A first cross-country ski outing

After 2 years selling cross-country ski clothing at the Sportive Plus store in Laval, I finally took my courage in both hands and decided to try this famous sport for which specialized clothing really doesn't have the hot air. Now I understand much better why these clothes are so thin! It's hot and we're sweating as if tomorrow didn't exist, even at the speed of the mini-train-va-loin.
My buddy has been cross-country skiing since he was 6 years old, he's a regular and has reminded me several times not to overdress. “You'll see, you'll be hot! he tells me. He even advises me to bring me a second change for the return. During this time I replied to him: “you, dress more warmly because you will see that I am not going to go fast. It should
really that you lower your expectations because I am not a great sportswoman like you, me. »
The famous morning finally arrives. On a beautiful day, the temperature is -5°C and I, who am used to hiking, dress as if I were going for a walk For the bottom I put on:

1. my 250 merino wool base layer
2. with Touring Ull softshell pants
For the top, I cover myself well (and what a mistake) with:
3. a merino 250 base layer
4. a jacket then,
5. a quilted and all under
6. my OR Carbide Shell

In addition, I had brought myself a sleeveless quilted jacket , a fleece , a Totem C base layer , 2 beanies , a 250 merino wool neck warmer and so on.

I was really afraid of freezing! I was OVERdressed and that's how after a few minutes I was going to realize how much I was overdressed. The expression “poorly shod cobbler” was going to apply much more quickly than I thought to my situation. Barely 5 minutes after our departure, I was hot!
My sidekick told me wisely, “You always tell your clients. It's normal to feel cold for the first 10 minutes. After that, if you're still cold, then you'll be able to put on a jacket and at least it'll be dry! »
Well, with my hard head, I kept my extra jacket and I regretted my choice. With effort it took less than 15 minutes and she was soaked through. AND then that's when I started getting cold.

End of story, dry clothes were waiting for me in the car and I changed. I opted for my Totem C wool underwear from Sportive Plus and just my shell over it .
For the bottom, with my little thighs freezing, I was surprisingly fine with my warmer layers.
Once dry, dressed as if it was 10-15 degrees warmer than on the thermometer, we left to complete our second loop and there I had fun!!!

As the Scandinavians, inventors of cross-country skiing, say, there are no bad temperatures, just bad clothes!

NB: I would like to thank the very nice staff of SÉPAQ du parc d'Oka and the person who recommended that I arrive early to pick up my rented equipment.

By Florence Briere

January 24, 2023