What happens to your body when you get lost and confused on a mountain in the bitter cold of a winter night? In 2016, The 窪蹋勛圖厙 Podcast launched with this harrowing story of a lost motorist fighting for his life. Based on Peter Stark’s classic feature, Frozen Alive, it is still considered a high-water mark for experiential audio storytelling.

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Three years ago, I was pursuing a herd of elk down a steep gully into a remote mountain valley in southwest Montana when it began to snow. The storm was unexpected and hyper-local; it often is in the mountains. It was only the middle of September, so I wore thin base layers under soft-shell pants, a thin fleece jacket, and low-top hiking boots. I opted to leave my rain gear and insulation in my truck, six miles away, to travel as fast and light as possible.

As the snow turned heavier and wetter, it soaked through my layers and into my boots, leaving me totally drenched. I really began to worry when I stopped shivering.

Hypothermia is the cause of around 1,500 deaths a year in the United States, according to a published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Hypothermia begins to occur when your body���s core temperature falls below 95 degrees, according to Chris Adams, a flight nurse for the , a nonprofit transport network that takes high-risk patients to hospitals by helicopter, working out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Adams says he treats hypothermia virtually every time he rescues a trauma victim.

The majority of hypothermia cases happen泭in where emergency services may be unavailable or slow to respond. And in many colder places, hypothermia is the cause of unintentional death, after vehicle accidents.

Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because its occurrence often involves the unexpected. Just like during my elk hunt.

My ATV was waiting on a trail 1,000 feet above me, at least a 30-minute hike away. My efforts to reach the vehicle partially dried my torso and legs, but my hands and feet were still totally numb by the time I climbed the gully. Riding the ATV back to my truck was a challenge. The numbness in my fingers made it hard to operate the controls, and the urgency to reach safety had to be balanced with the additional windchill created by speed.

By the time I got to my truck and clumsily climbed into the driver���s seat, a glance in the rearview mirror revealed blue lips surrounded by my ghastly pale face. I cranked the heat, turned on my seat warmer, and sat in silence for half an hour while the shivers returned and stabbing pain crept into my extremities.

According to Adams, I was probably in a stage of mild severity while hiking up the mountain, then into moderate hypothermia by the time I���d reached the truck. Preparing to survive hypothermia is an essential skill for those of us who recreate outdoors in cold weather.

How Can You Tell If You Have Hypothermia?

Luckily, hypothermia has clear indicators. “Watch for the ‘umbles���stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness,��� reads a white paper on hypothermia published by .

Medical professionals parse the stages of hypothermia by internal body temperature. But since you can’t get an accurate read of your body’s internal temperature with oral thermometers, according to a , you and I are better off looking at symptoms.

According to Adams, symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Feeling cold
• Loss of motor control, including both fine (operating zippers) and gross (the ability to walk)
• Impaired mental abilities impacting speech and consciousness
• The slowing of respiratory and heart rates

A mildly hypothermic person will still be shivering, but begin to lose fine motor control. A telltale sign of moderate hypothermia is when the victim stops shivering, and when walking and standing become difficult. In a severe stage of hypothermia a person may泭be unable to stand or walk, and will likely lose consciousness altogether. Beyond that, the body approaches death as its heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute, breathing stops, and eventually the heart fails.

“Uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, confusion, and reduced coordination can quickly spiral into unconsciousness,” John Barklow tells 窪蹋勛圖厙. After serving as a Navy diver, Barklow trained Navy SEALs in cold weather survival techniques (including self treatment of mild to moderate hypothermia), designed clothing systems intended to reduce the odds of Special Operations Forces experiencing hypothermia, and now works as the lead designer for Bozeman, Montana-based technical clothing brand , while still teaching survival classes and seminars.

How to Prevent Hypothermia

Beyond wearing enough insulation to remain warm in a given temperature, it’s important to consider the materials you’re wearing.

The worst of those is cotton. Because cotton fibers are hollow and carry a negative electrical charge,泭. Cotton fabrics can hold up to 27 time their own weight in water, then refuse to dry out.

Wool is a lot better. It absorbs only 30 percent of its own weight in water, and the microscopic structure of its fibers can work to break the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, producing a tiny amount of heat.

Down, even varieties treated with hydrophobic coatings designed to repel water, loses its ability to loft (and keep you warm) when wet.

Best are synthetic fabrics and insulations like polyester and nylon, which only absorb around 0.4 to four percent of their weight in water, respectively. Because synthetic materials dry so much faster as a result, they���re a much safer option in cold, wet conditions, or when you run a risk of submersion. I���ve recently transitioned to an all-synthetic clothing system for backcountry adventures, for that reason.

In what Barklow calls the “,” he submerges participants in freezing-cold water, then instructs those students to add layers of synthetic insulation, drink water, and consume easily-digested calories. Patients huddle inside breathable rain shells designed to keep out the weather and prevent convective heat loss. The warmth generated by their bodies, held in by warm-when-wet synthetic insulation, is able to force water first away from their skin. Moisture gets drawn out through the layers of clothing, enabling their bodies to return to safe temperatures.

���With a great clothing system there���s no need to carry extra [equipment],��� Barklow says.

Adams backs this up. “This is a really good idea, if you have the right clothes,” he states. “Preparation is everything.”

The nurse also says that if you begin to experience hypothermia symptoms, and you’re alone in the backcountry, you should focus on creating body heat. “You can hike up a hill really fast,” he says.

How to Treat Hypothermia

Barklow���s method also tracks with survival advice given by the , which prescribes protecting yourself or a patient from the environment, drying them out, and then warming them up using a heat source. With Barklow���s method, which requires synthetic clothing layers, you don���t need to remove any clothing, or ���泭and you don���t need a fire.

Should you lack such a clothing system, the approach becomes a little more complicated. You���ll need shelter, dry insulation, and a heat source. In mild stages of hypothermia, you can use something as simple as a tent, a dry sleeping bag, and another person���s body heat, warm water bottle, or chemical heat packs. (Place the latter two items on the neck, arm pits, and groin where large arteries pass close to the skin). As you progress into moderate and severe cases, hypothermia will require more significant sources of heat,泭like a heated structure or vehicle or a wood stove, and ultimately treatment by medical professionals.

Adams recommends paying close attention to preventing convective heat loss through contact with the cold ground, and suggests chemical heat blankets (like those sold by ) as a heat source. “I lay down a wool blanket, put a heated blanket on top of that, lay the patient down, then layer heated blankets and another wool blanket on top of that,” describes Adams. “Then we just crank the heat in the helicopter until the patient warms back up.”

