Dressing For Snowboarding vs. Dressing For Skiing

 

What’s the big difference? Honestly, not much. During the early origins of both sports there were big differences but nowadays unless you’re trying to make a “statement” on the hill except for boots, bindings, and boards/skis the gear is all interchangeable.

Here’s a quick look at all the gear (you can find a FREE pintable checklist here):

 

• Beanie

• Socks

• Base Layers

• Jacket & Pants

• Storm Hood

• Neck Gaiter

• Mid Layers

• Helmet

• Ski Goggles

• Goggle Soc

• Gloves

• Waterproof Backpack

• Epic Pass/ Ikon Pass/ Other Passes

• Snacks

• Camera

• Selfie Stick

• Sunscreen

• Chap Stick

• Bindings

• Snowboard/ Skis

• Boots

• Ski/ Board Bag

• Boot Bag

 

Tips For Dressing For Skiing And Snowboarding:

 

Dress for your climate: This might sound a little odd, but 32 degrees is Utah will feel dramatically different that 32 degrees in Vermont. The level of moisture in the air plays a big part in how you feel, and what type of gear will keep you the most comfortable in your environment. The more moisture in the air the important full waterproof coverage, and warmer insulation is.

Layering is essential: The weather in the mountains can change on a dime, you might start the day needing every single layer you own, and by the afternoon you can find yourself in warm conditions with the sun shining. Layering gives you the ability to be adaptable to the weather and can prevent sweating/ moisture buildup against your skin which can lead to discomfort and in the worst-case scenario hypothermia. It might sound silly but proper layering could save your life, in the very least it’ll save your day.

Save money, use what you already own:  Outdoor gear is expensive, ski/ snowboard gear is super expensive. Before you run out and buy a ton of new gear peek in your closet and see what you’ve already got. Every penny saved, is one more in the après cocktail fund!

Prioritize your purchases: If you’re planning on skiing/ riding all season, investing in premium high-end gear might make sense. On the other hand, if you’re a first timer on the hill or planning on hitting the mountain just a few days out of the year there’s no need to drop hundreds of dollars on brand new gear.

Renting gear (boards, skis, boots, even helmets) can be a great option to save money and to really figure out what works for you before you open your wallet and empty your bank account on shiny new gear. If you live in or close to a ski community demo days are also a great way to get to know what gear works best for you- check the schedules at your local ski hill and gear shops to see when demos are being offered.

Materials matter: When it comes to purchasing layers it’s important to keep in mind what those layers are made of. Ideally, you want to look for products that are moisture-wicking (think merino wool), and waterproof with an insulating synthetic layer (think gortex). We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, the best combo of materials is one that keeps damp conditions and or your own sweat away from your body and doesn’t compromise your ability to stay warm.

Look for Recco Reflectors: No one expects to be in an accident, that’s why they’re called accidents, even in the safest of environments accidents do happen, good preparation could save your life. Recco Reflectors are a built-in safety feature found on some helmets, jackets and pants.  The idea behind these reflectors is to help a ski patroller equipped with Recco detectors locate you as quickly as possible in the event of an avalanche.  This is not an avalanche beacon and shouldn’t be used in place of one in the backcountry. In the case of Recco reflectors there’s nothing electronic to turn on—you simply have to be wearing an item with a Recco reflector at one of the hundreds of ski resorts worldwide that are Recco detector equipped. REI has a great selection of Recco equipped gear to choose from.

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into the details.

Clothing:

 

Base Layers

Get your base layers wrong, and it won’t matter how much money you spend on the rest of your fancy ski gear. Staying warm and dry while skiing or riding all starts with the first layer. Merino wool is the ultimate in base layering due to its natural moisture wicking properties- keeping perspiration away from your skin and keeping you warm and cozy all day long.

Shop Women’s Base Layers

Shop Men’s Base Layers

 

Mid Layers

Mid layers are the perfect addition for cold winter days. Adding an extra layer of warmth beneath your waterproof top layer is essential for keeping warm, meaning more time on the mountain and less time in the lodge.  A mid layer is the ultimate in customization- with a mid-layer you can add or subtract the exact amount of warmth to suit your personal comfort. For someone who runs cold, a midweight synthetic down jacket might be the perfect fit, whereas someone who runs naturally warmer might be more comfortable in lightweight poly jacket.

