How to Dress when Snowboarding

One of the most basic snowboarding mistakes new riders make is dressing improperly. Jeans and a Carhartt jacket are not recommended gear when snowboarding because they are made of cotton and cotton absorbs water and will freeze causing the wearer to get cold.

Dressing in layers is the best approach when snowboarding. Proper layering helps when we start to get warm we can shed a layer to keep our body temperature regulated. On the other side if we start to get cold we can add a layer.

Note – cotton is not a recommended material to wear for winter sports, including snowboarding. Cotton will absorb water.

Layering basics

Base Layer

possibly the most important layer is next to your skin. The Base Layer needs to be made of a wicking material to keep your skin dry. Three parts to the base layer are long underwear bottoms, a long sleeve top and socks. Common base layers are synthetic polyester or polypropylene material such as Capilene, Polartec or Coolmax.

Mid Layer

The middle layer should also be made of a wicking material to keep the moisture moving away from your skin. Sweaters, jackets and vests are typical mid layers. Common mid layer materials are fleece and wool.

Outer Layer

or shell helps keep out the elements in bad weather. Snowboard pants and snowboard jackets are considered the outer layer. The Shell should be made up of a waterproof, breathable material. There are many options like venting, insulated, non insulated, boot gators, powder skirts, pass holders, I pod holders and virtually unlimited options. Arm vents, leg vents and a powder skirt are recommended.

Accessories: the final step for keeping warm

Now that you have your basic layering down there are a few parts of your body still exposed to the elements of winter.

Wearing a hat (or helmet) is important to keep your head warm, no a headband is not ok. Most of your heat loss will happen through your head.

A neck gator is recommended to protect your face and neck when the temperature gets really cold.

Gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm, look for a pair that is specific to snowboarding to get an over the cuff style too keep the snow out. If you are prone to cold hands its recommended to get mittens, as they will keep your hands warmer.

Safety Gear: Injury prevention during riding progression

Helmet

is the first line of defense when it comes to your head. Find one that fits snug with no wobble when you shake your head.

Butt Pads

are padded shorts that protect your butt, tail bone, hips, and upper leg. They are commonly used when learning to snowboard or in advanced riding when learning new Freestyle Tricks.

Wrist Guards

help protect lower arm injuries when falling. There are different types from plain wrist guards to wrist guard gloves.

Knee/Shin Pads

not only protects the knees but also provide much comfort when snowboarders stop on the hill. Volleyball knee pads are often used as well as soccer shin guards.

Goggles/Sunglasses

are used to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. They also make it more enjoyable through out the day because even if it’s cloudy the snow is very bright. Goggles also can help keep your face warm.