1)    Layering gloves – Just like all of your other ski gear, layering is often the best solution for your hands. There are gloves that are a layering system – like  the Granddoe GCS -Glove component system  – which includes layers for waterproofing and warmth. Depending on what you use them for, you can opt for the Goretex layer, which is relatively breathable, but not quite as comfortable as without. On the slopes you are going to want to have some protection against moisture.
2)    Mitts – If you live or ski in a region where temps drop severely, you are probably better off going for a pair of mittens for grown-ups. They retain heat better and will keep you warmer longer. Unfortunately, they also leave you a bit hobbled as you cannot use your fingers unless you remove them. But they are great for cold. I wouldn’t layer these with a pair of gloves underneath. Part of the warmth comes from skin on skin, not the fabric.
3)    Quality Gloves – Some people swear by one really good, well-made pair of gloves. I have a pair of HESTRA gloves – they outfit the Swedish army – and they are great gloves for skiing and life. Marmot, Patagonia, and Black Diamond are some of the brands my friends swear by and have used with great success.
4)    Motorcross Gloves – A bit outside the box, but if the temps aren’t that low where you ski, you might want to try a pair of motorcross gloves. They are great for flexibility and breathability. They also give you ideal range of movement. They often are not very waterproof, so you will need to watch out for moisture. They are less expensive, and they can be handy on the slopes. I learned this when a friend tagged along on a ski trip and they didn’t have any ski gloves, so they just grabbed the nearest thing, motorcross gloves.
5)    Heat pouches – Many ski gloves now have a pocket where you can put hand warmers. This is a really nice comfort, but shouldn’t overshadow the value of a good pair of gloves which can do a decent job even without the warmers.

Look to pay probably between 50-99$ for a good pair of ski gloves. They are pricey, but you want to keep your hands warm in order to ski as well as possible. Also, as long as you don’t misplace one, your gloves can have a long life.

There are so many different hats out there to choose from, where to begin?

1)    Wool hat – It is classic. It is warm. It is also rather itchy, but a wool hat will always do the trick on a short hike or if there is a lot of sun a winter’s day. Sometimes I find the itch to be too much. Other times I find a wool hat nice and cozy. I usually keep at least one in my closet, since I like the look and my grandmother always knits me one for Christmas every year. Another good thing about wool is that you don’t have to wash it often. In fact you probably shouldn’t wash it. Wool is a good self-cleaning material. Leave it out to dry flat in a warm place, and your hat will be as good as new. If you are looking for something thinner and less itchy, try Merino Wool – it is a great fabric, but makes for a tighter fitting hat.
2)    Buff – In wool or regular fabric – the buff is a round wrap you can tie in multiple ways to keep warm in all sorts of weather. You can use it to cover your mouth and head. It can function as a scarf and hat. It is a great way to be adaptable to different temperature changes. The Buff is light weight and comes in a ton of styles. I know both men and women who swear by them.
3)    Ear muffs or head bands – I know, I know, you are probably not a 12 year-old girl and feel a bit silly about donning ear muffs or a head band, but if you are going to be doing strenous exercise outside in the cold, they could be a good solution. If you are skiing, snowboarding, or even just hiking, you could even consider having one under your hat. Think of it as winter layering! You can always remove your hat when you are warm, but your ears are still protected.
4)    Synthetics – If you are going for a synthetic winter hat, choose one which is easy to wash and that breathes. Unlike wool, synthetics might get a bit smelly and dirty after a couple of adventures, but they can also be less itchy, lighter, and more comfortable than some of the above mentioned options.

Choosing a good hat is an important decision for winter sports, adventure, or even just spending time outdoors. If you choose wisely, it will be something you can get a lot of wear out of and really increase your comfort levels!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan. These magnificent dunes along the lakeshore are lined with snow-covered pines and crystal clear creeks. The dunes lie in an almost constant lake effect snow belt, which provides a consistent and fluffy snow pack that is perfect for snowshoeing adventures. The trails of the park are often filled with snowshoers and cross-country skiers, but there is still plenty of room to explore. Every Saturday throughout the winter, the park hosts scheduled snowshoe hikes along the dunes. A bonus is that pets are allowed on a leash.

