I’m back with part two of my snowboard gear series. This section is essential as I’ll detail all the gear you’ll need, especially if you’re committing to a full season on the mountain.
Trust me, I’ve tried it all. I’ve gone through countless iterations of kits, learned how to layer properly, and dealt with Raynaud’s syndrome (a circulation issue affecting the extremities). I’m addicted to outerwear, have some unusual foot problems, and recently lost 30 pounds, which forced me to relearn how to layer again.
Plus, I work in the industry and am am surrounded by people employed by the ski areas! Read on for some of my best tips, or click the table of contents below to skip ahead to the section you need some info on!
As a beginner, I recommend renting your snowboard, boots, and bindings initially, even if you intend to make snowboarding a long-term hobby. Most mountains offer seasonal rentals, which often include free gear swaps and tunes. This option can be cost-effective for your first season.
If you’re snowboarding for a weekend or just a day, on-mountain rentals are available, but booking in a surrounding town or in Denver can be more affordable.
Regardless of where you rent, all rental places will ensure you have the proper gear and fit.
Besides a snowboard, the following items are either essential or highly recommended for a successful and fun day on the mountain.
Safety should always be a priority, so please wear a helmet. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen fashionable Instagram models sporting beanies and goggles—they may look cute, but your safety is far more important.
If you’re into the beanie/goggle look and want to take photos like that, you can wear the goggles under your helmet for quick removal. See my other post about snowboard fashion for more info!
Even on beginner terrain where you won’t be going very fast, accidents can still happen. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries. If you plan on snowboarding more than once, I highly recommend purchasing your own helmet and goggles. These items can typically be rented, but investing in them provides long-term benefits.
When choosing a helmet, consider getting one with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, as it offers excellent brain protection.
As for goggles, ensure they integrate well with your helmet to avoid discomfort. Avoid being a “gaper” (someone with ill-fitting gear) by testing out goggles with your helmet at the shop. Look for goggles that come with low-light and regular lenses. Magnetic lens swapping is convenient but may come at a higher price.
The safety benefits are clear: wearing a helmet reduces the incidence of head injuries by 30 – 50%, with no negative effect on balance or peripheral vision. Here’s a brief checklist of helmet do’s and don’ts.
Maintaining a comfortable personal climate while snowboarding is not easy: snowboarding is a sport where you typically alternate between intense activity (riding) to rest (chairlift) multiple times a day, and temperatures on the mountain can fluctuate wildly on any given day.
Consider the amount of sunshine, the possibility of snow, and how active you plan to be.
Ask yourself:
It’s incredibly important to plan ahead so you can pack the necessary layers for a comfortable experience.
To stay comfortable in these varying conditions, it’s vital to keep your skin dry using a technical, moisture-wicking base layer and stay warm (but not too hot) by adding and subtracting mid-layers according to the outside temperature.
This system is known as layering, and it’s the key to having fun on the mountain, no matter what the weather throws at you. Here are some basic pointers for getting your layering right.
There are two basic types of snowboard jackets: insulated and uninsulated (shell). Within these two categories, there is a wide range of waterproofness, styles, and features that cover all types of conditions and all types of snowboarders.
There are four main types of snowboard pants: insulated, uninsulated, shell, and bib/overalls. Insulated pants contain lightweight, low-profile synthetic insulation for added warmth, which is beneficial since insulation is less critical for the legs compared to the torso. Most riders typically wear a thermal base layer underneath.
Uninsulated pants feature a liner for added comfort, while shell pants are made from technical three-layer (3L) fabrics that do not require a liner and provide maximum breathability.
Bib or overall-style pants are both fashionable and functional, offering coverage that extends above the waistline. This design makes them suitable for wearing with a jacket in cold winter conditions or on their own during warmer spring weather.
When selecting snowboard pants, two essential features to consider are mesh-backed venting in the inner thigh and knee areas, which helps to quickly release excess heat and moisture, and elasticated ankle gaiters that stretch over the boots to prevent snow from entering.
If you’re looking to invest in gear right away, prioritize buying boots before anything else (except for the helmet and goggles).
Well-fitted boots are essential for comfort, control, and responsiveness. Avoid purchasing secondhand boots or buying online without professional fitting. I made the mistake of wearing boots two sizes too big for the first 30 days of my initial season, and it severely impacted my experience.
Stores like EVO and REI offer boot fittings where knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and guide you through the selection process. While researching, consider factors like boot responsiveness and closure systems (such as BOA or traditional laces).
Beginners often prefer softer boots, but personal preference plays a significant role.
Other gear essentials include base layers, socks, and gloves or mittens.
Merino wool base layers are an excellent investment as they provide warmth and moisture-wicking properties. Consider wearing athletic leggings under your bib if it has decent insulation, but adapt to the weather conditions accordingly.
Opt for thin socks rather than thick ones; reputable brands like Stance and Darn Tough offer snowboard-specific socks that are worth the investment.
When it comes to gloves or mittens, personal factors like hand warmth and dexterity come into play. Mittens allow for the use of hand warmers but may sacrifice dexterity. Some brands offer three-finger mittens, combining the benefits of both gloves and mittens. Look for gloves or mittens with wrist straps for convenience and consider inner gloves with touchscreen capability.
