IMPORTANT
The 2022 CSM returns to virtual format.
Here are some tips and tricks from one of our most seasoned Gold Coureur des Bois participants on how to prepare for a great CSM experience!
Clothing Considerations
- Key points:
- easy layering-delayering, breathable, insulation even when wet
- Typical strategies:
- Start warm: and delayer as body warms up with skiing – don’t sweat!
- Start cool: and layer up if still cool after skiing (better for folks who sweat a lot)
- Typical issues:
- Cold hands or feet (mitts & over-mitts, right boots?, socks, over-boots?) Tight is bad!
- Cold face (hat, balaclava, Vaseline on face)
- Hot body->sweat->cold (don’t overdress)
- Just say No!
- Downhill ski jackets & pants: overheat->wet
- Cotton in anything: sweat->wet->zero insulation->ice!
- Fleece outer layer: snow->wet->ice!
Typical Clothing List
- Base Layer
- Medium weight underwear (bottom & top), neck zipper is good for temp control
- Top Layer
- Wind-proof, breathable, light jacket
- Wind-proof, breathable, light pants (tights only if you are skiing at a consistent pace, generating heat)
- Wind-proof vest (optional: under the jacket, if cold)
- Head & Face
- Lycra hat (no thick woolly hats: over-heat!)
- Balaclava – have something that can cover most of the face should it be windy – face is very susceptible to fast cold air that you will feel in long downhills
- Hand
- Mitts (not too tight)
- Wind-proof Over-mitts
- Feet
- Medium wool/synthetic socks.
- Caution! wearing tight or multiple socks reduces circulation)
- Overboot
Recreational Ski Gear
- Boots: most important. Right fit! Warm.
- Skis: right flex for skier weight. Must be flex tested. Right length. Stability (wider) more important than lightness.
- Bindings: fits the boot, simpler is better (not automatic; ice buildup can cause issues)
- Wax: grip (green, blue, purple), scraper, cork, roll-on glide, wax a bit warmer – KEEP IT SIMPLE
- Poles: right length (armpit) & strong
- Daypack or large fanny pack: snacks, insulated drink bottle, wax, spare clothing, …
- Are you a “Jackrabbit support team”? Need a bigger pack for kids’ gear
Kids Ski Gear
Key points: Comfort. Not tight. Not loose.
- Boots: most important. Right size!
- Skis: right flex for skier weight. Must be flex tested. Length not that important.
- Wax: grip way more important than glide. Think of adult waxer for younger kids (under 11)
- Poles: not higher than armpits
- Small back/fanny pack: snacks, drink (start to learn independence, eventually own wax.)
Typical Kids Clothing List
- Base Layer
- Medium underwear (bottom & top)
- Expedition underwear (bottom & top)
- Top Layer
- Wind-proof, breathable, light jacket
- Wind-proof, breathable, light pants
- Fleece vest (optional: under the jacket, if cold, can be carried by parents)
- Head & Face
- Lycra hat (no thick woolly hats: over-heat!)
- Balaclava
- Hand
- Mitts (not too tight)
- Over-mitts
- Feet
- Medium wool/synthetic socks.
- Caution! wearing tight or multiple socks reduces circulation)
- Carried by parents in their backpack
- Down/heavy fleece jacket, preferably with a hood
(emergency or long stop) - Extra mitts X 2
- Over-mitts
- Over-boots
- Extra socks
- Extra hat & balaclava
- Chemical Hand-warmer packages
- Fun, high energy snack & warm drink in flask/thermos
- Down/heavy fleece jacket, preferably with a hood