Warm Snowboard Gear for Cold Weather: The Complete Guide.
Did you know that snowboarding isn’t just reserved for warmer times of the year? From double-bladed snowboards to alpine layers and beyond, cold-weather snowboarding can still provide an exhilarating and exceptionally fun day of riding.
For those wanting to make the most of the slopes with a winter coat of snow, it’s important to first invest in the right gear. To stay comfortable while shredding the mountainside, you must select the best snowboard equipment and apparel to keep you safe, warm and ready to take on the chill.
Read on to learn more on the best snowboard gear to enable a successful and enjoyable winter season in the snow.
Choosing the Right Snowboard
The right snowboard can make all the difference between a good and a great day on the slopes. Knowing how to choose a board can be tricky, so here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a snowboard for cold-weather conditions.
First and foremost, opt for an all-mountain snowboard, as this type of board is perfect for a wide range of conditions and terrain. The profile of an all-mountain board will typically feature rocker and camber in different parts of the board, making it a great choice for powder, groomers, and more.
Other aspects to consider when choosing a snowboard includes the shape, size, and waist width. For colder temperatures, go for a wider waist width on your board to allow you to remain balanced when responding to variable snow surfaces. Additionally, look for an aggressive edge design on the sidewall to keep your board stable in variable snow.
Snowboarding Outerwear
Before emerging into the cold, wintertime snow-blanketed things you need to be outfitted with the right winter snowboarding apparel. When selecting outerwear, focus on garments that are as waterproof and breathable as possible.
Starting from the top, you’ll want to opt for a helmet before anything else. Not only should you comport to safety regulations, but helmets also provide valuable protection from the elements, keeping the wind and snow off your head and out of your face.
For jackets, you cannot go wrong with a modern-day, alpine-style jacket. While designs vary from brand to brand, alpine jackets will typically provide a balance of waterproof breathability and comfort. Look for an alpine design that features an insulated lining and is made from a 100 percent waterproof fabric.
When it comes to pants, there are a few different options available. For example, hard shells pair nicely with alpine jackets, providing complete waterproofing and protection from the wind. But if you’re looking for softshells, then you should opt for a fleecer or insulated pant that provides breathability and beneath-the-waist pocket and ventilation options.
Adding Layers
Keeping warm while snowboarding outdoors in winter conditions involves layering up. Opting to layer up isn’t just reserved for staying warm in the snow, but also provides valuable protection should you fall while shredding.
The last thing you want is to be so cold that you can’t stay out to have some fun, so start with a base layer of a thermal or wool base layer. Not only will this provide an extra layer of warmth, but it will also help to move moisture away from your body.
When selecting an extra, insulating layer, you’ll want to look for something that’s lightweight and functional. Ideally, look for something that is filled with synthetic insulating material as this will work great when wet as well as it does when dry. Additionally, select something that’s lightweight and thin so that you can layer up your jacket when you need to.
Other Outerwear Accessories
When dressing for a cold winter day of snowboarding, make sure to kit yourself up with some additional outerwear accessories. While most snowboarding apparel will come with integral protection, the presence of extra accessories can provide that extra level of comfort.
Underneath your snowboard jacket, attach a chin protector to stop your face getting cold. You’ll also want to invest in a high-end pair of gloves or even mitts (mittens) and opt for a thicker fabric to further insulate/protect your hands and fingers in cold weather. Balaclavas are also great if you want some extra insulation and protection around the neck, while beanies are common headwear for those looking to style themselves up on the slopes.
It’s important to note that headphones and any form of electronic device won’t work optimally when in cooler temperatures, so make sure you keep your devices warm and off the slopes.
Over-the-Boot Sizing
If buying a pair of boots, it’s important to find the right fit. This means thinking of over-the-boot sizing—as you need to better accommodate the extra bulk of your thermal pants and base layers. When buying boots, round up one size larger than your normal shoe size to ensure you fit comfortably with whatever layers you’re wearing.
The Right Cold-Weather Gear for Snowboarding
Making sure you’re adequately prepared for cold-weather snowboarding is essential for enjoying a great day on the slopes. Choosing the right board, protective outerwear and accessories, and the right fit for your boots, will all help you to stay warm, dry, and ready for action.
For the most successful snowboarding trips, make sure you are equipped with the best outerwear, snowboard, base layers, and accessories for the winter season.
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