What to Bring on a Snowboarding Trip

Have you ever just totally failed in the past or new to the sport and wondering what to bring on a snowboarding trip? We all know the basics to bring on your trip this like your snowboard, bindings, etc. But what about the little things that can really make a trip and save you some money when you get to those resort towns. Here is a quick checklist to run while packing.

the core gear

Let’s be honest, if you forget your snowboard on a snowboard trip you should probably check yourself. Here is a quick list of critical gear you’ll need just so you can’t say we didn’t tell you so.

rub on or paste wax

If you are like me you always want to get maximum speed out of your board. Regular hot wax applications are key but if you are on a trip that has more than three days of riding your board will begin to slow down. No one wants to pay resort prices for a hot wax. Rub on or paste wax is a cheap alternative to keep your board moving at top speed while on your trip. A personal favorite is Burton Flurocomp Paste Wax. It will keep your board moving at top speed the entire trip. You can buy wax and accessories here if you need to re-stock.

board lock

Snowboards are not cheap and there are people out there who steal them. Nothing can ruin a day at the mountain like coming back from lunch and your board is gone. This can be easily prevented by bring a board lock along. After spending hundreds of dollars on your board setup go ahead and splurge the extra $12-$15 for the board lock to protect your new ride. Don’t have a lock? You can buy a board lock here.

extra socks

There are too many people who try to get by on a five day trip with only one pair of snowboard socks. After a couple days those socks start to smell pretty ripe. Be kind to yourself and friends by bringing along enough pairs for each day. Even worse are the ones who just double up on their everyday socks for warmth when out on the mountain. Snowboard socks are not just designed to be warm but also moisture wicking. If your feet start to sweat cotton just absorbs them and that leads to cold feet. Stock up on snowboard socks here.

tool

Most resorts do have an area with some screwdrivers but they are often crowded with people or missing what you need. Something like Burton’s Bullet Tool is is compact and easy to bring along. Sometimes screws come loose or maybe you need to set back your stance a little because you just got six inches of powder overnight. Either way having this with you allows you to make quick adjustments and get back out riding. Browse snowboarding tools here.

spare goggles or lens

You can’t always trust the weather man. Even if you can it doesn’t mean it is going to be either sunny or overcast every day of your trip. An all around lens that has a yellow or orange tint works well in almost any condition but not all goggles come with that. Plus some people have more sensitive eyes than others so on a sunny day they need a dark tinted mirrored lens. These days most goggles have the ability to swap out the lens. You can bring that dark mirror and have a clear lens to pop in if you do night riding or it is overcast. The other option that is becoming common is owning two pairs. Most goggles last a long time so why not invest in two good pairs. Saves you the hassle of swapping out the lens. Find new snowboard googles here OR get a fancy snowboard goggle case to keep everything nice and neat.

pain medication

This one is a handy for a couple of reasons. First snowboarding can be a little painful once in a while. If you are a beginner you will most likely be taking a few spills and catching your edge. The veterans will be out there pushing it all day as hard as they can. This will help ease those aches and pains from each day of riding. The second use is for those nasty hangovers. After a long day on the mountain a nice beverage with friends at the lodge is a great way to end the day. Every now and then this can turn into a few too many. Don’t let that slow you down the next day.

protein bars

Snowboarding is a physically demanding sport. If you want to survive riding 3-5 days in a row you need to give your muscles the right fuel. Protein bars can make great on hill snacks and save you money since you won’t have to pay resort prices for snacks. Two favorites are Clif Builder’s Bars that come with 20g of protein or Vega Energy Bars are a great vegan friendly option. Vega have plant based protein plus omega fatty acids. Both bars will give you the energy to keep you out on the mountain longer.

vitamin c

Vitamin C has been shown to help support your immune system. Being out in the cold snowboarding all day can take a toll on your body. You don’t want to get sick half way through your trip and be stuck inside all day. If a little vitamin C can help reduce that risk I think it is completely worth it. You can pick up the Emergen-C packets or vitamin C pills at your local drug store.

one nice outfit + swimsuit

Everyone remembers their first layers and t-shirts for a snowboard trip. It is often forgotten that many resort towns have some nice restaurants and bars to head out to after a day on the mountain. You don’t want to show up at these with your usually t-shirt and ratty jeans. Pack at least one nice outfit for going out one night. If you are single the opposite sex will definitely appreciate it. If you are there with your significant other a date night in a resort town can be a nice change of pace. Then at the end of the night, hop in that outdoor hot tub. The hot tub is really the 2nd best part of any snowboard trip. Shop mens or womens and find yourself something nice.

chargers

Nothing is worse than getting to the mountain and realizing you forgot your the charger for your laptop, phone, iPad, or mp3 player. Always double check to make sure you have all the appropriate chargers. If you are traveling abroad you also want to be sure you have the proper adapters to make those chargers work.

So there you have it. We’ve covered all the key things you can’t snowboard without and some of the things that will make your trip that much better. We can’t emphasize the importance of bringing your swimsuit for the hot tub. You’ll thank us when you’re enjoying that hot steamy outdoor wonder that is the outdoor hot tub.

What do you think, did we miss anything here? Send us your thoughts below!