What To Pack For A Snowboarding Trip - The Definitive Guide

 Preparing for a snowboarding trip requires careful planning to make sure you get the most out of it. Here’s the ultimate list of items to pack:

Clothing:

• Snowboard jacket, normally the first piece of clothing people buy and with good reason. There’s so much tech involved here that it can take a lot of work. First thing, pockets.. you need loads of them so as much as you love the look of that technical hoodie it probably isn’t going to work for a full expedition. A pocket for your ski pass is a great and useful addition as well, so look for any pockets on the left arm. Ski pass machines usually have the swipe card sensor on the left, so being able to store your pass in a pocket so you can get to the sensor and not have to take it out all the time is sooo handy. Next, waterproofing, looked for sealed seams, water rating logos and gore-tex. Breathability, you sweat when you snowboard as it is hard work, so you need a material that will your sweat out without letting water in. Lastly, Insulation, I typically use a shell jacket, so it has an outer layer with a thin liner, this enables me to layer up for warmth. What you don’t want is to have a jacket with a thick fleecy inner that you can’t remove when you get too hot. Remember, this isn’t like the coat you wear to walk to work when it's snowy. It doesn’t need to be mega thick, you will be working hard and getting warm, despite the temperature outside. 

• Snowboard pants, All the above info works for the pants too. For the technical stuff look for loads of pockets, zips on the ankles so you can open them up and get them comfy around your boots. Also to touch on the fit, Snowboarders typically wear baggy pants. You need to stay loose and relaxed while on the board and have plenty of movement so the last thing you want is something pulling at the crotch every time you try and make a turn. Now regardless of how baggy you go, make sure the drawstrings or other fasteners around the waist are able to get good and tight, snow down the back of your pants is not fun for anyone. 

• Base layers (thermal underwear), you can buy winter sport specific stuff that will do the job great.. but in all honesty, if you are just starting out any snug, stretchy gym or yoga stuff you have will do fine. All you need is something wicking, that will draw the sweat away from your body and let is dissipate into the atmosphere. Trust me, a good base layer can mean the difference between having a great or miserable time. I’ve also never needed a base layer on my legs, the snowboard pants do a good enough job of that on their own unless you’re going into artic conditions. 

• Mid-layer (fleece or insulated jacket), again, gym stuff.. anything lightweight, stretchy and snug fitting. I used to just use a basketball jersey as my base layer. The jacket and base layer did all the heavy lifting of keeping me warm, the mid layer just gave time the ability to regulate my temperature if I needed it.

• Waterproof gloves or mittens, I’ve never found a pair of gloves that are fully waterproof. But some are better than others. I prefer mittens as they are easier to get on and off and have more space to accommodate my wrist guards. Some gloves have elastic hoops that go round your wrists so they dangle like mittens when you’re not wearing them, some have little fasteners so you can clip them together. The last thing you want is to drop one while you’re on a ski lift.

• Moisture wicking socks, Snowboard specific socks need to be slightly thick, not mega thick, they should come up to just above your calf and they should have wicking tech to keep you feet dry. And they need to look cool, obviously.

• Neck gaiter or scarf, love these. Just to stop any draughts getting dow your neck have on of these tube scarves or neck gaitor’s on. They’re amazing. 

• Beanie or hat, for when you take your helmet off at the apres. Nobody wants to see your helmet hair. Plus your ears get cold. 

• Goggles with UV protection, there’s no such thing as a goggle lens for all light conditions, regardless of what anyone says. Some are better than others so do your research. Find out what sort of conditions you are going away in and plan accordingly. Some goggles have frames with quick release lenses so you can swap on the go for when the sun goes away and you’re suddenly in a blizzard, these are great. *Top tip though, always keep your goggles somewhere warm and dry overnight. I once left them in the locker with my snowboard and the condensation from being in there all night with a load of snow and ice basically ruined them for a few days as they continued to steam up in between the two layers of lenses*

• Helmet, obvious one this.. I always see people rocking around with just a beanie on and it's madness. I have taken some heavy heavy hits before, where I’ve bashed my helmet and still come away with a headache and ringing in my ears. Imagine if I’d just been wearing a beanie. And you don’t have to be doing crazy tricks.. just turning on to your heel side and catching an edge is enough to send you smashing into the ice.,. and in that moment your coccyx and head will be glad of some protection. And make sure it's a snowboard specific helmet, these have built in warm padding for your head and ears.. a bicycle helmet will not do. 

Snowboarding Gear:

• Snowboard, of course you may be looking at rentals if you are just starting out, but nothing beats the feel of having your own board that you know well and works for you. 

• Bindings, exactly the same as the board, you may be getting a rental but assuming you have decided to take the plunge and get your own, ensure the bindings you have chosen match the board you get. For example if you buy a loose, flexy pliable board that’s meant for hitting the park then it's pointless fitting stiff performance focused bindings as your whole package will be a middle ground weird blend of flex and stiff. No good for anyone.

• Snowboard boots, ah getting your own boots is a thing of beauty! No more gross rental boots. There’s a tonne of choice with these as with anything. Just try a bunch on and get the right size. They all differ.

• Stomp pad, optional.. a good stomp pad will help your grip when getting off a ski lift. What a stomp pad is, is basically a large thick rubber mat that sticks to your board so when you’re riding with on foot out the binding you don’t slip about. It s great little addition.

