The winter sports season is coming up – there are lots of outdoor activities in the winter: skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing…

Participating in these sports can be expensive, however.  Fall is a great time to get deals on outdoor gear – lots of towns all over northern New England are hosting ski swap sales, offering used and new equipment at affordable prices.

Ski swaps are also a great place for you take in your old equipment and swap it in for something new.  Check out the upcoming sales below to see if there are events in your area.

If I missed some, please leave a comment to let us know!

Maine

- October 17: Penobscot Valley Ski Club

Ski and Snowboard Equipment Sale

Bangor Armory, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

- November 8: Brunswick Park & Recreation Department

Ski and Skate Sale

Brunswick Recreation Center, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

- November 15: Aubrn Ski Association

Ski Swap

Auburn Middle School, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

- November 28: Downeast Ski Club (Portland)

Ski and Snowboard Swap and Sale

Portland Expo Building, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

New Hampshire

- October 23 & 24: McIntyre Ski Area (Manchester)

Ski Swap

McIntyre Ski Area,

October 23: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

October 24: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

- November 7: Seacoast Sea Club

Ski and Snowboard Swap

Putnam’s Ski and Snowboard Shop, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Vermont

- October 24: Montpelier Recreation Department

Ski Swap

Montpelier High School, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Equipment drop-off is on Thursday and Friday.

- November 7-8: Cochran’s Ski Area

Cochran’s Ski Swap

Camel’s Hump Middle School, Richmond, VT

(Please contact Cochran’s for times)

- November 20-22: Okemo Mountain, Ludlow

Annual Ski Swap and Sale

Okemo’s Main Base Lodge.  Open Friday 3-7 p.m.; Saturday 9-5; Sunday 9-1. Drop off items for consignment on November 14, 15 and 18.

You can also check out the Ski Swap Database for updated listings.

With the winter wonderland upon northern New England, I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss the #1 necessity for staying warm in the winter: layering. But does layering have to involve waffle-patterned thermals? Pilly old wool sweaters? 2-3 pairs of athletic socks? No, of course not! I spent some time tracking down a variety of approaches to the layering process–from the simple to the fashionable, I present to you: New England Layering 101:

First, some facts!

According to GORP, “the trick to layering is to combine the right clothing in the proper order, trapping the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture vapor from your body’s perspiration be conducted away from your skin.” In other words, how can you stay warm AND dry in the winter?

1. Athletes

One of the appeals of the northern climate for many people is winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating, you name it. It is important you choose layers that are comfortable and will adjust with your body temperature. GORP recommends three layers:

a. Wicking: Choose material that will keep you warm and dry for your first layer. You want to choose something comfortable, since it is next to your skin. Many people call this “wicking,” as the material “wicks” away wetness from you skin. They recommend synthetic fibers or silk, as cotton becomes damp and take awhile to dry and wool–well, we all know how scratchy that can be!

b. Insulation: The key here is controlling your warmth and, as GORP points out, “staying ahead of the cold.” Thus, put on as many layers as you think you will need–you can then strip them off as necessary.

c. The Shell: Thankfully we are no longer in the days where plastic, rubber, or cotton are our only choices. The invention of Gore-tex and other fabrics means we can be outside in almost any weather. Choose a jacket or shell that suits your needs and is comfortable. (Hint: Goodwill often has affordable layering options!)

2. Everyone Else (aka, Everyday Layering Tips)

The great thing about layering is you still have access to your spring, summer, and fall wardrobes. Think about it–your wardrobe in the winter is the most diverse if you think in terms of layering. For example, start with a long sleeve t-shirt, followed by a short-sleeve shirt, then a tank-top. Throw on a scarf and you are layered for warmth, but have the option to strip down if so needed. And, as Cosmo Girl points out (we all need a little Cosmo in our lives!) you will discover combinations of outfits you never knew you had!

What about dresses and skirts? Just because it’s cold outside does not mean we are destined to wear slacks all season. There is an infinite selection of stockings, tights, and legwarmers out there waiting to be tried on! Try wearing striped tights with a simple black or solid color dress. Throw on solid-color legwarmers if you are going out and you are layered and warm, but looking great! Cosmo also points out you can still keep those summer dresses in rotations–add a slip, cardigan, jacket, pair of tights and you are ready to go.

I found this great article that recommends investing in a few camisoles that are comfortable. Tuck these into your pants or skirt and you instantly add a sleek layer of warmth to your ensemble.

I also read this great post about practical tips for getting through the winter:

1. Wear sturdy, comfortable boots to work and leave a variety of shoes at your job–this way you do not have to lug 2 pairs of shoes back and forth every day. (And I just noticed that Maine Style posted the same idea!)

2. Scarves! Stock up on fashion and winter scarves to accesorize your winter wear.

3. Hats! Same as above!

Finally, I saved the best for last, because it is my favorite way to layer in the winter. The infamous, one and only sweater-vest. Dare I say it is one of the most versatile layers around? Solid colors, argyles, prints, vintage, contemporary. Wool, cotton, silk, poly-cotton blends. There are infinite possibilites! In my mind, sweater vests (and long sleeve shirts to accompany) are a must-have staple for winter layering for men AND women (and you know where you can find them!)

While many dread the winter season, I see it as a season of opportunity. The fashion possibilities are endless. Once you have a good base layer, anything goes from there.

Do you have any tips for layering? If so, let’s hear them! The winter is just beginning…

While I cannot definitively say winter is here, temperatures have dropped below freezing the past few nights here in northern New England. If you have not done so, now is the time to start preparing your homes and apartments for the upcoming season. Curtis Hamilton, Goodwill’s Director of Propery Management and resident “Good Green” expert, has put together some tips to help you keep the heat in and the cold out.

Also, check out this great post I read today about easy and smart ways keep yourself warm all winter long.

Preparing for Winter: Tips on Reducing Heating Costs

First, turn down the thermostat—there is not much difference between 67 and 70 degrees. Every degree you are willing to turn down saves about 1% on your total heating costs. The Department of Energy advises turning down your thermostat to 55 degrees at night. These two practices alone have the potential to save you about $20 per month on your bill.

Second, for rooms not used often, turn the thermostat down to 55 degrees. Make sure that the unused rooms do not go below 55 degrees or you may be calling a plumber for broken pipes.

Third, save money and be GREEN at the same time! Following are some tips on how to increase the efficiency of your electric hot water heater:

1. Take shorter showers (yes, your mother was right). One practice she was wrong about, however, is needing hot water to get your hands clean. This is not true—it is soap that kills bacteria, not warm water. Wash your hands with cold water and save some money.

2. Check the setting on your heater. It should not be any higher than 110-115 degrees. You will risk being scalded if you go higher and you are also wasting money.

3. Call your electric company and ask for an insulating blanket for your water heater. Many companies offer them free of charge or for a low cost. An insulating blanket will slow down the rate at which water cools when not being used.

4. If your water heater is close to 10 years old, consider replacing it with a tankless (also called “on demand”) water heater. It requires 220 volts (compared to 110 volts for a standard hot water heater), but only when you are using the hot water. You do not need to worry about keeping 40 gallons of water hot all the time. They cost about $500 and will heat water for an average size house. For more information, please visit www.etankless.com.