What to Wear Skiing or Snowboarding

The wrong gear could really put a damper on your ride down the mountain. The elements could throw anything your way from sub zero temperatures, snow, and freezing rain to snow guns blazing in your face.  You want to stay warm & dry so nothing gets in your way shredding down the slope. Here's how...

We'll work from the feet up.  It might be your first instinct to want to wear several layers of socks.  Wrong.  Wearing several layers of socks could reduce breath-ability and ventilation resulting in cold and wet feet from sweat.  Also, the layers of socks could cut off some circulation and blood flow to your feet.

You'll want a good pair of WOOL snowboarding/skiing socks that come up to your knee.  This will also protect your lower leg inside your boots.  The wool wicks away sweat, keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.

usually, one good pair of socks is enough, but depending on the temperatures and your boots' ability to retain warmth, you may want to use those disposable feet warmers that are activated by air.   If this is so, go with the smaller Toe Warmers.  They have little stickies that keep them in place by your toes.  The full length feet warmers are too much.  Your feet will be too hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.

Next is the rest of your lower body.  You'll want to get a pair of snowboarding/skiing pants.  Again, layers of other pants will not only be inefficient but bulky and a pain in the butt if they are moving out of place or getting snow in them. You want snowboard/ski pants that have a waterproof shell to keep you dry, an elastic cuffed skirt that goes over your boot to keep the snow out, down filling to keep you warm, and zipper pockets to  secure your belongings.  Some may not have inlets for a belt so if they are too large around the waste, I find that a cheap pair of suspenders works like a charm.  Snowboard/ski pants can be expensive, but they don't have to be.  Some stores like Sports Authority have cheaper ones that go as low as $30.

Underneath the pants, it's a good idea to have a pair of shorts on just for extra comfort and if you have to take off your snowboarding/skiing pants.

The main body can be tricky.  Some people like layers but some people don't.  It's always better to have less layers to decrease bulk so you'll want the right layers.  Also, I wouldn't wear anything too tight like compression Underarmour.  Loose Underarmour or Nike Dryfit is a good base layer. 

As a mid-layer, I wouldn't wear anything too bulky or thick.  A fleece or comfortable track jacket would work.

The outer layer should be similar to your pants.  Ideally, snowboarding/skiing jackets are great because they are waterproof, warm, have many zipper compartments, and have elastic bands to keep the snow out.  some have attachments at the wrists for your gloves as well so you don't loose them. 

Frozen fingers could be enough to kill your shredding experience.  You'll want a good pair of gloves that are waterproof and warm.  Elastic bands at the wrists are also good to keep the snow out, and can also be used as attachment points to your jacket if it doesn't have other bands for this.

A very valuable investment if you often experience frozen fingers are those air activated disposable hand warmers.  They can be stuffed into your glove but the best possible scenario would be to have gloves with a small zippered compartment to store these little hand warmers.  It will keep your gloves, and your hands, warm for up to 8 hours of riding!  Definitely recommended.  Also, there are glove liners with special pockets to hold these hand warmers as well.

Choosing the right gear for your head can make all the difference.

If you are a beginner, intermediate, like to do tricks, take jumps and rails, a helmet is highly recommended.  It's smart and any expert will tell you that.  The last think you want is to slam your head on a rail, ice, or a tree and get knocked out into a coma. 

Goggles are also an excellent investment.  If something gets in your eye or it's snowing or snow guns are blasting in your face, you won't be able to see very well and riding down a mountain with other people around and trees could have a dangerous outcome.

Whether you decide to wear a helmet or not, a hat to match will keep your head warm.  If you do wear a helmet, a thinner skull cap underneath the helmet will keep you warm and you could always take it off if it's too hot.  If you decide against the helmet, get a big nice comfy warm hat.

Protecting your neck and face will also make your ride more pleasant.  A good snowboarding or ski mask will cover your nose and your face, and maybe have a fleece skirt coming down to cover your neck and keep you warm.  A bandanna works well, but there arent any holes to breathe through so the area around your mouth may get wet and freeze if it is very cold.

• One pair of knee high wool socks
• shorts under snowboarding or ski pants
• comfortable base and mid layer
• Warm and waterproof outer shell
• Warm and waterproof gloves and hand warmers
• Helmet and knit hat
• Goggles
• Face mask