Adams is careful to caution against shocking a hypothermia victim with too much heat,泭though, saying you shouldn’t submerge them in a hot bath or shower. “It’s gotta be slow,” he says. “Just focus on getting the ambient temperature nice and high, and rewarming slowly.”

What about CPR? In severe stages of hypothermia, a person���s pulse may not be detectable at the wrist due to severely constricted blood vessels, and when checked at the carotid artery may be as slow as just a few beats-per-minute. Adams warns against chest compressions as a result, but says blowing warm air into an unconscious victim’s lungs may help increase their core temperature.

Barklow recommends that you don’t just leave survival skills up to chance. “You need to train in realistic conditions to ensure you and your gear perform as expected,” he says.

Ensuring your layers are a match for the conditions is something you should first try in a safe environment. “You don���t want to realize that you and your kit aren���t up to the task of saving your life after you swim a glacier-fed rapid while on a remote packraft trip in Alaska,” he says.

Adams offers one final piece of advice: don���t give up. Due to the protective effects of cold temperatures, complete recovery can be possible even in severe, prolonged hypothermia cases.

Wes Siler recently returned from a trip to Yellowknife, in northern Canada, where temperatures were as low as -38 degrees Fahrenheit. He was warm, comfortable, and safe throughout. You can ask him more detailed questions about outdoors gear and other topics on .泭

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At Backpacker, we���re champions of hiking year-round���why trade your trail time for couch time just because it���s a little chilly outside? But we���re also clear-eyed about winter hiking���s challenges. When the mercury drops, what would be a pleasant weekend trip can become an ordeal. Instead of recharging you, it leaves you more drained at the end than you were at the start.

Instead of just surviving your winter adventures, you can learn to . Knowing what gear will help you stay comfortable and happy in the cold is a good place to start. We polled Backpacker���s editors and the rest of our parent company 窪蹋勛圖厙���s staff to get our coworkers��� personal favorite gear picks for hitting the trail in the winter, and came away with a hit list that might just help you turn the fourth season into your favorite hiking season.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.泭Learn more.

Argali Absaroka 4P Tent

Dennis Lewon���s idea of essential winter gear: a big tent. ���Winter loads are already heavy so it can be tempting to bring a smaller and lighter tent,��� said Lewon, 窪蹋勛圖厙���s director of content (and Backpacker���s former editor in chief). ���But having more space and ventilation makes winter camping so much more comfortable, especially with the long nights.��� is a four-person pyramid tent with an unusual feature: a fold-up titanium stove that puts out enough heat that our reviewers could hang out in their baselayers during freezing nights. This isn���t like the canvas hot tents you may have tried in the past: The Absaroka泭 packs down to the size of a paper towel roll, the stove to the size of a laptop case, and the whole package weighs just more than 5 pounds.

ReadEra App

With early sunsets, winter nights are already long, and when winter storms move in, it���s easy to find yourself waiting out the weather for hours or even days. Packing a book is a great way to kill time, and I���m partial to this free e-reader, which I���ve paired with public domain ebooks (Dracula, anyone?) from . ReadEra doesn���t have any ads, subscription fees, or annoying pop-ups, handles a wide variety of file formats well, and it makes it easy to organize your files. I especially appreciated the customization: Being able to change font size and background has kept me from straining my eyes into oblivion while paging through stories on my phone.

Hothands Hand Warmers

We���ve lost count of how many colleagues professed their love for these disposable warmers, which they stuff into gloves, boots, and sleep systems. ���I hold onto those puppies real tight each night or stuff them in my sleeping bag,��� wrote Emma Veidt, Backpacker���s associate editor. Trying to cut down on your waste in 2025? Zippo���s HeatBank 9s, which combines a USB-rechargeable hand warmer with a power bank, is a reusable option.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Pants

Packing down pants to take the chill off the coldest nights is a favorite strategy of Jake Stern, 窪蹋勛圖厙 Magazine���s digital editor. Mountain Hardwear���s Ghost Whisperer pants keep weight down with 800-fill down and gossamer ripstop construction; a men���s medium weighs in at 9.6 ounces, but still features two side pockets and ankle zips to make getting them on and off easy despite the trim cut. Bonus: Pair them with a matching Ghost Whisperer Hoody to create the world���s most technical sweatsuit.

Baffin Cush Booty

Cold toes are a little issue that can have a big impact on your comfort, and packing insulated booties is a lightweight, easy way to banish them in camp. There are a lot of good choices on the market, but Ryan Snow, 窪蹋勛圖厙���s data warehouse engineer, suggests this pair, which features a B-Dry waterproof liner and blended polyester and wool insulation for warmth. A drawstring around the cuff seals out drafts, while the nylon bottom is resistant to punctures and features silicone accents for slip-resistance.

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC Hammock and Wooki Underquilt

On fourth-season adventures, Mike Ardagh, a support operations tools specialist for 窪蹋勛圖厙, prefers to avoid sleeping on the cold ground entirely with a hammock system. His model of choice: the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, which at just under 1 pound 6 ounces is comparable to some ultralight tents out there. Ardagh pairs it with the company���s Wooki underquilt, which he calls a ���game-changer.��� The quilt features 850-fill dry-treated duck down, and fits users up to 6 feet, 6 inches; a 0-degree, XL model weighs in at a reasonable pound and a half.

A Warm Water Bath for Your Canister Stove

This cheap hack comes from Anthony Walsh, Climbing���s digital editor, who���s used it down to -30簞F. Just put a plastic container big enough to fit your fuel canister in on a sleeping mat or pack, add warm water, and stand your canister inside to help increase the canister���s pressure. ���It seems like a magic trick: literally just a splash of water will turn a sputtering stove into a total beast,��� Walsh said.

Underwood The Bubbles Sparkling Wine

If you���re a fan of a tipple around the fire, these cans of sparkling wine are a compact, great-tasting option. ���Sure, it���s added weight, but life���s too short not to celebrate the moments that make us feel alive,��� said Sierra Shafer, editor in chief of Ski and editorial director of 窪蹋勛圖厙���s 窪蹋勛圖厙 group. ���How fun is it to pop a little bottle of champagne at the summit or once you���re settled in camp for the night?��� (A non-alcoholic canned option: Gruvi���s Sangria is a fruit-flavored, alcohol-removed wine that���s just tannic enough to taste like the real thing.)

