This weekend my family leaves for a trip to Lake Tahoe, where “Deal”icious Dad and many many weather reports have been telling me that it is very, very cold and covered with snow. Now, I am the first to admit that this California girl ( born and raised) is not very good with cold and snow. I am telling you, if the thermostat hits less than 65 degrees I am bundled up like I should be in Alaska. I am not kidding. Most days you will find me under a blanket on the coach (even during the summer here in California) so this brings me to my point.
My boys have all the necessities (I think) but please let me know if I need more. They have awesome, warm, cute, jackets and coveralls from The North Face (they have a new line just for infants and toddlers), snow boots, mittens, beanies and all that jazz! Me on the other hand, I have Uggs (which I wear 24/7 anyway!), a beanie, and some gloves. Please please tell me what I need! I know I have great readers all over the world that live in very cold climates who know all the tricks of the trade to staying warm and I need to stay warm for three days! HELP!
HEATER~~~
Haha… seriously, if you are not going to be outside that much, you probably only need a pair of tall boots, wear a pair of tights with jeans, a few layers of clothes (long sleeve t-shirt, wool sweater, cardigan), and a good jacket (I like long wool coat that covers my rear and thigh). Most of the indoor places have heater, which tend to be too warm if you wear all the above items indoor. That’s why it’d be nice to wear layers so you can take something off when necessary. In fact, my husband only wear his leather jacket and a polo shirt in winter if he’s only commuting to work.
If you’ll be walking outdoor a bit longer, please do remember to wear a scarf, a pair of gloves, and a hat. it is so important to make sure your neck area is covered/stuffed up by the scarf, otherwise the cold wind will blow right into your jacket. Also, please do cover up your head and EARS! Your ears will hurt badly and become red if exposed in cold wind for too long.
If you’re going to be outside for a long time, then you need to wear a pair of snow pants (or snow bib) that are insulated. You can wear it in addition to the jeans. You might also want to wear a hooded snow jacket rather than a long wool coat, so it goes better with the snow pants and more appropriate for playing in the snow. You can wear a wool/fleece hat inside the hood. And rather than leather or fleece gloves, you need water-resistant and insulated snow gloves (for snow play). And last but not the least, you will need a pair of snow boots. Wear them with socks designed for skiing (or at least a pair of wool socks). If you are just playing in the snow with the kids, walking around a bit, making a snowman, I believe you will feel cold at the tips of your toes, fingers, and nose pretty soon. If you are actively doing some sports (skiing…etc.), you’ll probably sweat. (For skiing, you need a pair of goggle!).
Some people buy those small heating pouches (reusable or disposable) and put them in their pockets (even hat) to help fight the cold.
Anyway, I hope this helps. It’s so cold here in Michigan~
OMG – Thanks so much! I am so clueless! That is so helpful!
I live in Seattle. For snowshoeing I can get away with any pants and a light pair of snow pants that just protect from the wet. Then on top I do 4 layers. A base cotton or wicking long sleeve top, a wool sweater a shell jacket/or fleece and a water/wind proof shell jacket (could just have one warm waterproof jacket). I think if you plan on sledding/skiing/playing in the show then you will want waterproof pants, boots, gloves and jacket. I am not sure how waterproof Ugs are. The key to being warm is not to get wet. If you are not going to play in the snow then just a nice warm jacket and maybe some long underwear to go under you jeans/pants will be fine. Not sure how cold Lake Tahoe is these days.
I swear by my down coat! I absolutely love it! I live in NY and I hate the cold, but I don’t mind going outside with it on. It also has a fur hood that zips off…I use this on windy days to keep me extra warm. Not sure if you have a Marshalls near you, but I got mine there for $50. Scarf is a definite must! I even wear one when I’m indoors.
We just got back from Stowe, VT and this Texas Girl experienced some serious cold because of the wind.
I would say grab a pair of Hot Chillys or some kind of thin thermal underwear (top and bottom) because they add warmth but not the bulk. Believe it or not, I found a pair of ski pants at TJ Maxx for $30 and they worked perfect for what needed and didn’t resemble parachute pants from the 80s. PS- they make Hot Chillys or underarmour long underwear for kids too.
I also had one of those head band things that you put over your ears and forehead. That helped bunches. Or a full blown cute hat would help as well.
I wish I could say that glove liners helped on the hands, but at the end of the day, nothing I did kept my hands warm.
I broke down and bought some Keen snow boots from REI and wore them practically everywhere. They were waterproof and had awesome tread, so no falling.
Have so much fun!
Layers! You’ll need layers of clothes. One tee shirt or shirt is ok, but add a good jacket and it is better. Add in a sweater or sweat shirt and it gets even better! The more layers you have, the warmer you’ll feel. You can do with a less expensive jacket if you just keep in mind that you need layers of clothes. Even with expensive jackets layers make all the difference.
Better yet – stay inside! ;^)
I lived in North Western Ontario Canada for 36 years. As a northerner, that is my advice.
get some under Armour!! It’s the best stuff ever!! http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/outlet/womens/
I always wear the stuff that goes under your clothes so you can layer up! uanew6-coupon code will get you free shipping 🙂
I also wear my cuddleduds, not quite as warm as under armour, but much, much, more comfy. I am wearing mine to bed every night.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=cuddleduds&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=32600544&ref=pd_sl_1uab4mocd2_b
Don’t forget the thermal underwear!!! (Advice sent from Northeast Pennsylvania)