ASHLAND — For many Ashlanders, winter is a test of wills. The season is a solid 3-to-4 months of cold, depressing gray skies, leafless trees, a lack of vitamin D and a constant feeling of cold hands and feet.
But you can beat winter. Hell, you can even look forward to a blizzard.
Here’s the key: you need the right layers and an activity; that’s it.
GEAR
Let’s start with your clothes. Years ago, when I was preparing to climb the highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney in California, I was talking to a local outfitter about my concern about rain.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear and prep,” he said.
He was right, as I now laugh at rain having camped in negative 14F on the side of Mt. Marcy and endured some of the Earth’s strongest winter wind gusts on Mt. Washington.
Y’all got boots? You don’t need top-of-the-line La Sportivas; there are cheap Columbias and off-brands that will work just fine. You want at least the bottom half to be waterproof and if you can find fill around 200 grams, that’s great as well.
Don’t pain yourself with anything that takes a lot of time to lace (unless you have a giant beard, wear flannel, consider yourself a hipster and your Red Wing boots cost more than your car). Easy to slip on, easy to slip off. Styles and colors are offered in “business casual,” so you can have warm feet for your office job as well.
For your legs, sure, waterproof ski pants or Carhartt-type bibs are preferred, but just layer-up and jeans will work. It’s the same philosophy for the upper part of your body.
As most of you probably know, the reason your hands and feet get cold first is because the body is trying to save itself. You can lose you legs and arms, but all your vital organs needed for survival are in the torso/chest/mid-section. When those areas aren’t getting enough heat, the body pulls heat from the extremities first, and you are left with freezing feet.
Police don’t go out without a bulletproof vest protecting those vital areas, and you should have that same mentality when it comes to layering for the cold. A good vest can be as impactful as a coat.
Again, you don’t need an expensive vest or jacket. Just keep adding base layers (preferably non-cotton on the skin so if you sweat, it will dry faster). Minimizing skin exposure is paramount on windy days.
Activities
Once you’re geared-up, the next thing is to go out and actually do something. When the both the body and mind and working together, the cold stays away.
The most classic winter activity for all ages is sledding. Sure, everyone knows about the great runs at the Ashland Country Club, but that’s just one spot. There are hills at both Brookside parks and Freer Field, too.
Do you know about Charles Mill Dam?
It might take you 15 minutes to drive there, but you’ll have fresh powder and no crowds on the north side of the retaining wall. Be aware, as some hills are more like suicide runs, like the river side of Pleasant Hill Dam. Good chance you’d break the sound barrier, look like Clark Griswold on his saucer sled and crack numerous bones. It’s not recommended.
Have you ever been snowshoeing? You don’t need to buy or rent — a fun family activity is making your own snowshoes. A couple of branches and some twine will have you dancing on powder in no time.
Hiking is always an option, and there are numerous trails in town and throughout the county via the Ashland Parks Department.
For those searching for exercise, cross-country skiing is a great winter activity. No need to buy new as you can find used skis at a cheap price online.
Snow festivals are another great way to get outside and beat the cold. Mohican Winter Fest in Loudonville is Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are ice sculptures, vintage snowmobiles, model trains, ice carving and the best part is, it’s free.
For all you anglers, your hobby shouldn’t be impeded just because of winter. Ice fishing can provide the same fun and experience.
Frozen lakes and ponds are great for ice skating as well, once the snow has been cleared off.
Caution: do not go anywhere near ice if you are not familiar with the body of water.
There could be springs feeding into it and fast water flowing underneath the ice that would compromise its integrity.
Never go on rivers that are ice-coated. If you feel comfortable about the pond or lake, take a hatchet and see how thick the ice is.
We’d love to see how you play during winter, so please post your comments and send us your pictures.
