[Matt DeCarufel]

Hello U14s,

And just like that, winter has arrived!  This week is the first proper cold forecasted for the winter, and we are not used to it so it will feel especially cold.  Here are the club’s cold weather guidelines:

CANMORE NORDIC SKI CLUB COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES
January 2022

Cut-off ambient air temperatures (without windchill) for training sessions measured/estimated
1 hours before the start of the session (Environment Canada).
Track Attack and younger: -15C
U14: -20C (intensity training only up to -15C)
U16 and older: -23C (intensity training only up to -20C)

IMPORTANT:
• Coaches will consider reducing the duration of the session when the air temperature is close to
the above cut-offs.
• Coaches need to consider windchill when skiers are young or beginners.
• When it’s cold and windy, coaches need to bring groups quickly into the forest sheltered from
the wind. If coaches judge that their group of skiers will take longer than 5 minutes to get
sheltered from the wind, then windchill needs to be considered.
• Sessions will be held closer to the lodge or other heated building when it’s cold and/or windy.
• Always use windchill for ski lessons or other sessions that are held in the open, like stadiums.
• Check that participants have appropriate clothing. Do not accept participants in a session if they
are not dressed for the weather.
TIPS:
• Don’t be afraid to wear extra clothing. Vests and toques are an important addition, and it may
also be reasonable to wear two layers of synthetic (polyester) underclothing.
• Using a Buff, balaclava or neck tube will reduce the exposure of the cold on the ears, chin, neck,
and face.
• In order to reduce the possibility of frostbite, participants should try using Leukotape or KT tape
on exposed skin like cheeks and nose.
• Creams, lotions, and jellies can reduce the direct exposure of the skin to the air. However, to be
effective they must not have a water base.
• It’s a good idea to wear mitts when it’s cold. Hand or toe warmers also help.
• Male athletes should always consider wearing windproof underwear, especially when wearing
lycra.

With the arrival of winter, headlamps will be required for all sessions after last light (5:30 as of this week).  If you do not have a working headlamp, you cannot partake in the session and will have to call for a ride home or sit in the BWTC until the end of the session.

Wax Clinics will run for the next 2 weeks.  Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uJq8EoxUDEVMPIUI4rMXFi_FWXcXO9ds5xd6KCm6pJw/edit#gid=0

Training this week:

Monday(7) Skate Ski @ CNC
5:00-6:00 With the cold and wind forecasted, we will shorten the session to just 1 hour.  If you don’t feel 100% (are just getting over sickness or are fatigued from school), I recommend to pass tonight and rest. Dress in layers, Buff, Toque mandatory, mitts highly recommended.  If you are not appropriately dressed, you will be sent home for your own safety. Meet at the Teamroom.  Temperature is holding steady and forecasted for -17C with wind calming.  Training is on!  We will ski out the Banff Trail on the freshly rolled track and get out of the wind. 

Tuesday(8) CLASSIC Ski @ CNC
5:00-6:00 With the accuracy of forecasts yesterday, and current temp of -17 at 11:30, the training is on, but still just 1 hour! See you tonight.  Classic skiing in the cold is easier than skating in the cold.  Follow the wax guide for Kick waxing.  We will ski on the Banff Trail, so it will be hardwax conditions.  Meet at the teamroom.

Thursday(10) Biathlon @ CNC
4:45-6:15 Biathlon training on skis.

Friday(11)- Sunday(13) Lake Louise Camp– See trip document for details

“The ultimate form of preparation is not planning for a specific scenario, but a mindset that can handle uncertainty.” -James Clear

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