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Dressing for the Mountain: A Beginner’s Guide to Snowboarding Clothing

December 19th, 2009 |

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.

Cotton should be avoided at all costs because unlike synthetics, it actually holds water in instead of wicking it away. That matters when snow is melting on your boots and potentially getting into your socks. An excellent sock made of a materiel like SmartWool will keep you dry and healthy, while cotton will only lead to trouble. Don’t even put a layer of cotton over something synthetic: avoid it at all costs. Good winter gear won’t have cotton elements.

The purpose of layering is to be prepared for any sort of weather at the drop of a hat (but please don’t drop yours). Sometimes, storms will creep up, and it will be important to have layers for maximum warmth. Other times, noon on the slopes, especially during the start or the end of a season on a sunny mountain, will require removing some layers as to not get too sweaty.

Learning to layer properly is a breeze. The first layer to any snowboarding outfit is the base layer, which is the long underwear and socks layer. These clothes should fit snugly to trap your body heat and keep your core warm while also wicking moisture away from your skin so that you do not hold in the dampness of sweat.

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 most important layer of any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, because it is the first to meet the inclement weather. While the other two layers are all about keeping body heat in and water out, the outer layer can focus more on protection from the immediate elements. Outerwear consists of goggles, gloves, and the snowboarding jacket.

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.

The finishing touch to the outfit? Why, goggles of course. With most snowy hills reflecting a whole lot of UV rays on sunny days, it’s important to protect one’s eyes from the sun. Goggles also help keep a clear line of vision during any snowfall that might occur while you’re on the slopes.

The most crucial part of your snowboarding outfit is the snowboarding jacket. A water and wind repelling jacket is a must for riders, as well as an inner-shell that fits a little more snugly and keeps water out in case you fall down at any point during the day. Once you’re all suited up, it’s time to hit the slopes!

If you are considering visiting the Japan Snow, go the Niseko ski fields. The snow is outstanding for those who want to go snowboarding in Japan