Skida Sunday Alpine Neckwarmer

A neck gaiter is a multifunctional piece of equipment for staying comfy on both summer and winter adventures. Quality is important when you pick which neck warmer to bring, said Shafer, but so is quantity: ���I swear by my Skida Sunday Alpine Neckwarmer, but more importantly, packing a second gaiter in your pocket or pack can be a lifesaver when your first one gets damp from condensation or snow,��� she said of this polyester model, which comes in an array of vibrant prints. ���A fresh, dry gaiter makes a world of difference in keeping the elements out and staying warm,��� Shafer said.

Bear Creek Soups

What���s better than hot soup on a cold night? With classic flavors like minestrone and cheddar broccoli, this popular brand ���makes a big pot of warmth, is super easy���just add water���and is pretty dang good for a packaged mix,��� Lewon said. (Downside: None of these mixes are vegetarian, so if you���re plant-based, you���ll need to look for another option.)

Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody

It���s not the lightest down jacket on the market, but the Fitz Roy is as warm of a layer as you���ll feasibly be able to pack in. ���It���s way too warm to hike in, and I���ve been told it makes me look like I���m wearing a trash bag, but it makes hanging around in sub-freezing conditions actually bearable,��� says Jen Smith, a software engineer for 窪蹋勛圖厙. The Fitz Roy features 800-fill down encased in a DWR-treated recycled nylon shell. At 14.8 ounces and packing to about the size of a 1-liter Nalgene, it���s reasonable to carry, and includes twin chest pockets, side pockets, and an internal stuff pocket for quickly storing essentials. Plus, a drawstring waist helps keep out the elements.

The post Make Winter Camping Suck Less With These 11 Gear Picks from Our Editors appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

Next to not bringing enough warm enough layers and forgetting to check the weather, hitting the trail without appropriate traction is among . It���s one that���s easy to miss until it���s too late, too: Trails that climb from lower elevations泭 may be bare at the beginning but covered in heavy snow and boilerplate ice higher up. Even if your hike doesn���t end in disaster, having to carefully edge your way down a slippery trail instead of stepping with confidence can cost you time, leading you to get to camp or your car later than you had planned. Here���s why you need traction, and .

How Hiking Traction Works

Grab a pair of your street shoes and a pair of your hiking shoes and . Compared to your casual footwear, your trail runners or boots have a toothier, more rugged-looking sole. Hiking traction���such as ice cleats, crampons, and snowshoes���takes that to an extreme: By concentrating your body weight into a small area, their points penetrate into and grip hard snow and ice in a way that your footwear alone can���t, and provide multidirectional grip rather than skating off the surface. Which specific kind of traction you need depends on the conditions you plan on hiking in.

Ice Cleats

Better known as Microspikes (technically a trademark for Kahtoola���s version of them), these diminutive points are smaller and generally more flexible than crampons. They feature a set of small steel or tungsten carbide points, mounted on either a chain or rubber structure that fits snugly around your footwear. Ice cleats are great for general use in winter; they���re usually enough for everything but steep, mountaineering-adjacent routes in the mountains.

are a good middle-of-the-road solution that can handle a wide variety of conditions, with twelve ���-inch spikes per foot and a secure elastomer upper. The , which features a Boa system for dialing in fit, is another option.

Crampons

For the most extreme routes that involve long, steep alpine ascents or the potential for high-consequence falls, you may want something a little toothier than ice cleats. That���s where crampons come in. These clawlike steel spikes come in a variety of flavors; for hiking and light mountaineering, you���ll want a pair of strap-on 10-point crampons���not one of the heavier-duty (and just plain heavier) models intended for ice climbing. Unless you know you���ll be hiking strictly on snow, resist the urge to get aluminum crampons, which are lighter but will dull or even break quickly on rocky terrain.

feature chromoly steel spikes, an independent rear, and toe bindings that work with just about any boot or shoe and feature a fold-flat heel support so they take up as little pack space as possible. At just under a pound and a half per pair, they���re relatively light for the category, too.

Snowshoes

If you���ll be negotiating deep snow as well as hardpack, a pair of snowshoes that���s built for mountain use can be a good option; just keep in mind that they���ll be clumsy and not especially useful on variable or rocky terrain. Look for a pair with teeth along the frame as well as at the toes, sturdy construction, and a heel lifter, which will help your calves from wearing out on long climbs.

were a favorite of our snowshoe testers this year. More than 70 steel teeth along the frame and seven at the toe provided reliable grip even on icy sections, and ratchet straps on the upper foot kept our tester���s footwear from slipping and sliding during testing in Montana.

The post Bringing the Right Traction Could Save Your Winter Hike���or Your Life appeared first on 窪蹋勛圖厙 Online.

There���s no other way to put it: My skier friends and I are hedonists. We chase the pleasures泭of a 100-day ski season, cold snow splashing in our faces as we make turns in deep powder. We stay up late dancing, eat fondue and sip a cold beer on a sundeck under an azure sky. We minimize discomfort by shelling out beaucoup bucks for absurdly expensive outerwear and spend hours in a ski shop tweaking our plastic foot-coffins.

Despite this dogged commitment to skiing, I’ve recently made a compromise, to preserve my sanity while chasing snow 12 months a year, to maximize pleasure and minimize pain, I will no longer wake up at the crack of dawn on powder days to chase bottomless turns alongside the early-risers.

I know. I know. That���s what it���s all about���there���s an early morning ritual that skiers hold sacred. Rise early, brew coffee or grab a cup and a breakfast burrito at the local cafe, boot up in the lot well before the bullwheel spins, and snag first chair and an untracked run.

For dedicated skiers, that experience is universal. But I���m over it. My old early morning routine will give you a clue as to why.

It went something like this: I’d wake up bleary-eyed (I have never been a morning person) at 6 A.M. Fumble upstairs and realize the temperature of my living room has dropped to 48 degrees Fahrenheit.泭

After an arduous experience shoveling and loading the car, I would drive to the mountain. Rubbing a slim circle in the fog on my windshield so I could see if I was still on the road, I would hit traffic. Some crossover driver who thought all-wheel drive is the same thing as having snow tires spun off the road and stalled the creeping line of also ill-equipped cars to a standstill.

By the time I make it to the resort, boot up, and get in the lift line, I can see nothing but ski tracks on every bit of choice terrain on the hill.

It’s just not worth it. I���m done waking up early for pow days.

If you���ve read this far, you���re probably thinking, ���Does this guy even like skiing?��� No. To be clear:泭I love skiing. I eat, sleep, and breathe skiing. I’ve built my life around it to the point where I live 20 minutes from the resort, an incredible privilege that has ravaged my savings account to its core. In fact, I’m so obsessed with the sport that I couldn���t care less what kind of snow conditions I ski. Skied up chop is just as fun to me as deep powder, so I���ll be as happy showing up at noon on a powder day, just as the early birds are starting to leave from their primo parking spots.

