Dec/090
Dressing for the Mountain: A Beginner’s Guide to Snowboarding Clothing
Dressing for success isn't just for a first date or a job interview. It's just as important out on the mountain, where the wrong outfit can mean a lot more than just looking silly. Whether you've been snowboarding forever or are just starting out, the most important thing to remember is that dressing for the elements is just as much a part of staying safe as having the right kind of board and staying off of runs that are too difficult for your skill level.
Planning for all possible conditions when getting dressed is an important part of snowboarding, and dressing in the right clothes also decreases the impact that a fall might have on you. Just remember to leave the cotton goods at home, and get ready to start layering.
Don't even think about including cotton in your snowboarding outfits! It absorbs water rather than wicking it away and will generally cause at best discomfort and at worth death. There's no exaggerating about how harmful cotton is. Avoid it at all costs.
As far as layering goes, it's the best way to stay both warm and cool out on the slopes. For those snowboarders who are going to be out during spring season, sometimes it's necessary to remove a layer to beat the heat of the mid-day sun. If, instead of one very thick winter coat and one long underwear shirt, you layer long underwear, a thin sweater, a thick sweater, and a coat with a shell, it will make staying as cool or as warm as you want to be a breeze.
The first and most crucial part of any snowboarding outfit is that initial layer, the base layer. This is where it is really important to remember absolutely no cotton at all. Long underwear, or thermal underwear, should fit snugly but not too tightly, and should be made of a material that will wick sweat away. The same goes for socks, which should be made of wool or some other synthetic material that allows breathing while eliminating the risk of water.
The insulation layer of a snowboarding outfit goes on over the base layer, but does not need to protect from the elements like the outer layer. Also known as the middle layer, this is what provides extra warmth by keeping heat locked firmly in while allowing water to be wicked away. The middle layer consists of a sweater or zip-up, usually made of wool or fleece. Its purpose is to provide a little bit more warmth while not adding too much bulk to the outfit. Boots are also included in the middle layer.
The outer layer of any snowboarding outfit is the stuff that actually keeps you from getting snow in your clothing. It is important to make sure that even something as simple as a cap is not made of cotton, as it is just important for your body to be able to "breathe" while bundled up as it is for the heat to stay locked in. Hats should cover your ears as well as the top of your head, and as people lose almost all of their body heat through their heads, it's important to find one that fits securely and keeps the heat locked in.
The outer layer of clothing for snowboarding also consists of gloves, which are particularly important given that most snowboarding falls put the most impact on the hands and wrists. Make sure to get a pair that has extra padding in the palm, as well as sufficient insulation. Sometimes, a thin wool glove is worn inside of the large waterproof glove, for extra warmth on particularly cold days.
The finishing touch to the outfit? Why, goggles of course. With most snowy hills reflecting a whole lot of UV rays on sunny days, it's important to protect one's eyes from the sun. Goggles also help keep a clear line of vision during any snowfall that might occur while you're on the slopes.
The most crucial part of your snowboarding outfit is the snowboarding jacket. A water and wind repelling jacket is a must for riders, as well as an inner-shell that fits a little more snugly and keeps water out in case you fall down at any point during the day. Once you're all suited up, it's time to hit the slopes!
If you are considering visiting the Japan Snow, try the Niseko resort. The snow is amazing for those who want to try snowboarding in Japan