Dress properly for the frigid weather
This week’s polar vortex was a cruel reminder of the occasional frigid spells that can envelope the Okanagan Valley for days, sometimes several weeks.
Outdoor enthusiasts should check the websites of local ski hills and cross-country ski areas before leaving home to ensure they are not entering the Frostbite Zone. Keep in mind it was so cold this week that thermometers in the hills might not be accurate.
On Monday, for example, Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club website reported –24 C while nearby Big White Ski Resort was at –14 C; Silver Star Mountain Resort –23.8; nearby Sovereign –25; Telemark –16.2; Nickel Plate –25 and nearby Apex –17.
By Tuesday, Kelowna Nordic website had –29; Big White –15; Silver Star –24.4; Sovereign –25; Telemark –19.3; Nickel Plate –27 and Apex –15.
On Wednesday, Kelowna Nordic website had –33 while Big White was –11
It was supposed to warm up on Thursday but Kelowna Nordic’s website was still reporting –25. Nickel Plate had –20 and the rest of the Okanagan ski locations were around the minus teens.
So even though two areas can be very close, sometimes the air temperature can vary widely, apparently. Throw in blustery north winds early in the week and the wind chill can freeze exposed skin within minutes.
The Sheriff remembers skiing at Silver Star many years ago when the temperature was ñ25. The day before, it was ñ50 with the wind chill and the former slow-speed Summit Chair was shut down because of fears skiers and boarders would get frostbite while riding up. The new Des Schumann Express Gondola would certainly avoid that.
However, the Sheriff’s personal experience is that air which is that cold seems to be semi-solid. You can feel it pressing against your face, perhaps temporarily until your skin loses any feeling. The sensation of going downhill is like the thick air is slowing you down. Weird.
So this week was a reminder of how to stay warm and comfortable while surviving fast downhill speeds.
First of all, the Sheriff bought an Aeroskin head covering so the forehead part can be stretched forward to sit next to the goggles. The lower edge goes completely around the neck.
A Chaos fleece neck tube is long enough that the lower edge sits inside the coat collar and it can be brought up to cover the mouth, nose and cheeks up to the base of the goggles. The trick is to have goggles that don’t fog up.
Your winter coat should be large enough to put a long-sleeved fleece jacket underneath, maybe even the down vest. In an inside pocket are extra chemical handwarmers in case the first set doesn’t last until lunch.
Mitts are better than five-finger gloves and have lots of space for chemical handwarmers.
Long underwear are a necessity, of course.
If you get cold, don’t shiver. Get inside. Warm your hands under warm water in the washroom, and use the hand dryers to finish the warm-up and to warm up your gloves.
The Sheriff tried chemical foot warmers, but they didn’t work great.
For cross-country skiing, some of the above applies, but keep in mind you should feel a little cool in the parking lot before the exercise warms you up. Layers are crucial. The Sheriff recommends carrying a light backpack where you can put some of those layers as soon as you feel hot and before you start to sweat.
The backpack can also hold extra handwarmers, a thicker pair of gloves, a thicker tuque and a hot beverage. You should always carry water and a couple of energy bars.
If someone gets hurt and you have to wait for extrication, an emergency blanket will be useful. All of those items, other than a large thermos, are light and you won’t notice the weight.
If you are getting cold, always have a backup plan or shortcut so you can get to a warm outer cabin or back to the main cabin.
If you have picked up some additional tips, pass them along for a future column.
***** Cross-country ski areas have adjusted to
the frigid conditions.
Sovereign’s website said mid-week the plan was to groom middle trails every other day at best so they were firm and very skiable. All other trails would not be groomed this week due to the cold and few skiers would be using them. Skiers were advised to be cautious on Aberdeen and Lars Taylor for any damage by snowmobiles.
“Just a note that the ‘50s through to the ‘80s were this cold on a regular basis. Hmmmm, maybe that is why skiing is more popular now than then. We seem to be a tender lot.”
Kelowna Nordic used a couple of days to catch up on some machine work. “There may be some grooming involved in testing attachments out. We will post when that happens and the ski tracker will show where. In the meantime, the trails are well groomed but take care in the arctic air. It may not warm up during the day. If you do ski, take care in the cold. Around 2 p.m. may be warmest.”
Nickel Plate’s website said it wouldn’t be grooming the big Panorama Loop until the area gets a lot more snow. The short loop (5K lookout) is in good shape. Snowshoe Trails are covered and packed.
On Tuesday, the website advised: “The Piston Bully is broken so no grooming occurred today. Stay tuned for more info.” By Thursday, it was back in business.