White Mountains, New Hampshire. The White Mountains have one of the longest snow seasons in the country. This snowshoeing location is somewhat hazardous, resulting in many snowshoeing amateurs being rescued every year from the unpredictable and brutal weather conditions; however, if the snowshoer is fully equipped, this mountainous terrain and spectacular views are worth the preparation and effort to attempt the Presidential Range courses.

Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire. With calmer weather conditions, the valley of Mt. Washington is home to over 40 miles of trails that showcase the spectacular views of the area, and that also introduce snowshoers to the many species of New Hampshire wildlife. To make the course even more desirable, the Mt. Washington Valley Ski and Snowshoe Foundation hosts a chocolate festival every year throughout the valley, and they have sample stations all along the way.

Mt. Timpanogos, Utah. Also known as “Timp,” this peak is one of the highest in the Wasatch Range of Utah. The snowshoe trail begins with a steep, two-mile climb up the mountain, and then flattens out into the Loop Road to one of the most amazing views in the West. The area is known for avalanches, but the risk is definitely worth the views.

Black Hills, South Dakota. Often regarded as the best area for snowshoeing in America, the Black Hills surrounding Mt. Rushmore are full of trails and even include a 111-mile trail through pine forests and rocky hills. This location is even known to be home to wild buffalo. This is truly like snowshoeing through the wild west.

If you haven’t tried the sport of snowshoeing just yet, give one of these great locations a try! You will see beautiful landscapes, as well as a variety of wildlife.

Remember that as a backpacker, you are carrying a heavy load, which means your shoes need to be stable enough to support you. If you are used to day hikes, you need to assess if your boots have enough to take you the extra distance.

If you are planning to take a backpacking vacation, you do not want to buy a new pair of boots right before you go! Make sure you have time to break in your shoes, otherwise your trip will be a painful one.

Different people have different hiking boot preferences, but I will write about what I look for in a pair of hiking boots and why. If you disagree, feel free to tell me why, and what you prefer in the comments below!

1) Leather boots or synthetic? As a vegetarian I make an effort to shy away from leather boots. My backpacking partner is convinced real backpackers only wear leather, but with their long break-in time, their lack of breathability, and the fact they are made of animal skin, I opt for synthetic materials. Synthetic materials breathe better, are more flexible, and don’t take as long to break in. While they might not offer quite the support or have the longevity of a good pair of leather boots, they get the job done. Also, they are a little easier on the wallet!

2) High boot or low? Because I sometimes go on backpacking treks of five days or more, I keep a pair of high boots for the occasion. The last thing I want to worry about is lack of ankle support while out in the middle of nowhere. With the weight of my pack and a not so well kept trail, I want to know I can get solid footing. While a high boot doesn’t guarantee that, it certainly helps if I misstep. Also, since I hike in a lot of muddy, wet terrain a high boot keeps me drier. For my day trips, I find low shoes much more comfortable.

3) Waterproof or not? A lot of people complain that Goretex and other waterproofing materials can lead to lack of breathability in a material. If you do most of your hiking in dry areas in the summer, you might be able to get away with no Goretex, but I do most of my hiking in rainy, muddy areas. I would be damp and uncomfortable without Goretex.

The 2012 schedule features a number of familiar stops as well as a few locales that will be new to both drivers and the vast legion of North American motocross fans. The action will get revved up in Sacramento, California, on Saturday, May 19th in an event known as The Hangtown Classic, which happens to be the longest running annual stop on the schedule.

2011 champion Ryan Villopoto will certainly be loosened up and ready to defend his championship in the 450 Class by the second race on the schedule, which takes place on May 26th in the bustling town of Wortham, Texas. The tour will stay on the steady pace of racing every Saturday evening for the first five weeks of the schedule, which also includes stops in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The racers then take a three week break before beginning the second half of the season at a July 7th race in Buchanan, Michigan. Motocross racers will zigzag the nation over the next month to make stops in Minnesota, the state of Washington and Massachusetts.

By the time the tour makes an August 18th stop in the small New York town of East Berlin, the chase for the 2012 crown will be full-throttle. The final stretch of the season kicks off on September 1st in Delmont, Pennsylvania, before the circuit travels back across North America one last time for the final event of the schedule in Los Angeles, California. A total of twelve dates makes up the entire 2012 AMA Motocross season, and the action is sure to unfold just as quickly as the tires can get the highly skilled pros around the colorful and diverse tracks.

