Please help me.... (Snow related) Update bought my tickets

[Disneylover79]

I am a true Floridian, actually a third generation and I am looking for help with the weather...it is freezing cold (45 degrees) here and I am going to Idaho in a monthWhat am I going to do? Please give all the good tips you can for a "cracker" going to the snow.....I had a friend give me her winter clothes...but what can I do to have fun in the snow but not be in pain from the snow....TIA

UPDATE: SO it is real now we are going to Idaho. I bought the tickets last night...

Anyone that would like to help a poor Florida girl out, please feel free to post your tip....

 

[Kae]

Layers! Get some Cuddle Duds to wear under your clothes. Keep your hands & feet warm. Sunglasses, the sun bouncing off the snow is very bright way brighter then the sun on the beach.

Kae

 

[lovemygoofy]

Im not even close to being an expert but I can tell you water proof is the way to get if you are going to be out in the snow and don't forget some layers. I have these glove liner things I wear with my water proof gloves.

If you are going to wear jeans, seriously get some long johns or underarmour ninja pants to go under the jeans. Invest in some ear muffs and bring lotion/vaseline for your face, nose, mouth and hands.

Apparently next year in August, because that is when the winter stuff is now sold, Im going to stock up on scarves and hats and gloves. I don't know how ours disappear but the elf that takes our socks must have moved on to the big items

I know that the real cold weather people will chime in. I'll have to follow because Im no where near prepared as I should be though Im proud I do have cold, snow weather boots.

 

[Kae]

Oh & make at least one snow angel!

Kae

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well I just got in from driving in the snow. Are you bringing your own car?

If you are you will need to change the washer fluid, (I know some southeners will dilute their washer fluid with water), get new wiper blades, get a snow scraper, toss a broom in there or shovel (for heavy snow areas), check tires, etc if you are going to be driving around in it.

If you are trying to keep warm, hat, a couple of gloves for people, so you can have one drying or layer them up with 2 pairs. One of the cheapie gloves with a bigger glove.

Thermal socks are great. Your feet get cold when playing out in the snow. Boots need to be bigger to accommodate the extra socks.

Of course get thermal underware. I wear a shirt, zipper jacket and my coat. Dress in layers so you can take stuff off and be comfortable.

Have fun!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Snow is fun! If you surf, rent a snowboard (surfing on snow). I guess the only thing I can tell you is bundle up and wear lots of gloves!

 

[AshleyW]

If you're going to be out and about playing in the snow, you'll want:

Snow boots - you can probably get some cheap at Wal-Mart or Target, but if you don't want to buy snow boots, wear tennis shoes with a few layers of socks
Waterproof coat
Thick scarf
Hat or headband
Waterproof gloves or mittens
Sunglasses
SUNBLOCK! If you're going to be out in the snow (sledding or whatever), put on the sunblock. The sun reflects off the snow and you can get burnt pretty bad.
Long underwear or leggings under your pants - it will help keep the heat in so your butt and legs don't freeze.
Lots and lots of layers! If I'm going to be outside for a while, I usually wear a tshirt, long sleeved tshirt, thick sweater and my winter coat.

Have fun!! I love snow. It can be lots of fun as long as you're prepared for it!

 

[Disneylover79]

Thanks for all the tips...I failed to tell you all that this is MY FIRST TIME seeing snow...

-we are flying there and my brother is driving the rental SUV
- I want to build a snowman, make a snow angel, and try to snow board, I will not (for the sake of living) try to ski
- I didn't even think about the sunblock, see if I go to the beach (which is 5 mins from where I live) I would take it but when I think snow I think wind burn and freezing to death...

Please keep the tips coming...

 

[crazydaisy00]

I work outside so this is a good tip.... under armour beats any other type of thermal underware or cuddle duds! they are a bit expensive ($50 top and $50 bottom) but if means having a good "warm" trip, they rock!! Of course i agree layers but with under armour you dont need as many layers they are breathable and stop at the local walmart or target when you get there and grab a few packs of hot hands and toastie toes(they cost just a few dollars and usually keep single packs near check out line but ask a clerk) you put these in your boots and pockets they stay so warm. Walmart also sells a neck warmer for $3 that will keep the cold air off your neck, i even put hand warmers tucked in the neck warmer on the freezing days! And if you dont have snow pants do yourself a favor check a thrift store once you get in the area, no point in buying brand new ones if you are not going to use them much and you can find them pretty cheap at thrift stores. So for an extra $130-$150 i would say its worth it opposed to being miserably cold! Enjoy your trip and stay warm! Oh yeah as others stated keep a set of xtra gloves and make sure you wear a hat!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Mittens are warmer than gloves.