I���ll spend the afternoon hours popping off soft moguls, finding air anywhere and everywhere. I���ll hunt for stashes of snow that the wind has picked up and recirculated. I���ll lap the chair that crowds have abandoned, thinking it���s all been skied out and laugh as I find pockets of pow and ski right back onto an empty chair lift.

I���m a backcountry skier too, and I live among a range that is more than 200 miles long and populated by fewer than 15,000 people. So don���t worry. I still ski powder. But to me, that���s no longer what resort skiing is for. It���s for hot laps with your friends and not stressing over morning lines, car accidents, traffic, or powder panic.

This weekend it���s going to snow another foot and a half, and you can find me lapping Mammoth Mountain���s Chair 22, the best chairlift on earth, from 2-4 P.M. Because I���m a hedonist, and I���ll be having more fun than anyone else on the mountain.

Jake Stern is a digital editor at泭窪蹋勛圖厙. He spends the winter months skiing as much as humanly possible. He just needs his beauty rest.

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When it comes to ski resorts and wintery adventures, the mountain towns in Colorado have an embarrassment of riches. Growing up in New Jersey, my family would drive nearly five hours to ski the resorts of Vermont. Sometimes my dad would pile us in his van and do a 10-hour round trip in a single day. I have so many fond memories of chilly outdoor time with my family as a kid. Then, I headed west later in life.

Why I Love These Mountain Towns in Colorado

When I moved to Boulder, Colorado I was blown away to learn that I had nearly a dozen resorts within a two-hour drive and another dozen more just a bit further. The initial allure was, of course, the downhill. But then I began to discover the other adventures on offer, from fat tire biking along stunning singletrack and Nordic skiing past old gold mines, to snowmobiling and dog sledding in the backcountry.

Every ski town has its own personality, plus quirky annual events that I try to time my visits around. The properties from ���a hip hotel membership club that started in Breckenridge and now has outposts in Vail, Winter Park, and Steamboat Springs���is my typical go-to stay for the hyperlocal vibe, convenient co-working spaces, athlete-worthy gyms, and restaurants with high-quality cocktails and food (from $169 to $299 minimum per night).

If you prefer a vacation rental, has properties in Vail, Beaver, Creek, Aspen, and Snowmass and recently introduced Peak Pursuits, an adventure-focused concierge service that can arrange activities such as heli-skiing and sleigh ride dinners. Here���s my cheat sheet on how to navigate the on and off-piste winter thrills of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado.

Best Things to Do in Aspen-Snowmass

I have a soft spot for Aspen. If you look past the glitz and glamor you can still find a soulful mountain town with epic adventures on offer. A free public transportation system transfers you between the resort���s four mountains, each with its own personality and appeal (Buttermilk for families; Aspen-Highlands for its mythic bowl). And Hero���s, the new terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, will push your edge with chutes and gladed areas. You can be part of the downtown apr癡s scene, but I prefer to get my culture fix after skiing and visit the or .

Where to Play

In my opinion, Aspen-Snowmass has Colorado���s best . A season uphill pass costs $69 ($10 of the fee goes to Mountain Rescue Aspen) and gives you access to dedicated routes on Buttermilk and Snowmass mountains all day, and you can uphill Ajax Mountain and Aspen Highlands when the lift isn���t spinning. The Roaring Fork Valley is also a , boasting 60 miles of free cross-country and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt.

I like to work up an appetite, skate skiing the so I can splurge on the burger at Woody Creek Tavern or I���ll pay for a $25 pass at Ashcroft Nordic Center, set across from an old ghost town, so I can cross-country ski out to for their pre-fixe lunch menu. They also have an option to reach the restaurant by horse-drawn sleigh.

For unreal views without a lot of effort, book a with T Lazy Ranch (from $275).

Where to Stay

Aspen has no shortage of ritzy hotels with see-and-be-seen crowds but I prefer the low-key properties in both Aspen (from $629 a night) and Snowmass (from $569 a night). Rooms are outfitted with Smeg fridges and microwaves, banquette seating for dining or remote working, plus plenty of hooks and cubbies for ski gear. In the morning, you���re treated to a complimentary breakfast buffet. After skiing, you can soak in the hot tub or heated outdoor pool then hit the bar for live music and wood-fired pizza.

Where to Eat

The former log cabin recently underwent a renovation and expansion and this season will be accessible by foot off of Snowmass���s new Coney Express Lift. You can ski in for lunch or extended apr癡s hours, which feature shotskis and charcuterie boards, or book an evening snowcat dinner.

I buy an uphill pass just so I can attend the monthly at the Cliffhouse at Buttermilk.

, a new dive bar in Aspen, was recently opened by two locals and affordably-priced food was a term of the restaurant���s deed-restricted lease. A beer and beef slider will cost you less than $10; a steal in Aspen.

And if you���re flying in or out of the airport, a detour to , tucked away in the Aspen Airport Center, is a must. Her flavorful dishes, like vegetable maffe, a West African peanut curry, and seafood gumbo, pay homage to her French and Ivory Coast roots.

Don���t-Miss Event

Buttermilk Mountain will host the Winter X Games January 23-25, 2025 and the and the Visa Big Air January 30-February 6. But I���m most excited for the inaugural halfpipe event of Olympic snowboarder Shaun White���s new Snow League, happening March 7-8.

Best Things to Do in Breckenridge

Just 80 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge is one of the state���s most popular Front Range ski resorts. Some lament the crowds, but I find once you���re on the mountain, it���s easy to spread out. Five peaks boast more than 180 trails webbed across nearly 3,000 skiable acres of terrain, ranging from high-alpine bowls to beginner-friendly tree runs.

I like to rise early and warm up with a yoga class at and always build in a down day to explore the boutiques, restaurants, and public art and studios of the in Breck���s charming Victorian downtown.

Where to Play

Rent a fat bike (they also have e-fat bikes) from and explore the nearly 20 miles of groomed trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center (half-day rentals from $65). The outfitter���s guided rides to and are great because they provide transportation back to town so you can imbibe worry-free (from $85).泭

Where to Stay

The feels more like a restaurant with rooms. The Euro-style inn has just four, Scandi-minimalist suites stocked with useful amenities like Topo Designs backpacks and yoga mats. Two of the town’s best eateries are just below the rooms. The seafood-centric, ground-floor restaurant features a raw bar and items like fish and chips and lobster roll sliders; the basement-level speakeasy-inspired tavern serves comfort foods like cheesesteaks and fried chicken sammys. (From $399 per night.)

