Ski Touring & Snowboarding Gear Guide: The Best Gear for a Winter Adventure.
With winter nearly upon us, snowboarders and skiers of all calibers are getting excited for the best season of the year. Whether it’s ski touring in the backcountry or hitting the groomers on the resort, one of the most important parts of preparing for a day on the mountain is selecting the right snowboard or ski equipment.
When selecting your gear, the snowboard and skis are the most obvious, but there are so many other products out there that are important for an epic day on the hill. From layering pieces, to touring gear and even safety items, there is a dizzying array of components to choose from that can make or break your time on the mountain.
In this guide, we’ll provide some insight into what you should consider when selecting your equipment for the season, and help guide you to the products that will make your winter adventure the best it can be.
Snowboard Gear
When you’re snowboarding, your board is of course the main piece of equipment you need to consider. The right board is determined largely by factors such as your skill level and type of terrain you’ll mostly be riding. For instance, if you’re a beginner, you’ll likely want to select something soft, forgiving, and easy to maneuver. If you’re an experienced rider, you may look for something stronger, stiffer and more responsive with tons of pop.
After picking out the right snowboard, there are still several other items you need to consider. Bindings are the interface between you and your board, and choosing bindings largely depends on your foot size, riding style and skill level. Then, you’ll need to pick out the right boots for your bindings and your riding style.
As for other pieces of equipment, gloves, a snowboard helmet and a goggle goggle are all essential items you’ll need for a day on the slope (and you should think about investing in a high-quality, stylish snowboard jacket, too).
Ski Touring Gear
For ski touring, the most important piece of equipment is of course the skis. Touring skis, which are designed for ascending the hill and navigating tricky terrain, are wider than traditional alpine skis, making them more stable and efficient while going uphill. They also have pronounced rocker profiles, meaning they have a deep curve that begins beneath your feet and arcs to the tip and tail, making them easier to turn and navigate tight corners.
When looking for a touring ski, take into account the environment you’ll ride in, the type of skiing you prefer, and your weight and height. You’ll also need to take into consideration what type of binding you’ll pair with the skis. Generally, pin bindings or Alpine Tour bindings will work the best with touring skis, since they’re best suited for ascents, but depending on your preference, you may choose a more traditional alpine binding.
Other essential touring items include a ski touring boot, which is designed for comfort and efficiency during an ascent and offers a stiff-flex for control when you point them downhill. Additionally, you’ll need to invest in a helmet and goggles (which can also be used for snowboarding), and several layers of clothing.
Safety Gear
You should also consider investing in additional safety items to ensure you have complete peace of mind while enjoying the mountains this winter season. Depending on your skill level and the terrain you’ll be riding on, certain safety items may be more essential than others.
Let’s begin with the basics. If you’re just starting out with snowboarding, a helmet is essential for protecting your head and neck in the event of a fall (or the reality is that a tree you didn’t see, could take you down). If you’re more advanced, you may want to consider investing in a back protector, which is designed to protect your spine in the event of a serious crash.
For Skiers, a transceiver is essential for traipsing into the backcountry. A transceiver emits and receives a signal, so you can find a buried victim in the event of an avalanche. For peak safety, the avalanche transceiver should be kept on you at all times when entering the backcountry. A shovel and probe are also great to have on hand in this event.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision when selecting your snowboarding or ski touring gear for this winter season. Quality equipment can make or break your winter experience, so when you’re investing, be sure to select products that are high-performing and well worth the cost. With the right gear, the snowboard and ski season can be a thrilling and unforgettable journey for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. So, here’s to making the most of it. Happy riding!
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