McClory: Stay safe while skiing

Last weekend, we headed to Sunday River for a skiing weekend. As we traveled up Route 95 for four hours to northern Maine we were very surprised to see that the farther we got, the less snow we saw. Traveling four hours north from here you would think there would be a lot of snow. The mountain was in pretty good shape, thanks to the snowmaking equipment that ran all weekend while temperatures never got over 20 degrees; however, they could really use the snow we got with this recent storm. I am often asked how I stay warm when the conditions are like they were last weekend. Starting from the inside out, taking into consideration that I will be moving a lot while skiing, my first layer on the top and bottom is good quality lightweight polypropylene long underwear that wicks away sweat. I have to warn you that these components are not cheap. Be prepared to spend about $50 plus for each piece. Next is a polar fleece turtleneck with a zipper. On the bottom I like the Gore-Tex ski pants because they breathe and vent when I am skiing, and when I sit down on the chair lift I don’t end up with a wet butt! My next layer, depending on how cold it is, might be a fleece vest. I prefer one with wind stopper material. Finally, on top, I wear a ski coat that has underarm zipper vents. This allows you to cool down when you are skiing the slopes and when you are riding the lift, you can zip up to maintain heat when you are not moving. I always wear a helmet when I am skiing and a helmet liner if it is really cold. I usually carry a neck muff in my pocket that I will use when the conditions warrant it. Today’s ski boots are filled with a lot of foam lining so I only need wear thin lycra or polypropylene socks to keep my feet warm when skiing. I can’t guarantee that you will stay warm, but what I can tell you is that I have never had a problem staying warm dressing this way. I’m sure you can modify what I have mentioned to help you stay warm and comfortable, so that you can enjoy your favorite time in the outdoors. Good luck. Oh, by the way, if you remember nothing else, remember this ? never, ever wear cotton underwear or socks when you are participating in a cold weather sport. Cotton is your worst enemy. All it does is absorb sweat and will not provide any heat retention whatsoever.The first show of the season is the Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough from Jan. 14-16 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. From I-495 take Exit 24B on to Route 20 West (Boston Post Rd). Admission is $15 for one day, $25 for two days. And with the show season comes the catalogue attack! I’m sure by now your mailbox, just like mine, is overflowing with your favorite spring clearance outdoor catalogues from Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop and many others. Their timing is perfect because it’s just in time to pick out that special hunting or fishing article that Santa forgot or, even better, use that gift certificate. What really bothers me is trying to get something from one of these clearance catalogues. Even if you call the minute you get the catalogue, the chances are your size or color is out of stock. Oh well!Preliminary information on the archery and shotgun deer season results has been compiled though some check stations have yet to report their tallies. For the 2010 archery deer season, a preliminary statewide total of 3,644 deer were checked in at official deer check stations. The Western District office tallied 387 deer while the Connecticut Valley District office reported 431. Central District stations checked 624 deer; Northeast District, 944; and Southeast District checked 1,258 deer. During the statewide shotgun season, licensed deer hunters checked in 4,435 deer. The breakdown of deer checked by District check stations were: Western District, 623; Connecticut Valley District, 737; Central District, 928; Northeast District, 731; and Southeast District, 1,416. These figures do not include the results of the Quabbin Reservation Hunt. All reported figures are preliminary