Scarfs are great, but if you cover your mouth and nose with them, as you breathe you will dampen the scarf and that will make you colder.

Be certain to protect your ears. The wind can be very strong and icy and that can really hurt!

If you are going to be out in the snow, you'll want waterproof outer clothing. There are ski suits (warm up pants) and snowmobile suits that are waterproof. Getting wet is truly deadly. It will drop your body temperature and you can end up with hypothermia and frostbite. Be very alert to getting wet.

When layering, silk or a thin (under armour brand type of clothing) material is best against your skin. I used to have silk long underwear, over which I layered regular thermal underwear, a long turtle neck, trousers, a vest, a parka, wool/cashmere blend socks, heavy felt "booties", boots, leather mittens (under which there was a first layer of thin wool mittens). Head was generally covered with a hat that had ear flaps...

Yep, I was a sight! LOL. However, bitter cold is nothing to fool around with or disrespect. (Oh, and know that as soon as you are bundled up like the abominable snowman you will of course, have to go to the bathroom)!

If you are going to ski, then alter the layering/thickness of the clothing to allow for freedom of movement.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks while out in the cold. Drink warm drinks when you come in. It really does help to warm you up!

Have a wonderful time and enjoy your new experience!

 

[robinb]

I am a true Floridian, actually a third generation and I am looking for help with the weather...it is freezing cold (45 degrees) here and I am going to Idaho in a monthWhat am I going to do? Please give all the good tips you can for a "cracker" going to the snow.....I had a friend give me her winter clothes...but what can I do to have fun in the snow but not be in pain from the snow....TIA

Pssst. 32 degrees is "freezing cold". 45-degrees is well above freezing .

Will you be spending any time outdoors? Or just going from inside a building to a car to another building? If you're are just going from car to building and back again you really don't need much. We live in Wisconsin and I do OK with a warmish jacket and stretchy gloves. If I need to walk my dog, I wear warmer gloves and maybe a hat. It's been 10-degrees here this week and I finally pulled my hood up on tonight's walk. If you're out for any length of time you will need a warm coat, warm gloves and a hat.

Snow angels are quick work. You throw yourself down, fling your arms and legs around and pop back up. Building a snowman and snowboarding requires WATERPROOF gloves. Anything else will just get all wet and cold. Being wet will make you colder. You will probably have to wait until you are in Idaho to get them and if you're lucky you can borrow a pair. I wear Columbia brand waterproof and insulated gloves. Building the snowman will be more cold than snowboarding. I understand that snowboarders work up quite a sweat. You may also want to look into borrowing some fashionable snow pants. Don't worry ... everyone will look just as dorky.

 

[barkley]

we live near the idaho boarder, and in some parts of idaho and washington there is much lower than normal snowfall for this snow season. keeping that in mind, you probably want to look up what the weather is like for the part of idaho you are going to.

layering is good with the cold, but if you're going to be doing activities in the snow you might do well to find warm clothing you won't nesc. have to layer.

i can make 2 suggestions-one is to look at the cabella's website (or plan on going to one if you will be near), they have lite weight snow pants that you can just pull over your standard pants. not very expensive. the alternative, is to stop into pretty any place that carries even the bare bones of clothing (our local ben franklin's carries these if nothing else) and grab a pair of fleece lined jeans. get a can of scotchguard and spray the heck out of them. then you have very warm and comfy jeans that you can play in the snow with (we pay around $25 for a pair of these vs. $60 for the bare bones snow pants).

sunscreen is important, so is something to cover your ears (simple stocking cap works for us). waterproof gloves, for shoes i've got a cheap pair of 'bear paws' shortie boots that i just sprayed with scotchguard (i like the bear paws b/c the lining is soooooooo soft and warm).

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Make sure you keep hydrated. If you will be skiing and coming from sea level, you need to keep the fluids flowing. Water, water and more water. You don't want to come down with altitude sickness.

When we ski, we wear our underarmor (definitely the best and make sure you get cold gear), a cotton turtle neck, a sweat shirt, our parka. Legs are underarmor, pants,(not jeans), and then snow pants. Good pants are the wind type pants. You want a good wicking fabric next to the skin to keep the sweat off you.