Shop Women’s Mid Layers

Shop Men’s Mid Layers

Ski and Snowboard Socks

Our extremities are often the first parts of our bodies to feel the cold, especially our feet and compression from tight ski and snowboard boots can make a slightly damp/ sweaty foot even colder. That’s why buying the right socks is so vital. Ski and snowboard socks are designed to be taller than your boots and not overly thick (to avoid additional compression). Many brands come with padding at the shins, toes, and other pressure points. Wool or synthetic socks are ideal for wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry and warm.

Shop Women’s Ski and Snowboard Socks

Shop Men’s Ski and Snowboard Socks

Ski and Snowboard Jackets

Picking the right ski or snowboard jacket can be overwhelming, there are literally hundreds of options available- ranging from basic waterproof shells, fully insulated jackets, to fancy 3-in-1 systems that integrate a removeable mid-layer directly into the outer jacket. The most important things to consider when shopping for a jacket is its ability to keep you dry in the snow, convenient pockets that meet your needs while on the slopes, and its ability to vent when conditions get warm, so you don’t overheat.

Shop Women’s Ski and Snowboard Jackets

Shop Men’s Ski and Snowboard Jackets

Ski and Snowboard Pants and Bibs

When it comes to purchasing ski and snowboard pants you want to look for the same attributes as you do when it comes to purchasing a jacket- the more waterproof the better. Most ski/ snowboard brands sell their jackets, pants and bibs in “lines” that integrate with one another, not to mention make it easy to complete a “look”.  Another option outside of traditional pants are bibs (a personal favorite of ours). These are great for adding an extra layer of core warmth and keep unwanted snow and moisture from building up along your mid-section. Another important thing to keep in mind when purchasing pants/ bibs is your ability to move freely in them especially once you have added layers on underneath- it might sound silly but when trying on outerwear it helps to mimic the same movements ( squatting, twisting, sitting, etc.) you would make while on the ski hill so you can identify any tight or uncomfortable areas.

Shop Women’s Ski and Snowboard Pants and Bibs

Shop Men’s Ski and Snowboard Jackets and Bibs

Gloves and Mittens

Waterproof and insulated are the two most vital attributes in a good pair of ski gloves and/or mittens. The general rule of thumb (see what we did there?) is the greater the thickness the greater the warmth. For overall warmth mittens tend to be warmer than gloves, but that added warmth will cost you some dexterity, and you may have to remove them more than traditional gloves.  Our personal preference when it comes to gloves is anything gortex, with a pocket for a handwarmer, and integrated glove leashes so you never have to worry about losing one on a ski lift or dropping them out of your pocket.

 

Shop Women’s Gloves

Shop Men’s Gloves

Neck Gaiter

Not a necessity but on a stormy or windy day you’ll be glad you have one! You can pull a neck gaiter up over your nose in icy temps saving your nose and lips from the brutality of the cold.

Shop Neck Gaiters

Storm Hood

For those extra cold days, a storm hood designed to fit over top of your helmet is the perfect piece of gear. Invest in a high-quality hood like this one from 686- made from super soft materials but with a merino moisture wicking face guard to keep you warm in the gnarliest of weather. When shopping keep in mind there are two specific designs to these hoods, one that fits under your helmet and the other that fits over the helmet, personally we prefer the over helmet style.

Shop Storm Hoods

 

 Beanie

Helmets are essential when you’re riding the slopes, but a good beanie is perfect to keep on hand for when you’re hanging in the lodge to keep you warm and cozy.

Shop Women’s Beanies

Shop Men’s Beanies

Safety:

 

Helmet

Do you have to wear a helmet to ski or snowboard? No. Should you wear a helmet when you ski and snowboard? Yes. You’ve only got one brain and protecting it against injury whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the people you love/ love you. Snow helmets come in all sorts of shapes, designs, and price points. There’s no excuse not to protect your noggin.