Caples and Silver Lakes, California. California does not usually come to mind when people think of ice fishing, but the Caples and Silver Lakes along the Alpine State Highway in the Sierra Nevada region provide stunningly beautiful mountain scenery and perfect conditions for ice fishing. The locations along the highway are best, but make sure you go far enough out into the lake before drilling holes, as the lake dries before freezing. Also, be sure to drill several holes, as the sunlight will draw the fish to the surface.

Strawberry Reservoir, Utah. Strawberry Reservoir is located east of Provo is another somewhat unexpected location. In the summer the reservoir offers plentiful trout fishing, with thousands of large rainbow and cutthroat trout, along with kokanee salmon. Fish here replenish quickly, meaning that there are fish available even in winter. Although this lake can be dangerous as it freezes unevenly, once a safe drilling location is found, try drilling in the weed beds. These areas are the feeding grounds for massive trout. Otherwise, if not catching many fish, drilling a hole a few feet over can even make a huge difference. Strawberry reservoir will not disappoint.

Chequamegon Bay, Wisconsin. This bay, located off of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin is notorious for fast-changing weather and ferocious storms. This is perhaps the most rugged location highlighted. A snowmobile or ATV is required to get far out onto the ice where salmonids, walleyes, and pike abound. Be sure to take a functional communication device with you, just in case the weather drastically changes.

Monona Bay, Wisconsin. Monona Bay is an inlet of the larger Lake Monona, which makes up the east side of the isthmus of downtown Madison. You can fish in the shadow of the numerous tall buildings and the giant capitol dome on this popular bay. On a typical winter day, the bay is usually teeming with ice fisherman, and for good reason. Fish abound under the ice here, as there are several weed patches for feeding located in the bay. This is the perfect urban ice fishing location.

Caspian Lake, Vermont. Perch abound in this New England lake. Due to the frigid Vermont winters, the lake freezes early, and it is recommended that fisherman drill several holes here for best results.

During the spring, summer, and fall there are a ton of sports you can enjoy with your whole family. You can go to the local park and start a game of soccer or basketball, or you can throw around a baseball or football, but what to do when the snow hits and it gets cold? It isn’t quite as fun to get all bundled up, and it is quite a challenge kicking a football in the snow.

Ice skating is a great way to get moving about, but it takes some practice for both grown ups and kids. Here are some tips if you used to skate as a kid and are now trying to teach your kids:

Before you hit the frozen pond, you might want to try a rink. An ice skating rink is usually a smoother surface than a pond or lake, and thus it is easier to handle for a beginner.

1. At a rink, you can rent ice skates. Rental skates are fine for beginners, but make sure they fit correctly. You don’t want little ankles getting twisted or bruised.
2. Maybe take a practice run? Your little one is going to need a hand to hold, preferably a stable one. If you are a little shaky on your own skates, take a spin on the ice yourself first to get your sea legs.
3. Skate backwards – This is a classic move, but hold your little one’s hands while skating backwards. Be careful not to knock into anyone!
4. Check your rink to see if they have beginner skater hours. Sometimes a rink can get a little chaotic. Sometimes for beginner skater hours they allow you to bring a chair or something to balance on the ice. This can be a great way to teach kids to hold their feet in the correct position.
5. Double-bladed skates – If you are just looking to get your kids out and moving, don’t be afraid of double bladed skates. They are a great solution to getting your kids out on the ice and having a good time. It may take them longer to learn how to skate on a single blade, but if they are interested, they will get there eventually.

Layers

The best way to stay warm while climbing is to layer effectively.

Layer 1

Long underwear – Ideally merino wool, but synthetics or fleece work well. Just avoid cotton. Best to use separates, a shirt, pants and socks made of the same material.

Layer 2

Warm layer – A warm pair of insulated or fleece pants make a good next layer. North Face and Patagonia both make quality warm layers, but you can also check out other brands. Look for a good pair of pants and shirt, and avoid cotton.

Layer 3

Extra sweater or lightweight jacket – Depending on the conditions, it can be a good idea to bring along or wear a thick warm sweater or lightweight fleece jacket.