Wear good,thick socks and waterproof boots. If your boots are not quite waterproof, you can always slip bread bags over your feet to keep them dry.

A hat and good mittens round it off.

And if you are going snowboarding, a helmet.

And as others have said, lots of sunscreen and good sunglasses or goggles. Nothing more annoying/painful than sunburned eyeballs.

 

[danalee]

Here is my tip...Stay Home

can ya tell I HATE snow? It's 21degrees and dropping here in western pa tonight with another snow storm heading our way tomorrow....ok my whining aside...

A good pair of Snow Boots is a must, if they get wet(and of course they will) and it goes to your socks & tootsies ouch! Good footwear is a must

You will have to let us know if you liked your time in the snow!

Have a good trip

 

[PebblesMK]

Pssst. 32 degrees is "freezing cold". 45-degrees is well above freezing .

Will you be spending any time outdoors? Or just going from inside a building to a car to another building? If you're are just going from car to building and back again you really don't need much. We live in Wisconsin and I do OK with a warmish jacket and stretchy gloves. If I need to walk my dog, I wear warmer gloves and maybe a hat. It's been 10-degrees here this week and I finally pulled my hood up on tonight's walk. If you're out for any length of time you will need a warm coat, warm gloves and a hat.

Snow angels are quick work. You throw yourself down, fling your arms and legs around and pop back up. Building a snowman and snowboarding requires WATERPROOF gloves. Anything else will just get all wet and cold. Being wet will make you colder. You will probably have to wait until you are in Idaho to get them and if you're lucky you can borrow a pair. I wear Columbia brand waterproof and insulated gloves. Building the snowman will be more cold than snowboarding. I understand that snowboarders work up quite a sweat. You may also want to look into borrowing some fashionable snow pants. Don't worry ... everyone will look just as dorky.

Hi neighbor! Enjoy the snow we're getting tonight.

OP~ If you go out and don't have boots, you can use this trick my parents used on us as kids. Put on your warm socks and then put plastic bags over your feet (the kind the newspaper comes in). This will keep your feet dry if your boots absorb water.

CHAPSTICK CHAPSTICK CHAPSTICK. Windburnt lips really hurt, also moisturizer for your skin since it can be a bit dry. Also, dry cold is warmer than humid cold. (same goes for heat, but you knew that)

If you make a snow angel, have somebody hold your hand while you stand up so as to not disturb it. And snowmen won't work with fluffy snow.

 

[Doe]

A north Idahoan here. Great tips you've gotten so far! Oh, maybe you'd like snowmobiling? Lots of places to rent and head out into our forests. Definitely check forecast before heading here as it can be down right fafafafreezing at the time of year you'll be here.
Enjoy Idaho-it's a beautiful state!

 

[Disneylover79]

Bump

 

[MizTink]

me and my sister were trying to shop for my nephew today. he's 15 and has never left sw florida. to him, cold is anything below 70!! to him freezing cold is below 60. he will be spending 1 week later this month in north carolina. i guess he will be skiing and snowboarding. he thinks we are crazy for thinking he needs things like long socks. he only wears those no-show ones here. he also thinks long johns are stupid. and he doesn't want snow pants either.....
he is going with a church youth group so it's not as if he can buy stuff once he's there... stubborn teenager!!

 

[CowboyCO]

Where in Idaho are you going? The weather can be very different between the panhandle and the southern part of the state.

If I were you, I'd order a good winter coat and gloves on-line (because you can't buy one in Florida) along with a good pair of boots if you plan on playing outside in the snow. I have a pair of Sorels, but there are a lot of good brands. BTW Fashion snow boots are not warm. Ge t something with Thinsulate. Get a couple pairs of wool socks and dress in layers -- t-shirt, then turtleneck, then sweatshirt or fleece, then coat. Believe it or not, you can get very hot playing outside in the snow, so you can always take off layers.

Go check out the Bargain Cave at Cabelas.

In February you make be able to make a snowman if the snow is powdery, but you never know.

 

[Disneylover79]

Thanks to all of you who have given me ideas. I leave 2 weeks from yesterday I am so excited.. I have a friend who gave me her winter clothes..she gave me he north face winter coat, a sweater (I have 2 of my own) 2 pairs of boots and a bunch of sweatpants.....if there are anymore ideas that I need to have please post them for me...