Shop Women’s Helmets

Shop Men’s Helmets

 

Ski Goggles

Often overlooked, it’s easy to not consider a pair of ski googles a priority, that is until the wind is whipping snow directly into your face and you’re practically skiing/ riding blind down the mountain- equally useful on a sunny bluebird day to protect your eyes from reflecting UV rays off the snow; investing in a good pair of goggles is worth the spend.

Shop Ski and Snowboard Goggles

 

Goggle Soc

A decent pair of goggles can cost anywhere from 75-500 dollars, no small change, and there is nothing worse than dropping that kind of cash just to have the lenses scratched and dinged. Investing in a goggle soc will save your goggles, your sanity, and your wallet.

Shop Goggle Socs at REI

Shop Goggle Socs on Amazon

On The Mountain:

 

Backpack

Carrying a backpack on the slopes is completely optional. Ski/ snowboard jackets and pants come with loads of pockets to stuff your stash into, but if you prefer not to fill your pockets a backpack is a great alternative option. We carry one backpack between the two of us which gives us plenty of room for snacks, water, and somewhere to stash our mid- layers if it gets warm out plus a safe place for cameras and other breakable items. Any pack you have on hand will get the job done, but for the hardcore powder hounds it’s always better to opt for a waterproof pack, preferably one with a built-in water bladder.

Shop Waterproof Backpacks at REI

Shop Waterproof on Amazon

Lift Passes/ Season Passes

If you’ve ever wanted to see a grown adult break down into tears, the easy way is to show them the prices for daily lift tickets at almost any ski resort in the US. The word astronomical is a fitting descriptor. So then you might be wondering how in the hell people are capable of skiing/snowboarding all season long without going broke. The answer is simple- season passes. If you’re local to one mountain buying a season pass to just that resort might be your best option. But before you commit to any one pass it’s good to weigh your options. Nowadays with mega pass options like Epic, Ikon, and a few other lesser knowns you can get season long access to your local hill, along with dozens of others spread out across North America and in some cases the globe. When you do the math, the savings with these passes almost make them impossible not to buy one!

Check Out The Epic Pass

Check Out the Ikon Pass

 

Snacks

Want to know the secret to a happy day of skiing/ riding? Snacks.  Let’s be honest snacks are the answer to a happy day of doing pretty much anything. If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t want to shell out your life savings for a subpar burger at the lodge when you can save your precious pennies for a fancy apres cocktail. That’s where the snacks come in! We’ve done it all from stuffing cold pizza into our jackets to smuggling hot water out of the lodge for our $1.00 Cup-O-Noodles. Quick, easy and healthy snacks to turn a good ski day into a great one!

Camera

These days most of us are already carrying around a high-powered camera in our pockets- hello cell phones. But if you want to take your slope side shots to the next level and not risk crushing your phone or dropping it into waist-deep powder never to be seen again till spring then a 360 camera is the perfect solution. A 360 camera takes the guesswork out of filming since it’s grabbing shots 360 degrees continuously making your job simple- just press record. We have taken our GoPro 360 everywhere with us, and well, the results speak for themselves.

Shop GoPro Cameras

Selfie Stick & Action Camera Mounts

Action cameras are rad, but what really makes the shot is the right angle. There are thousands of mounts for GoPro’s (and all the other action camera brands out there) that can help you take your slope side shots to the next level. Selfie sticks, backpack strap mounts, chest harnesses and board mounts are some of our favorites.

Shop GoPro Selfie Sticks

Shop Backpack Strap Mounts

Shop Chest Straps

Shop Adhesive Mounts

 

Sunscreen

Everyone loves a bluebird day, no one loves a sunburn. The intensity of the sun reflecting off of the snow can be absolutely brutal. We love Sun Bum sunscreen, it’s gentle on the skin, free of harsh chemicals, smells amazing, and moisturizes while it protects you from harmful UV rays.