Where to Eat

Matt Vawter, chef and owner of , was recently named the James Beard Awards��� best chef in the mountain region. The mega accolade, often called the Oscars of the food world, has made reservations to experience his exceptional tasting menu a must.

Don���t-Miss Event

, a wacky celebration of the Norse god of snow, takes place December 12-14, 2024 with a colorful parade of costumed revelers. This year, Breck will try to lure 1,370 participants to help reclaim the unofficial world���s longest shotski record from Park City. I hope to be there.

Best Things to Do in Crested Butte

I live in one of the greatest mountain towns in Colorado, but I still get mountain-town envy every time I visit Crested Butte. The soulful vibe and lack of big brand hotels and chains have earned it the reputation as Colorado���s last great ski town. If you���re seeking rowdy terrain, Crested Butte Mountain Resort delivers. Known as the North American birthplace of inbounds extreme skiing and riding, it boasts more than 560 acres of expert terrain. Want bragging rights? Tackle Rambo, a 55-degree-pitch run considered the steepest lift-served, tree-cut trail in the U.S. Beyond the resort, the surrounding Gunnison Valley offers a treasure trove of backcountry adventures to satiate all types of outdoor lovers.

Where to Play

Cat skiing with local outfitter on 1,000 acres of powder-blessed terrain just ten miles out of town ranks as one of my all-time snowboard days (private cat for up to 10 people costs $8,500 or buy a single seat for $850).

If there���s a dry spell, is a perfect alternative to downhill skiing and grooms a number of areas around town that are free to access. The maintains nearly 35 miles of trails that can be accessed with a $25 day pass. The six miles of trails at the Town Ranch and on the Rec Path can be accessed for free.

Where to Stay

Ski-in/ski-out has an on-site ski rental shop, a sprawling spa, spacious rooms, and a lounge in partnership with local film company Matchstick Productions that hosts screenings and athlete activations (from $230 a night).

Where to Eat

Carb up at the , a dive-y pizza spot. I love that the menu at the has healthy options like the completely satisfying quinoa-spiked power salad, as well as the not-so-healthy stuff you crave after a day slaying pow, like a burger topped with pork belly and fried onions.

On Sundays, in-the-know locals Nordic ski or snowshoe to , located one-mile from the Peanut Lake Trailhead Loop.

Don���t-Miss Event

, an outrageous costumed American Birkebeiner qualifying Nordic event, takes place February 1, 2025 and the course winds through the heart of downtown making it a favorite spectator event.

Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs

Ski Town USA is known for both its ultra-dry, trademark ���champagne powder��� and Old Western cowboy character. In the last few years, the resort has been re-imagined with a new base area, complete with a skating rink and food hall, and a dedicated beginner area, Greenhorn Ranch. Advanced skiers once bemoaned the lack of expert runs. No more. Last year the resort debuted Mahogany Ridge & Fish Creek Canyon, some 650 acres of test-your-mettle terrain.

A free bus runs every 20 minutes between the village and town, making it easy to explore galleries and shops like stalwart western wear.

Where to Play

Channel your inner cowboy (or girl) on a snowy trail ride at , led by fifth-generation wrangler (and enthralling storyteller) Ray Heid ($150). Then warm up with a steamy soak. I like the ease of ($29) but clothing-optional-after-dark is an experience ($20, cash only). If you don���t have 4WD and snow tires, book a to reach the secluded springs ($50 round-trip, entry fee included).

Where to Stay

The historic recently renovated its 35 rooms and has a hard-to-beat downtown location walking distance to shops and restaurants. (From $199 a night.)

Where to Eat

Options abound. On the hill, you can choose from ramen, pizza, tacos, and subs at the . In town, the offers Jamaican jerk chicken, poke bowls, classic cocktails, and more. Brunch at is worth a late start on the slopes, particularly for the banana foster French toast and smoked tomato and pesto Benedict.

Don���t-Miss Event

Like a rodeo on the slopes, the annual , January 20, 2025, always leaves me in stitches as I watch cowgirls and cowboys in their chaps and Stetsons speed down a dual slalom course, hit jumps, then lasso a person, saddle a horse, and ski across the finish line.

Families shouldn���t miss the oldest west of the Mississippi. Celebrating 112 years on February 7-9, 2025 the festivities include ski racing, skijoring, and a fireworks-studded night show featuring the famed Lighted Man, who shoots fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit while skiing down the hill.

Best Things to Do in Telluride

Telluride looks like it was meant for a snow globe. Nestled in a picturesque box canyon within the jagged San Juan Mountains, it isn���t the easiest resort to reach in winter, which means you rarely find crowds. If you make the effort, you���re rewarded with quad-burning slopes and a darling downtown lined with Victorian homes, art galleries, indie boutiques, and some seriously great dining.

A free, pedestrian gondola makes it effortless to bounce between the mountain and the historic downtown while soaking in awesome views.

Where to Play

can access more than 200 square miles of high-alpine skiing and its single-day heli-trip promises six runs with up to 14,000 feet of leg-quivering vert (from $1,875 per person).

I always like to build in a mellow activity to temper all of the adrenaline and one of my favorite experiences over the years has been dog sledding the snowy trails of the Uncompahgre National Forest with family-run company, . (Prices vary, for current rates.)

Where to Stay

I like the convenience of the ski-in/ski-out (from $399 a night), and appreciate their massive fitness center. Intimate, five-bedroom (from $550 a night) is steps from the town gondola and feels like a fancy B&B, complete with complimentary wine, beer, and snacks, and hearty breakfast spread.

Where to Eat

Sometimes I opt to stay downtown just so I can be walking distance to the , an institution beloved for its monster-sized, made-from-scratch baked goods (the homemade pop tarts are addictive).

On piste, , North America���s second highest elevation fine-dining restaurant, channels Italy���s Dolomites with its charcuterie and cheese spreads, deep wine list, and killer mountain views. I still haven���t experienced the omakase menu at , a stellar sushi spot in town, but their happy hour is one of the best deals around with half price sushi rolls.

Don���t-Miss Event

Many Colorado resorts now host a , but Telluride���s (February 22-March 1, 2025) stands out for its raucous pool parties and kick-off event, the Telluride Aids Benefit fashion show gala.

Best Things to Do in Vail

People like to hate on Vail because its parent company is a mega ski conglomerate. That shouldn���t take away from its seriously great terrain. I���ve lived in Colorado for a decade and am still discovering all that the resort���s seven back bowls have to offer in its 2,785 acres of terrain. And in the last few years, the Bavarian-inspired village has been reinvigorated with new bars, restaurants, and the wild entertainment venue, .

