Cold Knees

Hi,

Just had my first week skiing in Les Vosges; great place.

Odd problem though ... First days were fine - sunny and not cold. Last day was sunny, but cold and windy. My knees got cold and almost painfully so. I noticed my knees were usually touching the material of my trousers - since they were usually bent and travelling against the cold air/wind. So, it was if the cold air was blowing directly against my knees, albeit through the material of my trousers. I was wearing proper ski trousers by the way.

Anybody had a similar problem? Anyone have any ideas how to fix it?

I can think of a couple of ways of fixing this:

1) Wear knee length socks (not a nice mental picture though).
2) Sew some padding into the inside of my trousers around the knee area.

I'd appreciate any advise.

Thaanks - Paul.

Do you wear thermals under your ski trousers?

No, I don't wear thermals. Is that a normal thing to do? Would you only wear them on cold days?

I wear them 90% of the time, silk 3/4 length thermals. Seems like the logical place to start if your knees are getting cold to the point of painful.

That would be my suggestion.

Thanks - I'll try that. Presumably you'll need a 'fresh' pair every day?

I don't sweat loads so I generally wear them for a few days and still smell fresh. I would be lying if I hadn't said I had never worn them for a week on the trot, possibly more. I think I might have rotated between two pairs for a whole month..

My husband has a pair of silk thermals which he nearly always wears unless really hot ski day, then rinses them out each evening. They are usually dry the next morning, although my hair dryer may have to finish drying them off. I suppose we really ought to buy a second pair!

we take 3 pairs of thermals for a week, they seem to last ok.
In the past Trencher has also suggested foam on your knees. worth considering if the thermals don't work