How to stay warm on a cold winter day......

Living closer to a ski resort, we've learned quickly and early that staying warm is essential, espeically when you have small children.  Keeping children warm decreases the "whine" factor and makes the outdoor experience more pleasant for everyone!  Here's the basics of layering:

Start with the right base - a good moisture wicking base layer is a MUST!  This keeps the chill of sweat off the skin and the warmth in for maximum comfort.  There are many different brands and we find that the inexpensive as well as the expensive work just fine.  Make that base layer a turtle neck and you're doing even better.  Brands like Champion and UnderArmor make great base layers that move sweat away from the skin and hold the heat in.

Thicker warmer layer, this is your fleece or your wool, something thicker and warmer to hold in the body heat.  The first layer is thin and designed for wicking and warmth, the second layer is designed more for warmth.  Think of a light fleece with a zipper front, if they get too warm they can always unzip it and let some cooler air in.

Top Layer is protection from the elements - this layer is your waterproof layer, holding out rain and snow and snizzle and other types of condensation.  Without a way to seep in close to the skin, the body stays warm in the layers under this protection and maintains a nice comfortable temperature.  If out skiing or boarding, think of the ski/board coats as they have a "snow Skirt" a snap in the bottom, closing off the bottom of the coat from any draft or snow.ice.rain finding it's way in.

Depending on the temperature, you can always add or shed layers as needed, the most important is that base layer, without that, you've got a miserable day ahead.  Additional elements of being comfortable include several other essentials:

Neck Warmer - this is a nice little fleece number that encircles the neck, include one with a head covering built in and you're set!
Liner gloves and gloves - liner gloves are like the base layer, holding in the heat and trapping it between them and the outside layer of gloves. 
Face Mask - if you don't like the neck warmer, the facemask is a great way to cover the face from the elements and help keep chapped lips and crying children at bay.
Top Layer, the Cool T-shirt if you are a snowboarded or have a small child, the top layer is a T-shirt of their favorite skate shop because to them it's all about looking cool and not worrying as much about being cool!

So enjoy that nice cooler weather and have fun outdoors.  There is no such thing as being cold only inappropriate attire!