Where to Play

Skiing the Minturn Mile, an out-of-bounds run that spans three miles and drops 3,000 vertical feet, is a right of passage for hard-charging locals.泭 I usually think of Nordic skiing as a killer workout, but turns it into an adventure by leading half- and full-day tours into the White River National Forest where you���re likely to ski past abandoned mines and wildlife (from $160).

Where to Stay

I love how the celebrates the resort���s 1960s heyday. Design details, like framed 10th Mountain Division pins in the rooms, nod to the region���s alpine heritage. After a day on the hill I head straight to the downstairs recovery lounge, equipped with massage guns, leg compression sleeves, and a Himalayan salt room. (From $469 per night.)

Where to Eat

Matsuhisa has some competition now that upscale sushi spot has opened in the Grand Hyatt Vail. This winter, Denver���s award-winning Italian restaurant, , opens in the Four Seasons. On the mountain, I can never resist the smell of barbecue wafting from , accessible off chairlifts 3, 17, and 7.

Don���t-Miss Event

I���ve marked my calendar to see the action at the at neighboring Beaver Creek December 6-15, 2024. Music fans won���t want to miss , a weekend concert series April 4-5, 2025 featuring DJs like Interplanetary Criminal and Don Fuego (tickets from $99).

Best Things to Do in Winter Park

I���ll admit, the initial appeal of snowboarding at Winter Park was that I could bypass traffic by hopping on the , a stress-free, direct train service that runs Friday through Sunday throughout the winter from Denver���s Union Station to the base of the resort (tickets from $19 to $39).

Widely considered Colorado���s original ski resort, it strikes a rare balance of being both a destination yet feeling like locals still rule the hill. I���ve been a devotee since my first trip. You���ll find newbie and kid-friendly groomers and some super fun glades at Winter Park and neighboring peak Mary Jane is known for its thigh-burning moguls and hike-accessed Cirque terrain.

Where to Play

Head to to snow tube ($35 an hour), fat bike ($20 per hour), and snowshoe (rentals $25 per day).

On select Saturday evenings this January through March, you can uphill by headlamp for an alpine dinner at , a vintage lodge near the Explorer Express and Prospector lifts, then descend under the stars.

Where to Stay

I satisfy my cabin fantasies by staying at the . This collection of 31 Instagram-worthy, mid-century-inspired cabins feature Malm fireplaces and deep soaking tubs and the restaurant has an Argentinean gaucho grill that cooks tomahawk ribeyes and wagyu for the decadent burger to perfection. (From $299 a night.)

Where to Eat

The main drag of the town of Winter Park is about three miles from the resort and even on snowy nights I brave the drive just to have the fiery curries at . And the French fries (yes, the fries) at are so good I sometimes just have a whopping serving and an old fashioned and call it dinner.

Don���t-Miss Event

The annual Spring Bash and Splash is a rowdy series of bluegrass concerts, costume contests, beach parties, and pond skims held every weekend from the end of March through April.

Any time Jen Murphy gets frustrated sitting in Colorado���s I-70 ski traffic she has flashbacks to traffic jams enroute to the icy slopes of Vermont and the 30-second descents of the Poconos, the stomping grounds of her youth. Jen is a regular 窪蹋勛圖厙 contributor and our travel-advice columnist who has recently written a beginner���s guide to Costa Rica, a story on how she used AI to plan a trip to Maui, and shared tips on how to get refunded for vacations泭bunked by bad weather.泭

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You know you need warm layers when the temperature drops. But not just any jacket will do. Choosing the right insulation for the conditions is the key to enjoying cold-weather adventures���and staying safe.

Number one, you want a good warmth-to-weight ratio, and that means apparel made with either natural goose down or synthetic polyester fill. Both types of insulation are packable and warm, because they trap air and create a lightweight, heat-retaining buffer between your body and the outside elements. But beyond that, they have different properties and benefits, so choosing the right insulation for your needs depends largely on conditions and personal preferences. Do you want something that���s more water-resistant or more compressible? How do you prioritize sustainability, durability, and affordability? Here���s how to understand the differences and make the best choice.

Down insulation, which uses the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers on ducks and geese, offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It���s breathable, packs well, and can last for decades if it���s cared for properly. Trade-offs? Down does not perform well in wet conditions, as the feathers tend to clump in bunches, losing the loft that keeps you warm, and it���s hard to dry. Some down is treated with a water-resistant coating, but it���s still not ideal for wet weather. Also, you���ll want to check that any down used is harvested in a humane way.

Synthetic insulation has always been a top choice for anyone expecting wet conditions, because it still insulates when wet. There used to be a wider gap in packability, but more and more adventurers are turning to synthetic insulation for their warmest layers because innovative companies like are making huge strides in creating synthetic fibers that are sustainable, durable, and high-performing in the field.

Not only does synthetic insulation maintain its ability to keep you warm even if it gets wet, but it also dries quickly, making it a superior choice in harsh conditions. Synthetic insulation is also typically less expensive than goose down.

The Italian brand Thermore was founded on this very principle and has continued to be a pioneer in sustainable, high-performance synthetic fill. The brand was established in 1972 by Lucio Siniscalchi, who saw the rise of winter sports like skiing and knew the discipline would demand more technical apparel than what was available at the time. Thermore has been pushing the envelope ever since, developing the first recycled synthetic fill in the early 1980s. Siniscalchi saw how used bottles were being melted to create solid plastics and recognized an opportunity. He decided to have those same bottles melted to create fibers that could be used to insulate jackets. Currently, 98 percent of Thermore���s products are made from recycled content.

���Providing sustainable insulation and down alternatives is part of our mission and something I���ve grown up with,��� says Patrizio Siniscalchi, managing director of Thermore and son of Lucio Siniscalchi. ���My father pioneered the use of synthetic fibers for apparel because those fibers provide more flexibility and higher durability, and we���re still working to ensure our entire portfolio is as sustainable as possible. We aim to blend performance and sustainability with everything we do.���

Consider Thermore���s recent launch of , a 100 percent recycled insulation that has proven to be more durable than traditional down, making it a win-win for anyone who wants a jacket that���s both sustainable and performs beautifully in the field. Stio���s jacket uses 60 grams of Thermore���s ECODOWN, for a lightweight ���shacket��� that���s perfect as a shoulder-season outer layer or a midlayer in colder temps. Karbon���s Epic is an even warmer option, ideal for winter sports, with 120 grams of ECODOWN in a hooded jacket with a snow skirt.

