Staying Warm
Winters in Jackson Hole can be harsh. Eyelashes occasionally freeze when stepping outside, and the moisture from breathing leaves crystals on beards and mustaches. Temperatures linger in the low 20s and can dip below zero for several days. However, Jackson has an arid climate and a sunny 30 degree day appears to be almost warm. If you want to enjoy all the beauty and outdoors that a Jackson winter has to offer, it is crucial to bring appropriate clothing.
NO COTTON
The first rule of thumb is not to wear clothes made of cotton. When wet, cotton does not keep you warm and it takes a while to dry. If your are doing athletic and outdoor activities, cotton will soak up sweat and keep the moisture touching your body, increasing your chances of getting hypothermia. Today, clothing companies make everything from t-shirts to tank tops to thermal underwear out of synthetic fabric. Comfortable clothing shouldnÕt be hard to find.
If you are just walking around town, jeans are fine. However, on subzero or windy days, the chill goes right through denim and touches the skin. You will want to wear long johns or long underwear made of synthetic fabric or silk as added protection. Cotton long underwear will keep the chill in.
The same goes for socks: no cotton. Bring socks made of wool or a synthetic wool blend.
LAYERS
One thick heavy winter coat is fine if you are only walking out to your car or to check the mail. If you are skiing, snowshoeing, skating, or taking a scenic sleigh ride, your best clothing option is wear multiple layers. Wearing multiple layers gives you the advantage of controlling your body temperature most efficiently. For instance, you need less clothing when working up a sweat hiking up Teton Pass than you do when skiing down while your body temperature cools off. Wearing several layers allows you add warmth or take excessive heat away. Layering doesn't mean wearing 50 of your warmest wool sweaters at once - that would make you bulky, hot, and unable to move and be agile. Correct laying involves certain key elements:
- Base layer- The base layer is the first layer and is usually in the form of synthetic or silk long underwear (top and bottom). The base layer is thin so as to allow room for additional layers. On warm days, you might strip down to just your long underwear top.
- Insulating layer- The insulating layer is usually a mid-weight jacket made of polartec fleece or wool. Leggings and tights are also available in fleeced material. The insulating layer adds warmth if needed.
- Outer layer- The outer layer takes the form of a ski jacket and ski pants. Hard shells are typical ski jackets that are water proof, wind resistant, and breathable. GoreTex is a popular material for outer layer jackets because its lightweight, durable, water proof,and breathable. New on the market are soft shell jackets made of a water resistant, windproof, and stretchy material called schoeller. Soft shells are comfy due to the stretch ability of the fabric. However, on extremely cold, windy, and snowy days, you might want to opt for a hard shell because they offer hardier protection from rough elements. Outer layer pants come in the same material as jackets.
- Down jackets- Down jackets or synthetic puff-ball jackets can be added under the outer layer to keep you warm on extremely cold days. Puffy jackets can serve as the insulating layer. Keep in mind that if a down jacket gets wet, it will not keep you warm until it dries. Synthetically filled jackets keep you more dry when wet. However, Jackson has a dry climate and many people are satisfied with the performance of down.
ACCESSORIES
- Hats- Hats and snow caps are necessary in Jackson winters. Most heat is lost through your head so it is crucial to keep it under wraps. Hats that are tight fitting and can cover your ears provide sufficient warmth and protection. Again, you want to avoid beanies and hats made of cotton.
- Scarves- If your jacket zips up to cover your neck, a scarf is not necessary. However, scarves do add warmth and can also add a little whimsical fashion flare.
- Sunglasses- Don't leave home without them. With snow all over the ground and sun in the sky, the glare is intense. While skiing, goggles are preferred by most local skiers because they cut down on glare and provide warmth.
- Gloves- A nice pair of mittens or gloves made of leather or synthetic fabric should be sufficient. If your are working in the snow, or skiing, you might want a more insulated pair.
When packing for your winter vacation to Jackson Hole, keep in mind that you will want to have as little skin exposed as possible. Bring long sleeved and comfortable clothing. Don't forget the layers and leave your cotton socks at home.
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