Message #304

[jim-ratliff]

Gary:

I haven't skied those, but I am a big fan of SmartWool socks (and some other stuff).? Like most, they come in at least three different thicknesses, including one that is pretty thin.? If you believe the marketing hype, their claim is that wool doesn't need to wick moisture away because it lets the water vapor escape before it condenses into moisture.  Wool also has the advantage of retaining heat even when it's wet (that's the reason the old sailors used to wear even the scratchy wool so much).  My feet are never cold and never wet.? (actually I once got quite a bit of snow inside my boots when not skiing and the socks got wet, they were still warm).

I actually like them enough that I have also converted to mostly Smart Wool business socks. (at least in the basic charcoal and navy blue).

Jim

PS. I saw the trip to Beaver creek, but won't attempt it this year.? My daughter-in-law is no longer stationed at the Academy in Colorado Springs, so I am skiing Utah this year whenever I can.? ? Besides, you guys are in the "good to great" skier category and I am barely in the good group.