Snowboarding Essentials for Beginners

(updated 2/12/23)

Winter is right around the corner, do you have everything you need to get started snowboarding? Tons of people are not super stoked on winter, maybe because they don’t have something to do. Winters can be long and brutally cold, finding yourself a hobby makes it a lot better. You can’t fight mother nature, so you might as well find a way to enjoy her! This winter, take up snowboarding and realize why so many people enjoy winter on the slopes. Below are some essentials for beginner snowboarders.

Snowboard

Choosing your first snowboard can be tough. First off you will want to make sure you have the right size board for your height and weight. A board that is too small can be to squirrelly and unstable, and a board that is too big can be hard to maneuver. Check out our snowboard buying guide on our website and if you already know what you want, and be sure to check out our gear over at this page here at The-House.

Snowboard Bindings

Finding a set of bindings is pretty easy. Just make sure that they are compatible with the boards you own and that you get the proper size range that corresponds with the size of your boots. Another good thing to note is that it is important to match up women’s bindings to women’s boots and men’s bindings to men’s boots. Women’s boots are built specifically around the anatomy of a female foot and are generally shorter and narrower compared to a male foot. The bindings are directly built around the boots for the best overall fit.

Snowboard Boots

Your boots are HANDS DOWN the most important piece of equipment, if your feet are uncomfortable it doesn’t matter what board and bindings you have.  Having a boot that secures your foot and fits properly is highly important so DO NOT let the company, color, and most importantly lacing system turn you away from any boot. Another good thing to note is a lot of people end up in boots that are too big so make sure to watch this video before you try on some new boots. And again just like the bindings make note that women’s boots are built around the anatomy of a female foot/leg and men’s boots are built around a traditional male foot/leg. That being said, if you are a female with a little wider foot and taller stature the men’s boots might fit better. Likewise for males with narrower feet/heels. Can’t stress it enough, its ALL about having proper fit. If you have X amount of dollars to spend on a setup, throw a couple more $$ at some boots and 9 times out of 10 you will get a better fitting and longer lasting boot.

Helmet

“Nothing below your head works, if your head doesn’t work”. With all the research out there about safety and sports, helmets will give you protection against concussions not just from impact but from rotational trauma as well with systems like the MIPS.  Protect your noggin every day on the slopes by throwing on a helmet. Before picking up just any old helmet, be sure to brush up on proper helmet sizing and how to pick out a snowboarding helmet.

Mittens / Gloves

They are about keeping your hands warm but also about general protection from everything around you as well. When purchasing a pair of mittens/gloves if you spend more you get more. More insulation, waterproofing, durability or a combo of any of those 3. Keeping you hands dry is the most important thing and finding gloves with waterproof inserts like GORE-TEX or Hipora will give you the best waterproofing and beathability.to make sure your hands stay comfortable all day long. As you are learning to ride, your hands are in the snow a lot so don’t think that you have to get cheap gloves because you are not an experienced rider. Just like boots its a great item to put a little extra money into.

Goggles

Goggles are not NEEDED but they are a good staple to have. You need to protect your eyes from not just the snow but also from the wind and sun. Sunglasses can definitely help keep the rays out of your eyes but they can restrict your vision a bit. When you are flying down the hill with 50 other people you need to see everything and everyone at a glance. When it comes to lenses you’ll want to get a goggle lens tint that matches your typical sunlight exposure when you are riding each day. A lot of goggles nowadays come with lenses for both sunny AND overcast/low light conditions, check out this video for a better visual description of that.

Jackets and Pants

Most importantly, find outerwear you’re comfortable in. You can absolutely love the style or color, but if the fit isn’t satisfactory, then you’re not going to want to stay on the slopes. When you spend more you get more. More waterproofing, more breathability, and/or more insulation so take some time to find the kit (and just as important layering underneath) to find the jacket and pants that works best for you.

Face Mask

Most times when riding, your neck and chin are the things most exposed. Cover them with a mask of some sort and help retain body heat. There’s several styles like bandanas, neck gaiters and balaclavas but they all get the job done. Don’t forget to keep a thinner mesh style mask in your bag as well for protection from the sunny on those warm spring riding days.  Sun reflecting off the snow will roast you quicker than a Costco rotisserie turkey!

Layers

Layering weather it is a top or a bottom is 100% just as important as outerwear. These are clothing items that are worn underneath your jacket and pants right against your skin that wick moisture away from your body. Cotton materials like t-shirts and sweatpants don’t breath as well as technical layering and soak up your sweat, holding it against your body. Natural wool and synthetic fabrics will keep you dry by transferring the sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and warm. Then 2nd layer options go over the top of your first layer to help add even more warmth if needed.

Socks

Snowboard socks are essential to snowboarding. As important as boots are to your kit, socks are just first layer for your feet. They keep your feet warm, dry and cozy so you can spend the whole day on the slopes and not inside complaining about cold feet.

Accessories

Along with the necessities, like a snowboard, these items are super nice to have with your setup, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

• Stomp Pad: These help create grip on your board for your rear foot down when exiting the lift and gliding with one foot out of your bindings.
• Wax: This is what helps you maintain speed while riding. Check out his video about how and why waxing your board is good!
• Tuning Kits: If you’re going to wax your snowboard, you might want the proper tools (a tuning kit) to do so.
• Protective Gear: This is not necessary, but some people really do not like falling on their bum or knees. This gear is a perfect way to protect the main places like butt and knees when you are falling while learning.
• Snowboard Bag: Whether it’s just to the local hill or out to the Rockies, be prepared with a snowboard bag for all of your gear.

Photos by Stephan Jende