How to Dress for Mountain Snowboarding

Unlike all those spring and summer sports that require nothing more than a T-shirt and a pair of shorts, snowboarding requires a careful, thoughtfully-prepared outfit. When dressing for a day on the mountain, check the weather and then follow some conventional wisdom.

Things You'll Need

  • Base layer
  • Insulation
  • Outerwear
  • Snowboard boots
  • Hat
  • Waterproof snowboard gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin with a base layer. Skiing and snowboarding clothing is based on a three-layer system, in which each layer serves a different function. The base layer is designed to eliminate moisture from your body, keeping you dry and warm. Base layers should be made out of an appropriate material like merino wool or polypropylene. Wear a long-sleeve t-shirt on top and a pair of underwear or long johns on the bottom.

    • 2

      Use your mid-layer for your main insulation. The mid-layer's main function is to keep you warm, so this is where you'll be packing on sweaters, sweatshirts, light jackets, etc. Like the base layer, you'll want a mid-layer that can effectively wick and dissipate moisture. Materials include wool, fleece and polyester blends. If in doubt on how much to wear, dress on the heavy side; you can always remove clothes later.

    • 3

      Wear waterproof/breathable pants and a jacket. The third layer in your snowboarding equation is a waterproof-breathable outer layer. You want garments to be waterproof, so they keep wind, melted snow and precipitation out, but breathable, so they let your inner moisture escape. If you'll be doing a more active form of snowboarding--like split-board touring--you'll want outer-layer garments that provide extra breathability. Soft-shell pants and jackets are good for more active ski touring.

    • 4

      Wear appropriate socks. As with your base layer, you want socks made from wool, fleece, polyester blends or other materials that can wick moisture. Cotton socks retain moisture, which will cause rubbing, blistering and chill.

    • 5

      Wear snowboard boots. Snowboard boots are essential to providing the appropriate support for proper riding, so don't just wear generic boots.

    • 6

      Wear waterproof gloves or mittens. Your gloves should be fully waterproof and insulated. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but also more difficult to use.

    • 7

      Wear a hat or insulated ski helmet. Keep your head and ears warm.

    • 8

      On particularly cold, windy days, wear a neck gaiter or face mask to protect your face from windburn and chill.