And that���s just one of Thermore���s innovations. The company also developed , a hybrid tech that blends the high loft of blow-in insulation with the ease of use of rolled insulation, which is great news for consumers because it provides similar benefits of down but is more cost-effective to manufacture. Result: high-performance, more affordable garments.

is another new product that promises to revolutionize insulation for hard-charging, adventure-minded consumers thanks to its high warmth-to-thickness ratio. The new, condensed fiber is incredibly thin without sacrificing insulating properties, which will allow manufacturers to minimize bulk when making technical garments. Ultimately, with Invisiloft, brands can make a thinner jacket or sleeping bag that is just as warm as a thick puffy, in a package that���s easy to pack and wash. And yes, this new fiber is also made from 100% recycled poly that comes from used water bottles.

���Our R&D team continuously travels to experience the latest trends and technologies,��� Siniscalchi says. ���It���s a process that does not stop and is constantly evolving. The goal is to provide a real benefit to the consumer, not just a cool marketing story.���

Translation: No greenwashing here. Since there are no federal laws regulating sustainability claims, some companies use terms like ���eco-friendly��� and ���natural��� to prey on well-intentioned consumers, making vague and misleading claims. It���s false advertising, and until the government steps in, it���s going to continue. The most common form of greenwashing is lies of omission���like claiming to use recycled content but not stating how much. Thermore provides all the details you need to understand how sustainable practices are incorporated into its products.

���It is our moral duty as suppliers to not just ensure that our products are meeting elevated sustainability standards but also to educate consumers on what to look for in the marketplace,��� says Siniscalchi. ���That���s why we are investing in initiatives to both obtain gold-standard environmental certifications and use language that is honest and clear in all of our marketing materials.���

���We love our job and are completely focused on both the brands that work with us and the end consumer,��� Siniscalchi adds. ���We want end users to better enjoy their everyday life or sporting activities to the highest level���sustainably.���

Based in Milan, Italy, specializes in the research, development, production, and marketing of high-quality thermal insulation for performance apparel. Through its global sales network and its production facilities in the Far East and Europe, Thermore caters to the best brands in the outerwear industry. Thermore was the first company to launch a recycled insulation and is now highly focused on sustainable innovation, using post-consumer waste such as PET bottles.

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There���s nothing like a thrilling winter expedition���the kind of pursuit that leaves you in awe of the natural world. Whether you���re navigating riveting mountain ascents or chasing snowy silence in the backcountry, the fourth season introduces challenges that require technique and specialized equipment. Snow, cold, and wind can conspire to turn any outing into an epic. But daunting conditions are no excuse to stay inside, especially if you have the gear to match the season. With a dialed layering system, you can handle whatever winter brings.

That���s why exists: to keep you warm, dry, prepared, and protected in the face of winter���s worst. Crafted and refined using field-tested input from The North Face���s elite athlete team and proven on expeditions around the world, this modular system encompasses every layering piece you need to adapt to unpredictable conditions. No matter what your favorite alpine activity���whether it���s skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering���Summit Series lets you enjoy the cold, not hide from it.

Better Base Layers

A warm, sweat-wicking base layer is the cornerstone of any effective layering system, and the Summit Pro 120 Crew sets the tone for cold-weather comfort. It blends heat-regulating performance and stretchy mobility in a soft, 100 percent recycled fabric. ���The Summit Pro fits snug next to skin and keeps me warm while moving the sweat away from my body,��� says The North Face Athlete Matt Cornell, who wore Summit Series on multiple expeditions, including the first ascent of Jannu, Nepal. ���I use it day after day.���

Summit Pro 120 Crew

Multipurpose Midlayers

Temperature regulation while you���re on the move is the key to staying comfortable in winter: You don���t want to get too cold, but you also don���t want to overheat, as sweating too much has its own consequences. Thankfully, this is where midlayers, the next key component of the Summit Series layering system, shine. First up is the FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie, a versatile fleece that provides the perfect balance of warmth and breathability as you forge your way uphill or down. ���When I���m ski touring, I wear it all the way from the start in Chamonix Valley up to the Argenti癡re Basin���which is about 6,500 feet of elevation gain,��� says alpinist and The North Face Athlete Fay Manners.

FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie

If low temperatures call for a piece with more insulation, The North Face athletes reach for the Breithorn Hoodie. This puffy midlayer���s 800-fill, water-repellent ProDown preserves warmth and resists precipitation. It also makes the jacket compressible enough to stash in a pack until you need it���at which point you���ll be glad you took it along for the ride. ���We were forced to spend the night just below the summit on a tiny sloping edge. The Breithorn appeared as a beacon of warmth at the bottom of my pack. I���ve never loved it more than I did at that moment,��� recounts athlete Coline Girod about an exposed bivy in the French Alps.

Breithorn Hoodie

Weather Protection, Perfected

Embracing winter weather means heading into the storm, not running from it. When snow and wind are in the forecast, having a fortresslike shell���another essential element in the Summit Series system���is paramount. On high-octane missions requiring an outer layer that provides breathability and dependable protection, the Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT Jacket is your best friend: Its FUTURELIGHT three-layer membrane, The North Face���s most breathable waterproof fabric, will keep you from redlining. And although it���s a lightweight piece, this shell is built to last: ���When I���m on-route, I���ll often rest an ice ax on my shoulder if I���m placing protection or switching hands. The Torre Egger���s durability means I don���t have to worry about damaging the material,��� says Manners.

Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT Jacket

Built for skiing and snowboarding, the freeride-inspired Verbier GORE-TEX簧 Jacket is another shell that provides a reliable refuge from the elements. Its rugged three-layer GORE-TEX簧 construction will keep you dry and warm. Thoughtful design touches such as an articulated fit, a powder skirt, and seamless shoulders make this a do-it-all shell that excels from the skin track to the drop-in. Just ask pro snowboarder and The North Face Athlete Victor de Le Rue: ���The Verbier Jacket is a thin but durable shell that breathes where I need it to. It���s easy to layer under and has big, efficient pockets that are perfect for what I do,��� he says.

Verbier GORE-TEX簧 Jacket

On-Demand Heat

When the mercury plummets, the final layer of the Summit Series system locks in heat and keeps freezing temps at bay. The Pumori Down Parka is the warmest jacket in the Summit Series arsenal, providing luxuriously cozy defense against the cold. Stuffed with lofty 800-fill ProDown that���s water-repellent and ultrapackable, the Pumori���s feature set���which includes concealed hand pockets, internal drop pockets, an adjustable hem and hood, and a two-way zipper���conserves every possible bit of heat. ���This jacket allows me to step into the unknown with confidence, knowing I have the absolute right piece for anything,��� says skier and The North Face Athlete Christina Lusti. Each layer in the system works together to strike the highest level of warmth while remaining adaptable to the conditions. And that���s what Summit Series is all about: the perfect winter layering system for whatever may come.