*****
It’s going to be an entertaining couple of weeks at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
The Vernon Winter Carnival’s annual snow sculpture competition was last weekend but the sculptures hang around for a few weeks for everyone to admire.
Competitors will battle it out at the second of three Smith Optic Rail Jams Series today (Feb. 9) kicking off at 4 p.m.
Today and Sunday, check out Silver Star’s Get On the Snow Days which are meant for anyone who has never tried downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or snowboarding before. Highly experienced and professional SnowSports instructors will guide everyone in a great introductory experience.
You can also become a certified ski instructor this winter. Silver Star is hosting a variety of certification courses today through Monday (Feb. 9-11).
*****
The Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club’s first meeting of 2019 will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the May Bennett Wellness Centre, 135 Davie Rd. Membership renewals can now be made via Paypal at kckc.ca.
There are many plans already in place for 2019, says vice-president Morag Stevenson, including:
— April 2: Paddle Film Festival hosted by friends at Kelowna Paddle Centre;
— June 21-23 Fintry Provincial Park, social and paddle training weekend;
— Aug. 9-11: Fintry Provincial Park, social and paddling weekend; training to be confirmed.
Members who have something to sell should bring kayaking-related items for the sale table or bring photos of larger items.
Everyone should remember to bring a lawn chair as there are a limited number of
chairs in the meeting room.
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Regional district parks staff are planning a Family Fun Day in Kaloya Regional Park. From noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 16, you can take part in a Families In Parks event at the end of Trask Road in Lake Country (16061 Trask Rd.).
There’s no charge and no registration required. Just round up the family, and join parks staff for fun outdoor winter activities and a special scavenger hunt.
Before you arrive, download the special Agents of Discovery app designed for this event. Regional parks staff will help you get started and will have paper scavenger hunt forms as well.
Complete your family outing around a fire pit by toasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. To help reduce the impact on the environment, bring your own mugs.
*****
Arion Therapeutic Farm will host a Vegan High Tea from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17. That’s in addition to its twice-a-month Vegan Community Potlucks.
The tea includes an assortment of delicious creations by The Kind Cakery and organic teas from Chai Baba. Participation is $20 for adults, $10 for kids between two and 10 years of age, and free for kids under two. Juice and tea are included.
You can also take a tour of the farm at 2457 Saucier Rd. in East Kelowna before or after tea and meet the animals that call the farm home ($5 per person).
Email maggie.ariontherapeuticfarm@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.
The potluck dinners are held at the Creative Centre overlooking the llamas and goats. Participants should bring their favourite vegan dishes, can share recipes and healthy living tips all while enjoying Arion’s scenic farm setting. Guests should arrive at 5 p.m. with the dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Email: ariontherapeuticfarm@ gmail.com and let the farm know what you are bringing.
*****
Big White Ski Resort has more than $10,000 in prizes to be won at the fifth annual Telus Kelowna Cup on Feb. 23.
You can race down the snowcross track in Telus Park as an individual or as a team of four in a new, fun format. This familyfriendly race is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
It’s in the form of time duplication in which each participant lays down a time on a first run and then tries to match it on a second run. The closest match wins so you don’t have to be the fastest to take home the grand prize.
You can compete as a group in family and corporate/media categories.
Participants shouldn’t forget to “dress to impress” since prizes will be awarded for best dressed.
A barbecue and refreshments will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The $25 registration fee includes: pre-race breakfast, two runs down the snowcross track, commemorative T-shirt, and oncourse barbecue and refreshments. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22. On Feb. 23, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Telus Igloo. Runs start at 8 a.m.
*****
Big White will hold its next Coast Capital Savings Cruz the Blues Weekend on Feb. 16-17.
It’s a family-friendly event for those who want to ski all the blue runs. It is the perfect way to explore the mountain and as a special bonus, everyone who takes part wins a free T-shirt.
To participate, pick up a boarding pass at the Concierge Desk in the Village Centre Mall. Then, take your pass to each blue run, explore until you locate the sign, then write down the corresponding letter to discover the secret phrases on the pass. Be sure to look carefully for the signs since they might be nestled among trees, hidden behind bumps or tucked away on the side of the run.
Once you have finished “Cruzing” as many blues as you can, head to Happy Valley Day Lodge for the free T-shirt, available from 3:45 p.m. on the Sunday. A Cruz the Blues prize ceremony kicks off at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Everyone has a chance to win prizes, including goggles, frisbees, portable speakers, Bluetooth ear buds, drink bottles and Big White tuques.
J.P. Squire, aka the Ski Sheriff, is a retired reporter. Email: jp.squire@telus.net.