You can blame this one on Alaska! It's a definite chill. As a matter of fact, it's bone chilling to say the least.

Skiing and riding can still be good, and you most likely won't have to worry about the crowds waiting in the lift lines. That's when I like to ski the most. Now don't wimp out here. Just dress for the occasion.

Under any activity, our bodies begin to perspire, cooling down the body that spells danger if you are not dressed right.

Dress in layers
• Wear thermal wicking base layer. They're light, soft and will keep you dry, wicking moisture away from your body. The inner layers should be lightweight such as polypro, wool, or coolmax.
• A mid-layer that has a soft inner layer with a hard wearing outer. They pull moisture away from the base layer and are wind resistant.
• Windproof shell. I always wear a lightweight shell that stops wind from reaching the body.

If you're skiing and riding in extremely cold temperatures and high wind, wear a headliner under that helmet. The helmet provides some warmth, and adding a helmet liner, you'll stay warm longer. A tremendous amount of heat passes through your head. Heat loss will result in the other parts of your body cooling down.

Wear a face mask or at the very least a nose guard. Your nose will get frost bite quicker than other parts of your face.

Use hand warmers, toe warmers and even body warmers. They're inexpensive and readily available at skis shops and sporting goods outlets.

Get out of those jeans, sweat pants and cords. When they get wet, and they will if you're skiing or riding, they will be cold and very uncomfortable. Wear insulated pants that are waterproof or have Gore-Tex material.

Take short runs and frequently check yourself and others around you for frostbite. With wind chill factors, frostbite can occur within minutes of exposure.

Enjoy your day on the slopes, no matter how cold it is.

Keep ME Warm

Fridays in January at Saddleback Mountain, skiers and riders can help keep residents of Franklin County warm. Five dollars of each Full Price Lift Ticket purchased will be donated to Keep ME Warm, which provides fuel assistance for those in need.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet!