So, you’re heading up to Hogadon Basin for the first time. Maybe you are from out of town or state, or maybe are a Casper native who has never made the short trek. Either way, welcome! There are a few things you will want to be aware of before you hit the slopes.
Casper Mountain can have some extreme winter conditions.
Wind
Wind is a large natural part of Hogadon Basin. It can go from still to gusty in a matter of a few minutes, or keep a sustained high wind for a week. These winds can contain blowing ice/snow (ouch), and subzero wind chills (brr). Proper clothing and covering can save you from this and windburn (which is almost worse than sunburn!).
Sun
Casper, Wyoming has some of the most beautiful bluebird (clear, blue winter skies) days. Although it makes for some amazing vistas, the elevation and pollution-free air does come with a price; high UV rays. Sunscreen, sunglasses or goggles are all highly advised. You can still get sunburn in the winter, and snow blindness is a true thing!
Elevation
Hogadon Basin is located at 8,000 feet above sea level which is 3,000 feet higher than in town. This may severely affect those not accustomed to the elevation. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form of altitude sickness and it’s very common. The symptoms can feel like a hangover – dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea. Please do not ignore these symptoms, and our Ski Patrol will be happy to help you feel better.
Hydration
The body’s thirst response is diminished by up to 40 percent in freezing temperatures. Fluid loss via respiration increases and sweat evaporates more quickly, tricking us into thinking we are properly hydrated when we need to be replacing fluids. So, even if you have easy access to pop into the lodge for water, it’s a great idea to carry some water with you so you can replace fluids before you get thirsty.
Clothing
We highly recommend that you stay away from wearing cotton clothing (jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.) next to your skin, because it will absorb sweat and snow and make you cold. For that same reason, wool or acrylic socks are better than cotton athletic socks. Wear one, thin pair. Ski and snowboard boots are designed to be warm. Thick socks or multiple socks will only give you blisters.
Layer Up
The best way to dress for winter is to follow the 3-layer guideline of layering. Layering gives you the flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather conditions and your activity level. These are the layers that you will want to wear:
1. Wicking Layer
This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear. Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic - usually polyester - fiber that has "wicking" power. This means the fibers will wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities. Even though it's cold, you will sweat - especially if you are snowboarding or skiing.
2. Insulating Layer
This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include: Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly. Wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.
3. Protection Layer
The exterior layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.
Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable to some extent by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable. Depending on the weather and type of winter activity you will be doing, you may be interested in uninsulated pants and jackets/shells, or garments with increasing amounts of insulation. Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers - details that truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.
Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing is still designed to fit looser than alpine ski wear, giving snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.
Headwear
Helmets or knit hats are the best at keeping your head warm when skiing or snowboarding. Remember what your mother told you about the amount of heat that escapes through your head and cover the noggin. If you choose to wear a helmet, keep in mind that you should select one that breathes appropriately for you as well as one that fits with your favorite goggles.
Eyewear
Protecting your eyes is a wise thing to do when skiing or riding. Sunglasses can work on those sunny spring days when you want/need to look your coolest, but goggles are suggested when it is on the colder side or snowing.
Upper Body
Think breathability, think waterproof, think wind proof. Also think about whether your jacket should have a liner or if you want to layer fleece and windproof materials underneath. The layer closest to your skin should be made of some sort of wicking material so it will pull moisture (sweat) off your skin and keep your body dry.
Lower Body
Like your upper body, you have to think breathable, waterproof and wind/weather proof. You'll want to put some thought into how many layers you need based on the weather on a given day, but be sure the outer layer allows for some protection against water - snow is based in water you know. Also helpful is to be sure your pants zip up on the side at least up past your boot, so you can cover the boots with the pant and keep moisture out of the boot.
Hands
Your choice, gloves or mittens. Definitely a preference thing. Gotta have 'em.
Feet
Obviously you'll want either ski boots or snowboard boots. What goes under them is just as important. When selecting socks, splurge. Happy feet are a skier/riders best friend. The last thing you want to do is limit circulation in your feet, so keep that in mind when thinking about the thickness in your socks. To wiggle your toes is divine.
Missing Something?
If you are lacking any of these key items, Mountain Sports Rental Shop in the lodge has pants, goggles, and gloves for rent or sale. Helmets are provided with any rental of skis or a board, or can be rented separately.