How to prepare before traveling for snowboarding this season

The snow season is catching up with us fast. For those who know that snowboarding is the most exciting snow sport, this is the ultimate time to embark on some serious offseason snowboard training- squat jumps, box jumps, and stair jumps.

Take caution, though, and don’t let the excitement carry you away. Remember that whether you are a seasoned vet or just another snowboard rookie, careless preparation could trivialize your anticipation for the après-ski.

So, be wise and follow these tips to prepare yourself before traveling for a snowboarding holiday.

Snowboarding gear 

For a beginner, stocking up on snowboarding gear can be pretty much expensive. Again, ferrying these items can be quite daunting especially on a long-haul flight that involves changing planes. Luckily, most big resorts rent snowboarding gear.

If you want a great experience in the mountains, however, buying and carrying your own snowboarding items is always advisable.

Snowboard  

Flying down a snowy ridge on a board that you are used to brings some degree of confidence. So, if your budget allows, purchase yours today and start breaking it in. You can always rent one at the resort though.

Resorts have all types of snowboards: freestyle, alpine, and free-ride. If you are just starting out, ask a pro to guide you on how to select a good freestyle board.

Snowboard Bindings 

Bindings connect you to your snowboard. If you plan to rent the board, then it should come with the bindings.If you plan to purchase them, this list of the best snowboard bindings 2018 should help you get a pair that grips your boots securely on the board.

Snowboard boots 

Now, do know that your regular boots won’t stand a chance in the snow. In this case, you need to invest in a pair that is specially designed for snowboarding. Snowboarding boots have a super tough toecap and heel panel, and they are purposely built for bindings.

You can also rent these from the resort. However, if you have a pair that you enjoy snowboarding in, I advise you to bring it along.

Snowboarding Apparel 

Jackets and pants 

Remember that life on the snowy mountains can be really hard. What you want here is not your fancy clothes, but something that specializes in keeping your warm. Good quality pants and jackets should have excellent temperature control abilities.

For people who sweat even in the snow, it’s important that you go for breathable cloths. They should keep you warm and allow sweat to escape at the same time.

Snowboarding thermals 

Thermal underwear goes underneath the pants and jackets. If you don’t want to turn into a frozen sculpture, be wise and invest in a few pairs of these. The market today has modern fabrics such as merino wool, polyester, and spandex that help you stay warm and sweat and stink free.

Gloves and thick socks 

Frostbite is real in the Arctic. This is an injury that occurs on your appendages when you expose them to the snow. Mind you, frostbites happen in a split second. Taking off your gloves to adjust your snowboard bindings could make you hate life.

What I am trying to say here is that good quality gloves and socks should never miss out on your list. Redess waterproof and windproof snowboarding gloves are some great warmers to check out. The best thing about them is that they are touchscreen-friendly. So you can pick up calls and respond to texts and emails without necessarily pulling them out. Who beats that?

Snowboard Goggles 

Don’t ever think of heading to the snow without a pair of reliable snow-specific goggles. And if you think that your regular sunglasses will help you, that’s a big NO. Snowsports-specific glasses are specially designed to protect your peepers from UVA, UVB, and UVC ultra-violet rays.

A bad choice of these protectors or not wearing them at all could lead to serious eye injuries. Bolle has some of the best snow goggles today.

Important personal care items 

  • Body cream
  • Hand cream
  • Face moisturizer
  • Moisturizing sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF (very important)