All you need to know - GEAR
There are several different styles on the mountain, and one of the best things about snowboarding is that you can be whoever you want to be and wear whatever style fits you best. It’s important to remember that weather conditions play a huge role in what works and what doesn’t on the mountain. Here are some tips, brands, and ideas to help you not only look good, but also stay comfortable and perform at your best while riding.
JACKETS
The essential part of a great snowboard fit is the top layer, and whether you’re wearing a flannel, a puffer, or just a t-shirt under your jacket, it’s important to always pay attention to weather conditions so you’re prepared for the day ahead. When looking for jackets, you want to pay attention to things like Gore-Tex, water resistance, insulation, and down filling because those are the features that are going to keep you warm and dry on the mountain. Some really solid brands include Howl Supply, 686, Burton, Airblaster, Volcom, and Quiksilver. All of these companies make quality products with technology built specifically for riding in mountain conditions.
One of the best times to buy snowboard gear is during the summer when a lot of brands and shops start clearing out last season’s inventory and running major sales. If you want to know when websites are running deals, sign up for our email Another great way to find quality gear is by thrifting or buying secondhand. A lot of the snowboard community sells fairly new gear for cheap, and reselling has become really popular on platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace. It’s also always a good idea to check your local thrift stores if you live in a snowboard state because you can sometimes find really solid gear for a fraction of the price. Don’t feel like you need to perfectly match your jacket to your pants either. A huge part of snowboard culture is creating your own style and wearing what feels right to you. Just remember to ride responsibly and dress for the conditions.
PANTS
Pants are one of the most important parts of your snowboard fit outside of a helmet. They are your main protection against getting wet, and having the right pair can honestly make or break your day on the mountain. You should always be wearing proper snow pants no matter what the conditions are, because falling isn’t foreign to anyone ;) The same brands we listed for jackets are also great brands to look at for pants.
When choosing pants, you don’t want anything too tight you need to be able to move freely. It’s usually best to go for something a little loose or baggy so you have full range of motion while riding. A key trick is to tuck your base layer into your pants so you don’t get snow down your back if you fall. Little details like that can make a big difference in keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable all day.
ACCESSORIES
Key accessories include mittens (or gloves), a helmet (very important), goggles or shades, boots (essential), and face masks. All of these are must-haves in snowboarding, and you really don’t want to go riding without them. There are a few brands to consider here: Smith Optics, Giro, Electric, Dragon Alliance, Oakley, and Anon, all make really solid goggles and helmets that are fairly affordable and reliable.
Goggles and helmets are items you typically want to buy new, and it’s important to replace your helmet after any serious fall or impact. Some people choose to wear sunglasses instead of goggles, which can work, but your face will usually get colder and you lose some protection from wind and snow. For mittens and gloves, mittens are usually warmer because they keep your fingers together, but gloves also work great depending on preference. Howl Supply makes strong options here, and most of the brands mentioned above also produce quality gloves and mittens to keep your hands warm and protected on the mountain. Vans, Burton, DC, and Solomon all make great boots make sure you get them tight because they will gradually expand as you ride, you want to replace boots after about 60 rides.
All you need to know -
SNOWBOARDS
Ah the fun part, the board this is your baby, your thing, your personality on the mountain. Boards are one of the best parts of snowboarding, but it’s also important to know all the differences in board types so you can make sure you have something that actually fits your riding style.
Different riding styles include park, backcountry, resort, powder, all mountain, and groomers. Different boards are designed for different conditions and types of riding, so it really matters what you choose. If you scroll down, I’ll have all the information regarding different board styles and types. You will also want to understand the difference between rocker and camber. Rocker boards are more flat and slightly lifted at the ends, which makes them more forgiving and easier to turn, especially for beginners. Camber boards are more arched, which gives you more pop, stability, and control at higher speeds, but they can be a little less forgiving. Choosing rocker or camber really depends on your riding style, but if you are just starting out, rocker is usually the best option because it feels easier and more stable.
Some notable brands are Nitro Snowboards, Salomon Snowboards, Burton, CAPiTA Snowboards, Never Summer Industries, Rome Snowboards, and Jones Snowboards. All of these brands make extremely good boards, and they will most likely last you way longer than you think, often 5–10 years if you take care of them properly.
There are also board graphics for everyone, and companies are doing a really good job now of creating designs that feel unique and personal so you feel connected to your setup on the mountain. Boards are also something you can absolutely thrift or buy secondhand, but you’ll usually have better luck and longer-lasting performance by putting your money into a solid quality new board.
To take care of your board in the offseason, just remember to keep it inside and make sure you wax it at least 2–3 times per season depending on how often you ride. You can get board tune-ups at any local mountain shop or resort, and it’s important to do this at least once a year. If you take care of your board, your board will take care of you.