There’s no sign yet of an end to the cold snap, so why not make things easier by kitting yourself out properly for life on the ice?
WHAT DO you do when faced with a route to work that has become a veritable ice rink? While strapping on your skis and fastening your goggles may seem a step too far for most, there’s no better time than the present to kit yourself out with some essential snowgear. As the old adage goes, it’s better safe than sorry, even if you do look like a bit of a crampon.
These boots were made for walking
“In other European capitals, people walk to work in their snow boots,” says Gerry Collins, owner of the Great Outdoors stores in Dublin. “Then they take out their shoes when they’re at work.” So why not here? Surely our experience with the Lisbon Treaty has taught us that if we can’t beat the Europeans, we’ll jolly well join them. Cosy, waterproof boots start at €49.90 in Great Outdoors. On Board, the surf, snow and sail store has snow joggers, like moon boots but lined with wool and entirely waterproof, from €109. But if you don’t want to invest in brand new footwear, adapt your own with a pair of walking crampons that fit right over your shoes and give you an extra bit of grip. From €29.99 at Great Outdoors.
Keeping the heat up
Bare midriffs are to sub-zero temperatures what Ugg boots are to taste; keep wrapped up is the golden rule of making it through to the thaw. Bodyfit, an underlayer made of pure merino wool, will keep sweat away from your body and keep heat in, while ski jackets, no longer the Wham-era monstrosities of yore, are the snug – and surprisingly fashionable – way to stay waterproof. But be warned: these are investments. Bodyfit starts at €80 while you can expect to pay upwards of €195 for a good ski jacket at On Board.
Poles apart
The problem with walking on ice, aside from how stupid you look, is that, as you lift one foot, you’re left balancing on the other – you’ve lost your natural state of relative equilibrium and are on an uneven footing. Walking poles can restore your sense of balance and, while they’re usually used when walking on slippery or uneven ground in the mountains, right now they’re perfect for negotiating your way through treacherous housing estates to your nearest bus or Luas stop. The Great Outdoors stocks poles that start at €40.
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
There’s nothing better – or worse – than an enthusiastic child on a snowy day. Without the refuge of school or childcare, you’re forced to play chauffeur in their eager sleighing endeavours. If you fancy allowing them to go it alone on a small piece of plastic, tailor-made to sit underbottom, with two handles, you can buy a bum sled in the Great Outdoors for €9.90, or, if you want to supervise, you can accompany them on a more substantial sleigh from €40.
