degrees before putting my gear on and heading out! I think it all partially depends on conditions, and if you are skiing for free or paying, and how easily you get cold!
I live close enough to several resorts to pick and chose days. Also having a season pass I won't feel guilty if I only ski for an hour or two. If I keep moving I'm fine but when Im on the lift I get cold. My toes are the first to get cold. Then its the full bladder that nags me to go in. The coldest has been -25F. I dont really know what my threshold is but I certainly enjoy the thin crowd
BackCountryGirl
Angel Diva
Of the 30 kids in my age group, 4 were here today to brave 0 degrees and -20 wind chills. I took out a group of instructors due training and called it at 11:30. Brr.
