Snowboarding Gear for Ski Touring: The Elite Guide.
Ski touring is one of the most exhilarating, immersive and challenging experiences available for winter sports enthusiasts. From mountaineers and backcountry skiers to enthusiastic newcomers, ski touring can provide an unforgettable and rewarding experience. However, before you can enjoy the thrills and spills of ski touring, you need the correct snowboarding gear.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with an overview of the essential items of snowboarding gear you need for ski touring. From the Basics to the more specialist items, read on to ensure that you have the right kit for your ski touring adventure.
Essential Snowboard Gear for Ski Touring
The right snowboarding gear is essential for a successful and safe ski touring experience. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the essential snowboard gear for ski touring.
Snowboard
The snowboard is the first item on the list of essential snowboarding gear for ski touring. Picking the right snowboard is key. For ski touring, you’re looking for a board that is light, agile, and versatile. The majority of ski-tourers go for an all-mountain style board or a powder board, as both offer good speed, stability, and control.
Snowboard Boots
The second essential item of snowboarding gear required for ski touring are snowboard boots. Comfort and fit are paramount when it comes to snowboard boots, so make sure you spend some time trying on different boots to get a feel for the best fit for you. For ski touring, a flexible and lightweight boot will give you an additional edge, as it won’t hamper your performance when you’re tackling varying terrain.
Bindings
Your bindings are the link between your boots and your snowboard, so you need to make sure you get the best ones for your needs. Standard bindings are the most common type and these should be more than suitable for ski-touring, as the extra adjustment of other types of bindings will not be necessary. As with the other elements of your snowboarding gear, comfort and fit are still essential.
Outerwear/Clothing
When you’re tackling the slopes, you’ll need the right clothing. Skiing and snowboarding, of course, both get cold, so investing in specialist winter clothing makes a lot of sense. Layering up is the key to keeping warm while still offering you flexibility and freedom of movement. This means a base layer such as a merino wool or polyester thermal, an insulated mid-layer such as a fleece or soft shell, as well as a waterproof hardshell outer layer. As well as keeping you warm and dry, it also stops you from overheating, as you can easily adjust each layer depending on the level of activity.
Gloves
When it comes to snowboarding gear for ski touring, you can’t forget gloves. Having the right gloves is important, as the wrong ones can leave you with numb, cold hands. Ski and snowboarding gloves are designed to provide maximum warmth and flexibility. Look for ones that feature insulation with a waterproof and breathable outer layer.
Ski Goggles
Goggles are an essential piece of kit, as they provide you with protection from the elements as well as improve your visibility. Ski goggles also allow you to keep an eye on the terrain and help you to spot any danger areas. As with most ski and snowboarding kit, ensure your goggles offer a good fit and are equipped with coatings to reduce fogging.
Accessories
As well as the essential items of snowboarding gear, there are also some additional accessories which can enhance your experience. These include items such as backpacks, helmet covers, balaclavas, neck gaiters, backcountry maps, and avalanche safety beacons.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned ski tourer or just starting out, the right snowboarding gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. This guide should provide you with an overview of the essential items of snowboarding gear needed for ski touring. Don’t forget accessories, as these can help to make your journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Ensure you have the correct kit and your ski touring experience will be a memorable one.
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