California's Sierra Nevadas are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in North America. They have tremendous snowfall but are remarkably gentle in terms of temperature.

TV meteorologists love to unnerve their audience by warning about "wind chill" (that's the cooling effect of wind on bare skin). In fact, wearing the right clothing can keep you dry and comfortable in most conditions -- and if you do get chilly at a ski area, just head inside a lodge, cafe, or warming hut.

If you want to stay really comfortable, the big considerations aren't just temperature but also exercise, precipitation, and wind. You don't want to get so warm from sun and skiing that you're perspiring a lot; and you don't want to be too skimpily dressed if clouds roll in, it gets breezy, and then it starts to snow.

The trick is to be both snug and stylish; and the key word is "layering." You want to retain warmth while allowing perspiration to evaporate. To do this, you need to wear the right fabrics (synthetics or light wool); make sure they leave you room to stretch; and use light layers so you can take off outer garments as you warm up, then slip them on again if there's wind or snow.

Light layers let you trap warm air between them, and zippers help control the amount of warmth. If it looks like a really chilly day, try synthetic long johns, socks, and turtleneck; then fleece pants and pullover; and finally wind-resistant but breathable pants and jacket. In most conditions, you'll need just two insulating layers.

Avoid heavy clothing like heavy sweaters, down parkas, and downhill ski suits, which trap heat while constricting your freedom of movement. And don't wear jeans or cotton socks! Cotton acts like a sponge for snow or perspiration. It actually accelerates chilling, while the right synthetics "wick" moisture away the skin and on through the next layer.

Here are a few more tips:

* Make sure your boots are snug but not tight.
* Wear mittens if your hands get cold easily, use gloves if you want good control of ski poles -- but don't ski barehanded!
* If you're cold, put on a hat. You can lose over half your body heat from a bare head.
* Carry a small pack with a few extra clothes, snacks, and water bottle.
* Don't have sunscreen and sunglasses in your pack -- use them!