Cold Weather Snowboarding: Gear Up for Winter Conditions.
For winter warriors looking to hit the slopes, the proper snowboarding gear for cold weather is essential for optimal safety and performance. The chill of winter weather provides clear conditions for taking on the world of snowboarding, but the key to having an enjoyable and safe experience is making sure you’re properly equipped for the cold.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, it’s important to invest in quality cold weather snowboarding gear. That way, you can stay safe and enjoy the experience for longer, enhancing your overall experience. To ensure you’re prepared, let’s discuss the different pieces of cold weather snowboarding gear that should be in your arsenal and any important tips to consider before heading out in cold weather.
Your Snowboard & Bindings
The first step in outfitting yourself with cold weather snowboarding gear is ensuring that your board and bindings are compatible with colder temperatures. Ensure that your board is designed to provide appropriate flex, meaning it should be made of quality materials that provide proper support that’s still flexible enough to let you make turns easily. Also, be sure your bindings are the right size and setup for your riding style. If you’re not sure, head to a professional snowboard shop, like Stance Snowboards, for guidance.
Layering for Warmth
An often overlooked, but critical part of cold weather snowboarding preparation is layering up with proper clothing. Layering is key to staying warm as you’ll be able to add or remove clothing as needed to ensure you have the perfect clothing combination for the weather. A great tip for winter riders is to include a base layer, mid layer, outerwear layer, and a hood.
Your base layer should be designed to wick away sweat from your skin and provide insulation from the winter air. Mid-layers should be a combination of synthetic and wool materials, as these fabrics offer additional insulation and keep you warm. When selecting an outer layer, opt for a waterproof jacket, as this will keep you dry while allowing you to adjust your temperature as needed. Last, be sure to choose a hood that provides coverage over your ears, temples, and forehead.
Don’t forget your gloves
Now that you’ve outfitted yourself with the right clothing combination, it’s time to discuss snowboarding challenge: your hands. As snowboarding requires both dexterity and agility, your hands are critical tools that need to be protected from the cold. For this, finding the right pair of snowboarding gloves is key.
When buying cold weather snowboarding gloves, look for a pair that fits snugly around your hand and wrist, as this provides the best insulation. Invest in a pair of waterproof gloves as well, as these will keep your hands dry and warm throughout the day. As a bonus, many snowboarding gloves come with touchscreen-capable fingertips, allowing you to use your phone without having to take them off.
Goggles: Don’t Skimp on Quality
Your eyes are not only one of your most critical tools while riding, they’re also beautifully delicate and need to be protected from the cold. When choosing snowboarding goggles for cold weather, opt for those that offer decent visibility and block UV rays. Be sure to look for a double-layered snowboarding lens, as this will ensure you get the most protection from the cold.
It seems obvious, but there is also the need for a good-fitting cloth face protector. Investing in a good cloth face mask can drastically improve your riding experience in colder weather. The face mask or balaclava will provide additional warmth and moisture protection from snow, rain, and sleet. Plus, it’ll keep your skin from becoming uncomfortably dry in cold conditions.
A Few Final Cold Weather Snowboarding Tips
Lastly, while exploring the slopes in the winter, there are a few final topics to keep in mind. First, be sure to wear quality waterproof protective gear like snow pants and insulted boots when you’re shredding in cold weather. Snow pants and insulated boots not only provide you with additional protection from the cold, but they’ll also help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
It’s also important to remember that you should never snowboard in cold weather without a protective helmet. A good helmet that fits snugly around your head will provide extra protection and comfort during cold weather, as it can be worn under your outerwear layer for warmth.
Finally, keep in mind that staying hydrated and fueled is essential even in the coldest of conditions. Be sure to invest in a quality insulated water bottle to keep you hydrated, or a food and water container to store snacks. That way, you’re prepared and ready to take on the powder for as long as you want.
Snowboarding in cold weather can be an incredible experience, as long as you’re properly equipped. Following this guide and investing in the right snowboarding gear for cold weather sets you up for a safe and fun experience. So, don’t forget your layers, and always wear a helmet, and you’ll be ready to take on the snow with ease and confidence.
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