Pumori Down Parka

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor LLC, was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for the rigors of their next adventure. Today we are the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people explore and test the limits of human potential. We protect our outdoor playgrounds and minimize our impact on the planet through programs that encourage sustainability. The North Face products are available at premium and specialty retail sporting goods stores globally and the company is headquartered in��浴enver,��浚olorado. For more information, please visit���.

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Just because the temps drop doesn���t mean you have to stop mountain biking. Before the snow flies weekly in western mountain towns, these crisp cold days can lead to incredible riding conditions���morning frost and just enough sun often give way to silky smooth hero dirt. Still, it can be hard to motivate for a frigid fall bike ride, especially since temperature regulation on a mountain bike is highly elusive. Here are a few of our favorite gear picks for extending your mountain-bike season way past the summer.

At a Glance

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Wild Rye Gnarnia Glove

Warm digits are crucial when riding in low temps. I���ve found the fleece-lined Wild Rye Gnarnia gloves to be just the edge I need for riding in the mid-30s and 40s. In the fall and winter, a glove swap is crucial, so I often wear a standard glove for a long climb, then keep these gloves in my pack (stashed in a sealed plastic bag if it���s raining) for a cozy respite before a chilly descent. They���re not fully waterproof, but the nylon shell does wonders for shedding dirt and mud while you plow through puddles.

Curious Creatures Sun Dog Pant

Pants season is my favorite part of mountain-bike season. The Sun Dog pants are lightweight enough to be reasonable for summertime bike park laps, but I���ve found them to be a fantastic layer for fall rides since they���re plenty warm for brisk days. The stretchy polyester construction is breathable yet durable���I found it to be abrasion-resistant while picnicking in the forest���without feeling stiff.

A few other features I love are the dual-zippered pockets for a phone and snacks. I also appreciate the stretchy drawcord waistband that doesn���t require a zip or button, allowing a hip pack to sit comfortably around my waist. Plus, the colors are wickedly cute, making it a versatile pair of pants I also take hiking and climbing.

Skida Pursuit Hat

Those massive vents in mountain-bike helmets come in handy for hot summer days, but come December, they feel like they funnel ice-cold air straight into my brain. Thankfully, Skida launched its Pursuit series this fall, which includes this sleek and synthetic beanie, ideal for layering under a bike helmet. This hat is thin enough not to feel bulky under a helmet, and it���s easy to tuck into a pocket while I���m pedaling up. If you want even less coverage, the lightweight ($24) is the perfect swath of soft, breathable poly-spandex for high-output rides on frosty days.

Norr繪na Fj繪r疇 Equaliser Lightweight Long Sleeve

泭

Even when it���s hovering close to freezing, the minute I start pedaling, my internal furnace goes nuts. So I like to opt for a lightweight long-sleeve jersey, like the Norr繪na Fj繪r疇 Equaliser, which breathes well while climbing and can be paired with a warmer jacket for long descents. When it���s closer to 40 degrees, I find this top perfect for rides on rolling hills where I don���t want to stop and adjust my layers every ten minutes. The polyester fabric is airy and quick-drying, with a slim fit that I appreciate when I wear it under a vest or backpack. Plus, the back of the jersey is a touch longer than the front, so it provides plenty of coverage while you���re pedaling.

Branwyn Swag 24 Jogger

Nothing motivates me more while riding in the cold than the promise of a hot shower and a cozy pair of sweats. Branwyn���s merino joggers are the ultimate post-ride bottoms (there���s also a matching ), a seriously luxurious reward for toughing it out in the frosty air. These subtly slim joggers are the perfect swap for my chamois on the drive back home���soft, stretchy, and stink-resistant, thanks to their 85 percent merino wool construction.

7Mesh Chilco Anorak

Temperature regulation while pedaling a mountain bike is no easy feat. I find myself seeking out water-resistant but not waterproof layers that provide some protection from the elements while also dumping heat. The Chilco Anorak is an ideal put-on-and-leave-on layer for brisk fall rides thanks to its breathable polyester with a wind-blocking yet air-permeable design (hence the grid pattern). The synthetic outer shell is wind- and weather-resistant, with a cozy grid fleece lining that���s soft enough to wear over a T-shirt. There���s a large zippered hand pouch you can stash snacks in if you want to go pack-free for a short jaunt, and the hood can fit over a helmet or cinch down over your head for off-the-bike adventures.

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When the Winter Park Express returned in January of the 2016���17 season, there was a lot to be excited about. The train trip departing from Denver���s Union Station promised to bypass I-70���s notorious ski traffic, replacing it with a scenic, two-hour ride up into the mountains that culminated in a 6.2-mile ride through circa-1927 Moffat Tunnel before the train chugged into Winter Park���s station.

And then skiers found out the price���from $80 for a round-trip fare, and sometimes as pricey as $140���which made riding the train little more than a novelty for most. It also only operated on the weekends, making logistics tricky.

Since then, the Amtrak-operated Winter Park Express has stuck to a similar pricing scheme and a limited schedule, adding in some holiday Mondays and offering a wider range of fares to suit different budgets. All in all, it���s been a success, and has demonstrated an unwavering interest in routes to the slopes that don���t involve sitting in standstill traffic.

Case in point, a couple months ago the Colorado Department of Transportation and extend service beyond Winter Park to Steamboat and further north. Championed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and state lawmakers, the proposal intends to utilize train tracks already in place to create passenger rail service from Winter Park to Steamboat and as far north as Craig. But those plans are .

In the meantime, Amtrak just announced significant upgrades to the ski train experience, debuting in time for this season. This includes lower train fares, an expanded schedule, more passenger capacity, and an earlier start to the season.

The Winter Park Express will begin service on December 20���three weeks earlier than in past years. There will be two holiday weekends on the schedule: December 20 to 22 and December 27 to 29. Fares will start at $19 each way, and increase based on demand, and fares for kids ages 2 through 12 are only half the cost of adult tickets.

For the bulk of the ski season, Jan. 9 through March 31, trains will run Thursdays through Mondays, departing泭 at 7 A.M. and arriving at Winter Park at 9 A.M. The return trip leaves at 4:30 P.M. and arrives back at 6:40 P.M. at downtown Denver���s Union Station. Also new this season, all trains will carry two additional passenger cars, increasing capacity from 270 to 400 seats per train.

During a press conference at Union Station earlier this week announcing the upgraded ski-season service, Governor Polis said that he hopes to eventually offer year-round train service. Until then, ski train.

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