Holidays in the Snow

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 6 (Supplement)

Holidays in the Snow

By L. WYBERT

August is the month we all greet as the harbinger of spring, but it also brings with it icy winds, rain and snow on the highlands. Dozens of Aucklanders at the moment have all arrangements made to spend some part of the winter ski-ing, toboganning or climbing at the North Island playground, Tongariro National Park. To a woman," one of The most important things about such a holiday is the preparation of her clothes,-and for those who have had little experience of ski-ing and mountaineering, it often becomes a problem in itself. Experts on the skis and members of some of the alpine clubs in New Zealand tell amazing stories of town girls who attempt to face mountain blizzards clad in silk blouses, light skirts and walking shoes. In these modern times Jilpiue sports have become much more serious than before and consequently more sensible dressing is required. Until recently gaily coloured woollens, in the shape of caps, sweaters and gloves, appeared to be all that was required. The ever-practical modern girl, however, did not take long to realise that although brushed wool looked most effective, a spill in -the snow made it absorb all the necessary moisture to freeze her hands. Reliable information now convinces us that finely-woven woollen gabardine is the only sensible material to wear.

As do most other sports to-day, skiing demands regulation dress, which consists of long gabardine trousers of dark navy or black, gathered into the ankles with plenty of room at the. knees. A band fitting under the foot keeps everything in place in spite of the exertion of learning to keep upright on the skis. A plain belted jacket

What to Wear on the Skis

with a storm collar turned back in revers is also worn. Large blucher boots which accompany the skis and which are laced with leather thongs, hide even the trimmest ankle and a peaked cap with adjustable flap for the protection of the ears and the back of the neck is a requisite for the complete ski-ing costume. Very few seasoned snow-lovers worry about mufflers, for they see that their shirts are finely woven or of thick flannel zippered up to tho neck. It is only when preparing for a holiday to the snow country that one realises the expense involved, and for the average girl with a slim purse it is necessary to make substitutes for the more orthodox equipment. Riding breeches arc often worn but are really not practical, as they do not allow sufficient room for bending on the skis. An old pair of plus fours is more suitable and can be buttoned on the leg or let loose at the ankles. Thick socks, preferably those belonging to the men of tho house, keep the heavy boots from rubbing sore heels. If you have an old weather-beaten leather jacket or mackintosh to wear over your clothes, tuck it away in your trunk, because it will prove its worth in a sudden squall. It is a mistaken idea that a flannel shirt is cooler to wear than a hand-knitted sweater, and it is good advice to wear them both. Dressing for a mountaineering holiday is a really serious business and the Boy Scouts' motto, " Be Prepared," is a safe one to follow if you want to cope with all weather conditions. Storms of snow and sleet, breaking suddenly from a cloudless sky, make one realise that these home-made proverbs are actually founded on common sense.'