• Padding, essential, or at the very very minimum essential for your knees. you will spend a lot of time kneeling or sitting to wait for friends to catch up or just to take a rest. knee pads are awesome, I also wear heavy duty padded shorts so that if I take a tumble my coccyx is protected. 

 Safety Gear:

• Avalanche transceiver (if venturing into backcountry), the worst can and does happen. Snowboarding is an extreme sport and snowy conditions are unpredictable. If you are venturing into the backcountry then one of these is a great idea. Especially when you consider how fast the cold will kill your phone battery.

• Shovel and probe (if venturing into backcountry), again, useful in extreme circumstances or for building ramps for fun. Get a lightweight collapsable shovel you can stow in your backpack. 

• First aid kit, Snowboarding is dangerous. There’s no two ways about it.. that’s why we like it. My first trip I broke my wrist, and I have been unfortunate enough to have good friends that have come away with life changing injuries. Be prepared and stay safe.

• Multi-tool or snowboard tool, dead handy for making adjustments on the fly. There’s a bunch on the market that are tiny but come with a tonne of options.

• Spare parts for bindings (screws, straps), just in case, the last thing you want is to be miles away from anywhere with a busted toe strap on your binding. 

Accessories:

• Backpack, I use one because it's so handy.. I know some people that don’t use them because it throws their balance off. Plus if you’re the only one in your group with a backpack then you will end up carrying everyone else's stuff. Something to be wary of.

• Hand warmers, awesome little gadgets. I use them to warm/dry my gloves when we have stopped off for a drink throughout the day. Nothing worse than having to put cold wet gloves back on.

• Sunscreen (high SPF), the sun can be bright and snow is reflective. No matter how cold you are, you will get a tan. On the only part of your face that is visible. So if you don't want board looking like a racoon when you take your goggles/ sunglasses off.. get some high factor sunscreen. 

• Lip balm with SPF, same reason, the sun can kill your lips.. added to that the cold and wind.. look after your skin. 

• Snacks and water bottle, you will get hungry and thirsty so bring plenty of goodies. Plus you need to keep you energy up so no dieting on this trip, you need loads of calories to combat the cold and the energy expenditure. 

• Camera or GoPro for capturing moments, your phone battery will die incredibly fast due to the cold. So if you can stretch to something a bit hardier to take your videos and photos on. There’s a huge array of cameras on the market designed specifically for this. 

• Portable phone charger, again, your phone’s battery will not last long in the cold. Get a battery block and keep it close to your heart for warmth. 

• Travel-sized sewing kit, well, just in case. 
• Hip flask, Well, why not?

  Apres-Ski Clothing:

• Casual clothing for après-ski activities, Snowboarders are relaxed people, don’t bring your best shirts and shiny shoes on a Snowboarding holiday. You will stand out like a sore thumb and be freezing cold. Most people go straight from the slopes to the bars and stay in their boarding gear. If you do want to get changed then keep it casual. And remember that you’re still at altitude.. so keep warm. Even if you’re hitting the clubs and you’re used to braving the cold at home.. wear a coat!

• Comfortable shoes or boots, practical footwear is essential, warm, dry and grippy. Looking cool comes a distant 4th. 

• Swimsuit (some resorts have hot tubs or pools), if you’re lucky. There nothing better than slipping into a hot tub after a day on the slopes. 

Accommodation Essentials:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), all your standard stuff but add moisturiser and aftersun for your face!

• Towel, for the sauna or just the hotel room. A lot of the accommodation you may see is very basic, the reason being that you really only use the room to sleep in. So don’t assume they will have all the amenities you are used to on your summer holiday. 

• Slippers or flip-flops, again, Sauna or hot tub. 

• Sleepwear, of course.

• Earplugs, Ski resorts can be raucous places.. that is why they are fun, but you need to sleep to rest and recover for the next days boarding. So these are my absolute essential!

Optional Gear:

• Portable Bluetooth speaker, a must for any holiday. 

• Ski lock, when you stop off for a drink you will notice thousands of pounds worth of boards just leaning up anywhere and everywhere. I used to enjoy the casual trusting nature of it. Until I had a board nicked and had to walk down the slope back to the hotel absolutely raging. Now I always lock mine up, these are simple cable locks that could easily be cut with the right tools but they will stop opportunity thieves. Anything that makes it harder for someone to jump on and ride away is a good thing.

• Boot warmers, great little tools these. So it is basically a very low lever hair dryer that sits in your boots over night and gently drys them out with sightly warm air. Leaving boots wet overnight can lead to them growing bacteria and smelling really bad. Plus you don’t want to be putting cold wet boots on in the morning.. that’s no fun.

• Duct tape (for quick gear fixes), endlessly helpful in ways you couldn’t even begin to imagine until you need it. 

Rental Gear (if not bringing your own):

• Check with the rental shop for availability and reserve in advance.

Note:

• Ensure your equipment is in good condition before the trip. Beware how you pack things, I once lost load of good multitools at East Midlands airport because they were in my carry on and the security guy was worried I could start unscrewing bits of the plane in mid air. Honestly this is what he said with a completely straight face. Make sure all tools and equipment go in your hold luggage. You will lose them otherwise.

• Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Snow cameras are available at most resorts.

• Dress in layers for temperature variations.

• Don't forget your lift pass or tickets.

This list is designed to be a basic guide. There may be things on here you don’t need so please research the area you are travelling to and the type of snowboarding you will be doing.  If there is anything you feel we have missed please let us know and we’ll amend the guide so it's more useful to everyone.