Hitting the Slopes: A Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding Gear

By Damian Papworth

Beginners and advanced snowboarders alike have something in common: the need to dress properly for a day on the mountain. Even when it seems like a clear winter day with no possible need for extra layers, weather can blow in at any moment. If you're on top of the mountain when it happens, you're going to be glad you wore that sweater.

While choosing the right board and binding is important, no one, beginner or expert, should consider a day on the slopes without planning accordingly.

You should avoid cotton like the plague because, unlike other synthetic materials or even wool, cotton absorbs water, a potentially dangerous trait for your clothing to have in the middle of a snowstorm when it's freezing outside. Trekkers and professional skiers all know that cotton kills, and it's no laughing matter! Don't put it on.

Layers are a crucial part of dressing for snowboarding because it's much more convenient to be able to take something off or put something on at a moment's notice than it is to unzip a one-piece ski suit and go from there. Sometimes, a drop in temperature will necessitate adding a layer, while other times, on a warmer spring day, three layers just won't be necessary. Layers make adapting a whole lot easier.

The first and most crucial part of any snowboarding outfit is that initial layer, the base layer. This is where it is really important to remember absolutely no cotton at all. Long underwear, or thermal underwear, should fit snugly but not too tightly, and should be made of a material that will wick sweat away. The same goes for socks, which should be made of wool or some other synthetic material that allows breathing while eliminating the risk of water.

The insulation layer of a snowboarding outfit goes on over the base layer, but does not need to protect from the elements like the outer layer. Also known as the middle layer, this is what provides extra warmth by keeping heat locked firmly in while allowing water to be wicked away. The middle layer consists of a sweater or zip-up, usually made of wool or fleece. Its purpose is to provide a little bit more warmth while not adding too much bulk to the outfit. Boots are also included in the middle layer.

The final touch for any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, where it's the most important to look cool, too, if that's something you have in mind. Thankfully, with a world of designers making snowboarding jackets for all styles, from vintage cool to contemporary chic, it's simple to get something right up your alley. Just be sure that the jacket has a shell that will keep snow from getting in if you take a spill, and try to get one with a hood that folds out at a moment's notice in case of a particularly bad dumping of snow while out on the mountain.

The outer layer of snowboarding clothing also consists of your goggles and gloves, which are equally important. Gloves are a must-have item because your hands will spend time touching the snow and the cold lift poles, and should be waterproof and easy to fasten tightly at the wrists to prevent any snow leakage. Sometimes in very cold conditions, riders wear additional wool gloves inside of their synthetic, waterproof gloves for insulation.

One of the most important elements of outerwear are the goggles, which protect against just about everything, from ice and water to tree branches and too much sun. Goggles should fit snugly around the face and be attached with a secure band so that they don't go flying off during a particularly invigorating run.

Snowboarders should take the most time in choosing the right jacket, because that is the first layer of the outfit that's going to come in contact with the outside elements. A snowboarding jacket should repel both wind and water, and provide a hood that easily folds away for extreme weather. Remember that this is your first line of defense against the cold! Plan accordingly. - 31489

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here