Layer 4

Insulated jacket or vest – Now the layers are really starting to get thick, so you need to play it by ear, but a good insulated jacket that breathes well should be your top layer of non-waterproof clothing.

Layer 5

Waterproof layer – Investing in good waterproof gear is ideal for ice climbing. You want something lightweight that breathes well. It might be expensive, but you can use it for all kinds of outdoor activity, and it is pretty important to stay dry while climbing.

Hat and Gloves

A thin wool hat or even fleece is great for ice climbing. Remember, your hat will need to fit under your helmet, so it cannot be too bulky. Waterproof climbing gloves are also necessary, but check with your local club if they have some you can borrow. Again, this is an item which you can purchase for ice climbing, but can be used for a lot of different activities as well.

Extras

Neck warmer or dickey – You don’t want your neck getting cold while climbing, but you don’t want to worry about a scarf hanging all over the place.

Gaiters – Many hikers swear by them. I wouldn’t call them a must, but they certainly do help some people. Maybe you can try borrowing a pair before you commit.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses – You will be on the ice; the reflection of the sun can cause serious sunburn.

Things to Borrow

Crampons

Harness

Boots

Helmet

Tools

Indiana Dunes State Park. The first stop takes us across the Illinois state line into northwestern Indiana. Located less than an hour’s drive from Chicago, the Indiana Dunes State Park is home to arguably the largest sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan, if not all of the Great Lakes. The park can also be reached on the South Shore Line of the commuter rail system. The park begins on the prairies atop the massive dune ridges, covered in cottonwood, junipers, and even patches of marram grass. Woodlands cover the tops of many dunes, filled with giant oaks, small thickets of bushes, white pines, and black oaks. The park provides many miles of trails up and around the many dunes, with the highlight being either the view of Chicago’s expansive skyline, only 30 miles directly across Lake Michigan, or the beautiful, cooling shoreline at the end of Trail 8.

Veteran Acres Park and Sterne’s Woods. Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, these two parks provide a glimpse into the prairie that once covered all of northeastern Illinois. The parks contain miles of woodlands, untouched prairies, and wetlands showered with colorful, native wildflowers. The parks eventually join with the regional Prairie Trail, which runs from the city of Algonquin, to about 26 miles north to the Wisconsin border. The trail traverses stands of fragrant pines, which once dotted the region, hickories, a 40-acre wetland filled with unique orchids, and even a nature center. This trail is well worth a day trip, or a long weekend, and it is located an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, as well as right off of the Crystal Lake station of the Northwest Metra Commuter Rail line.

Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Kettle Moraine is renowned for being one of the best untouched landscapes in Wisconsin. Over 600 miles of trail exist within the two sections of the park. The Ice Age Trail, which I have reviewed in a previous article, also intersects with the park. The park features glacial terrain, steep ridges, tall bluffs, thick forests, and hilltop views of the surrounding moraines. The area is known for its isolation from development, and has also been the subject of many documentaries focusing on strange occurrences in the parks. Located about 90 miles north/northwest of Chicago, within an hour and thirty minutes you can hike in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest.

I got the chance to go up to Burke Mountain in Vermont. I had never been there before, so it was a fun treat for me. Burke is known as a family mountain.  I am used to an 8 peak Sunday River resort, but Burke was a good change. The place itself is not all too big. It has about 50 trails, and this weekend they had 29 of those trails open. They even had a glades run ready to go!

I had a lot of fun at Burke, even though it felt like negative ten degrees out on the slopes. I can tell that they put a lot of emphasis on the family aspect of the mountain. There is a lower mountain and an upper mountain, and the easier trails are on the lower mountain. They also have a ton of activities for people of all ages, and the lodges are warm and friendly.

The trails were pretty easy, but  I was not looking for something too crazy either. I was just there to have some fun and to get some days in on my skies. I would say that I don’t think that I got my $56 worth for a half day. I only say this because to ski at a place like Sunday River is only $20 more, and that is for a full day ticket. For one day, the price was okay, but I don’t think I would invest in more than two days at this mountain. On the bright side, we never waited in line for more than 5 minutes, and the lifts were quick. I’d say that their investment into a high speed quad was well worth it!

Overall, it was a great day on the slopes, and Burke is definitely worth a day visit!