Recommended Snowboarding Clothing for Temperature Range

Snowboarders enjoy the excitement of challenging terrain and conditions that often are changing constantly. Being prepared for a day on the mountain allows you to be more comfortable and enjoy the snow. Clothing recommendations change with the weather as snowboarders may face below zero temperatures one day and warm sunny conditions the next.

  1. Warm

    • Snowboarding in the springtime can mean warm temperatures that are 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above. This requires the snowboarder to dress lightly enough to not overheat. A lightweight waterproof shell jacket and pants are ideal for these conditions as they will block the wind but are not overly warm. Many ski jackets have liners that zip out of the shell for conditions of this nature.

    Chilly

    • During the early and late ski season, snowboarders often face chilly weather with temperatures just above freezing up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A lightweight insulated jacket and pair of snow pants are ideal for chilly weather and allow the snowboarder to keep cool while riding down the hill and warm on the cold ride on the lift. A light winter hat and waterproof gloves keep body heat in but avoid overheating.

    Cold

    • The majority of ski season snowboarders face cold weather with temperatures between 10 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit which are also the ideal temperatures for snowfall. You should wear either a normal layer of clothing or a base layer in addition to a heavy winter jacket and snow pants. Snowboarders should avoid dressing too heavily as this can cause sweating which leads to loss of body heat. An insulated winter hat and thick waterproof gloves keep you warm and dry in cold weather.

    Extreme Cold

    • Extreme cold conditions of below 10 degrees Fahrenheit or blizzard conditions with high wind speeds require snowboarders to layer properly to stay warm and protect their skin from frostbite. The layers trap in body temperature and reduce heat loss due to exposure to extreme cold. It is essential to wear a base layer of thermals which feature a special design to wick away moisture from the skin and keep the heat in. A secondary level of clothing on top of the thermals such as jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirt and long sleeve T-shirt provides a second level of warmth. A heavy insulated coat and snow pants or an insulated set of coveralls protects the rider from the wind and acts as barrier, keeping the body heat in. It is critical to wear a thick insulated hat, gloves and face mask to protect the skin from frostbite.