WINTER FEELS GREAT
Even in sub-zero weather, Midwestern Skiers, Snowboarders Love Winter

At Granite Peak, Wisconsin, and ski areas across the Midwest, skiers and snowboarders still have big thrills even in big chills. "They love winter," says Vicki Bauman from Granite Peak. "The cold snap usually come every year in January, but even if it's below-zero people can still come out here and have a great time. You just need to dress for the weather and you will have a great experience. Plus, the colder it is, we can make more, lighter snow."

Winter feels great for many Midwesterners. When they get outside and ski and snowboard, they are being active, healthy and getting exercise. Depending on their weight and activity level, skiers and snowboarders can burn more than 350 calories per hour.

"Snow and cold are natural stimulators," says Bauman. "For a winter activity, it's something the entire family can do together. It's healthy for you, it's great exercise and it's invigorating."

At Minnesota's Buck Hill, where it seems a prolonged cold snap is a yearly ritual, "Everyone is out there getting exercise in the fresh air," says Jessica Stone. "You dress appropriately for the weather and you prepare for it. The camaraderie and the outdoor activity just feels good."

Skiers and snowboarders should always dress in layers, so that layers can be added or removed, depending on the weather and activity. The first layer, worn next to the skin, is usually long underwear. Look for a synthetic fiber, usually polyester, that can "wick" or move perspiration away from your skin. The middle layer is your insulation layer and includes turtlenecks, sweatshirts, sweaters and fleece. The outer layer should be waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket or shell, which should block the wind and repel snow and sleet.

On very cold days, skiers and snowboarders should always wear a hat or helmet because body heat escapes from an uncovered head, a neck gaiter to cover their face and goggles. Mittens are also warmer than gloves on very cold days.

Most Midwest ski areas offer special programs to help attract customers, especially during very cold weather. Buck Hill hosts a citizen's racing league every night of the week and, says Stone. "It's a reason for people to come out and they have fun. It's huge." At Chestnut Mountain in Illinois, Wednesday nights during January and February are special appreciation nights for season pass-holders, allowing them to bring a friend for just $22 for lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental.

Hidden Valley Ski Area in Missouri hosts a Family Night every Sunday evening with discounted lift tickets and rentals. "Even if it's really cold, it helps motivate people to get outside and come skiing and snowboarding," says Amity Betz of Hidden Valley.

In addition to dressing properly, skiers and snowboarders should also take more frequent breaks in very cold temperatures.

Granite Peak in Wisconsin has two large fireplaces in its chalet, an outside fire pit and table heaters built into the outside tables. "We have a fire every night of the week," says Bauman. "You can come in, drink a hot chocolate by the fire and warm up and then go out and ski a few more runs."

Echoes Stewart Stoffregen from Chestnut Mountain: "Come inside, warm up and then go back outside and have more fun."

For more information on Midwest ski areas and to find a ski area near you, visit snowplaces.com.

For more information on dressing properly for skiing and snowboarding, visit:
http://www.winterfeelsgood.com