Snowboarding equipment checklist

Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport and recreational activity. From olympians to casual cruisers, hucking yourself down powdery mountains on brisk winter days is a challenging exercise requiring advance preparation. Luckily, we have you covered. Follow the checklist below to have a great day (or week) on the mountain.

Snowboarding Equipment Checklist

• Map. Always carry a map of the mountain you are cruising. You may find them online on the resort’s website or at the ticket booth while purchasing lift tickets. A map of the mountain helps you get around faster, and will keep you from getting lost.
• Goggles. Even on the sunniest of days, mountain weather changes quickly – and precipitation conditions can vary from different points of the resort. One second it’s clear and sunny and the next it’s blizzard conditions. A good pair of goggles will ensure you can see your way down without ice, sleet and snow pelting your eyes.
• Helmet. Often overlooked, a helmet is both great for protection and warmth. And, snowboarding is the one mountain sport where wearing one is universally acceptable so no worries about not looking ‘cool’.
• Mittens. Gloves are great for skiing when you need to keep a firm grip on your poles, but for snowboarding, you’ll find your hands in the snow much more often than skiers. From carving turns, strapping in, to just plain chilling on the mountain, boarders spend more time touching snow and mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves.
• Snow socks. A great pair of socks is essential. Wearing normal tube socks won’t cut the mustard; your feet will freeze. Grab a pair of winter weather socks from the ski shop or camping store which wick away moisture keeping feet warmer.
• Snow pants. A no brainer. Don’t be that person wearing jeans on the mountain. We’ve all seen them – and behind all the laughs and smiles, they are freezing. You’ll be sitting on the snow to strap in and lace up – snow pants keep your rear dry and warm.
• Jacket. You have tons of choices – whatever you decide, go for lots of pockets.
• Layers. It’s all about the layers. The morning can be cold and the afternoon can be hot. Once you’re ripping the mountain you can break a sweat. A day of snowboarding is a day of changing body and atmospheric temps – the best preparation is layered clothing so you can change it up when you’re too hot or cold.
• Boots. Snowboard boots should fit nice and snug. Get a proper fitting from the ski shop or rental place.
• Snowboard. The rental shop or ski store will suggest a proper size according to your height, weight, experience and the terrain you plan to ride. If you simply must do it yourself, choose something about chin high, maybe a nudge taller if you’re packing a few extra pounds of body weight. Subtract a few centimeters if you’re extra-light. Ideally, work with a professional at the local shop to find the right size for you.
• Regular or Goofy? This is a phrase you’ll hear a lot in snowboarding – and something you may want to decide before heading out to obtain your gear. These terms refer to your stance on the board. Will you be cruising mostly with your left foot forward (regular) or right foot forward (goofy)? Whichever it is, you’ll know because your dominant foot needs to mount on the back of the board. An easy way to determine is to take a running start toward into a slide on a slippery floor wearing socks. Which foot did you put forward? This will most likely be your most comfortable snowboarding position. Enjoy!

Is there anything we’re missing on this Snowboarding Equipment Checklist? If yes, please leave a comment below.