Believe it or not, studies show that people are more susceptible to dehydration when exercising during the cold than in the warm. As it is necessary to wear extra layers of clothing during the colder months, you actually sweat more and generally do not even realise it because the perspiration is absorbed by the extra layers. Although you may feel like you are freezing, you are still losing essential moisture simply because you are breathing. Thus, a lot of people do not feel as thirsty in winter as they do when they are sweating in the summer, and as a result they do not drink nearly enough water.
This winter dehydration phenomenon is especially common when you are skiing. You are usually wearing even more layers of clothes than usual and are flying down slopes at speed in the cold air, and you are having fun, so it is pretty easy not to notice you are thirsty. There are, however, lots of easy ways to help you take precautions in order to stay hydrated when you go skiing.
First of all, always carry your own water. The act of downhill skiing can make you lose as much as two pints of sweat because you are exerting so much energy. It is essential that you do not wait until you get thirsty, but rather drink steadily and at regular intervals throughout your entire ski. It is best to take at least of one litre of water along with you. Water is the best thing to drink to keep you hydrated. Steer clear of fruit juices and sodas as these are diuretics with a high sugar content which can actually make you thirstier than before. If you also bring snacks to eat during breaks, make sure you do not eat anything high in salt or high in sugar.
You will, of course, also need a back pack which ideally means you have the option of carrying more than a litre of water. This is particularly essential if you think you will be out longer than two hours.
Consider getting a camel pack to help you stay hydrated as well. A camel pack fits like a vest around your torso and closes with zips or clips down the front. These have a reservoir within the pack that can hold various amounts of water and there is a tube which can connect to your mouth, like a straw, allowing the user to pull liquid from the camel pack. Remember to tuck the end of the tube inside your waist band or jacket, which will prevent it from freezing on particularly cold days.
Lastly, do not overdo it. Allow yourself to take frequent breaks and to take the time to utilise whatever water reservoir you decide to use. Skiing should be fun, don’t let dehydration get in the way!!