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Lip Balm

Cold air plus harsh sun and sometimes brutal winds can wreak havoc on your lips. When winter rolls around we have lip balm stashed everywhere- because there is nothing, I repeat nothing worse than chapped lips.

Shop Lip Balms

The Essentials:

 

Quick disclaimer before we jump in, if you’ve followed us on any of our winter adventures then you already know we are team snowboard all the way. It’s not that we have anything against skiing, we have both been snowboarders our whole lives and never had the chance to test out a pair of sticks- maybe one day- most of the information in the post (from here) will be targeted to snowboard gear. But if skiing is your sport, don’t be dissuaded, there’s lots of helpful tidbits here for everyone!

Renting vs. Buying

Almost everyone on their first visit to a ski hill rents gear, it’s the most logical approach when you’re new to the sport and trying to decide if you like it enough to be willing to invest in your own gear. But what happens after you’ve decided that skiing or snowboarding is right for you?

There are a few factors to consider before you invest in your own gear.

• Cost- how often are you planning on skiing/ riding each season and at what point are you going to be spending more on rentals than you would on your own personal gear.

• Skill Level- if you do enough digging you can find a ski shop that rents gear targeted to all skill sets, but at some point once you’ve advanced to a certain level, it will be harder and harder to find a set of skis or a board that really speak to your style and skills for rent.

• Travel- Even if you own your own gear sometimes it just makes sense to rent rather than haul your own gear. It’s all about the math and the how much of a hassle it feels like to you to travel with. We’ve had plenty of instances where it has made the most sense for us just to bring our boots (the most essential part of any ski/ snowboard set-up in our opinion) and rent everything else.

There are so many options out there when it comes to actually buying your own snowboard or skis, take your time before you pull the trigger on a big investment, talk to your local shop owners, ask questions, do as much research as possible, and get to know your likes and dislikes. A good set of skis, or snowboard can last you a very, very long time if you take good care of it. Buy once, buy right!

 

Snowboards/ Skis

Alpine, powder, park, all-terrain, fast boards, carvy boards, split boards, touring skis, fat skis, skinny skis… exhausted yet? There are so many choices out there. For your first purchase we’re all about opting for all around board/ set of skis that you can ride on groomers, across powder, and hit some jumps in the park.

Shop Snowboards

Shop Skis

Bindings

Once you’ve got your board/ skis sorted out you’re going to need to decide on the right set of bindings. Bindings on both snowboards and skis, are essential to properly transferring the power you generate through your core, hips and legs into the movement of the board and the skis. A good pair of bindings is worth the investment, they’ll make you a more efficient rider, and when paired with the right set of boots they can make the difference in how you feel during and after a full day on the slopes.

 

Shop Snowboard Bindings

Shop Ski Bindings

Boots

If there’s one item in your snowboard/ ski kit that you want to get right before purchasing, the boots are it! Poorly fitting boots can ruin your experience and, in some cases, make you never want to ride again. Snowboard boots that are too tight, can reduce circulation to your feet causing them to get cold and go numb, not fun. Boots that are too large can cause extreme cramping in your feet and pain like you’ve never felt before, not fun. Getting the right fit, and style is essential. Taking the time to work with a professional boot fitter is worth the extra cost and time. These wizards know how to look at your foot, ask the right questions about your riding style and fit you with a boot that will give you the best rides of your life, pain free!

Shop Snowboard Boots

Shop Ski Boots

Travel:

 

If you’ve done a little shopping around, then you know how expensive ski and snowboard gear can be. Once you’ve dropped all that cash you’re going to want to protect your precious new gear and maybe even take it on the road to new mountains. To do that you’re going to need a few extra pieces of gear. A good rolling airline approved snowboard/ ski bag, a boot bag ( that also has room for a helmet, googles and other small items, and of course portable boot dryers, because who wants to put on wet boots in the morning!

Shop Ski and Snowboard Board Bags

Shop Ski and Snowboard Boot Bags

Shop Boot Warmers and Dryers

One quick note before you go!

The links provided in this blog post are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing some of the gear listed, we get a very small portion of the sales, with no extra cost to you. Thank you as always for supporting us and our wild life!