How to Dress for Snowboarding: the Essentials

Dressing for snowboarding is all about staying warm — and staying warm means being dry and properly insulated. Some jackets come with insulation built in, but many people prefer using a shell jacket and wearing multiple layers underneath to keep warm. That gives you more freedom to match the conditions throughout the entire season. On top of warmth, you should also always consider performance when picking a snowboarding jacket. You can choose jackets and equipment that offer benefits like stretch or are made from sustainably.

Snowboarding packing list

Board
Boots
Bindings
Layers
Ski jacket
Ski pants
Boots
Goggles
Gloves
Helmet

What to wear snowboarding: first time or advanced

Snowboarding essential: layers

The more comfortable you are, the more time you’ll spend riding. Layering is very important when getting prepared for snowboarding and it all comes down to how insulated your jacket and pants are. It’s best to break your outfit down into three layers — your base layer, your second layer and your insulating layer. Learn how to layer for snowboarding.

Snowboarding essential: snowboard jacket

Picking the right snowboard jacket comes down to a few things. The first thing you want to consider is warmth. If you plan on wearing your jacket over a few layers, it won’t need to be very insulated. Non-insulated jackets will give you more versatility to suit the conditions through layering. However, some people like the simplicity of an insulated jacket. Other than insulation, you need to find a balance between price and quality — many jackets offer technical features that will keep you warmer, drier or offer more mobility, but they come with a bigger price tag. It all comes down to your personal preference and the conditions you’ll be riding in.

>> For a more in-depth look at snowboard jackets, see our how to choose snowboard jackets Expert guide.

Snowboarding essential: snowboard pants

Snowboarding pants are similar to snowboarding jackets in that some of them are insulated and some of them aren’t. So, like jackets, you’ll have to decide which style is better for you. While jackets are pretty straightforward with sizing, pants come in different fits. A regular fit is designed to give you more room, but a modern fit will be a little bit tighter. Choose your fit based off of style and what you find to be more comfortable. Other than that, just consider the conditions you’ll be riding in and find the right balance between price and quality.

>> For a more in-depth look at snowboard pants, see our how to choose snowboard pants Expert guide.

Snowboarding essential: helmet

Better safe than sorry. Helmets can save you from injury or death while snowboarding. Your helmet should fit snugly so that it doesn’t come loose while you’re riding. Not all helmets are created equal, so do your research and be sure to buy one you can trust.

Snowboard boots

Above all else, your boots should be comfortable. Boots are often manufactured to be more flexible, lightweight and warmer — but the most important thing is ensuring you stay comfortable when riding. That said, it’s always better to try boots on and purchase at a store than it is to buy them online.

Snowboard Gloves

All gloves are different. Gloves built for powder days, for example, offer coverage further up your arm in order to create more protection. Gloves also vary in insulation to suit warmer or colder temperatures. It’s important to be realistic about the conditions in which you’ll be using your gloves before making a purchase.

Snowboard Goggles

Goggles should be as comfortable as possible. We recommend buying goggles that will allow you to changes lenses, so you can alter them based on the visibility of the day. And if you plan on wearing a helmet (which you should be), make sure to get a pair of goggles that is compatible with your headpiece.

What else do you need for snowboarding?

Hats

Gotta stay warm. And you gotta stay in style. A good hat will help you do both.

Neck warmer

As their name suggests, sure, they keep your neck warm. But they also protect you from the sun and wind. A neck warmer is a good call on any snow trip — especially in colder conditions.

Waterproof socks

Trust us: You don’t want your feet to get cold when you’re out there riding. That said, you’re going to want to wear a pair of insulated socks under your boots. Some pairs even offer nifty features such as antimicrobial fabrics.

Shop Snowboarding Outerwear