What To Pack For A Snowboarding Holiday

There’s no better way to spend the winter than to hit the slopes on your snowboard. Finally. the long-awaited winter holiday is nigh and you can’t keep calm. You can't wait to hit snow-drenched mountain slopes and the almost endless runs. 

As you fantasize about that new trick you’ve been thinking of trying out, you get your gear from storage and begin the packing process. Admittedly, you’ve been looking forward to packing for the slopes, which always gives you profound pleasure. However, every time you pack for the slopes, the same question lingers:

What do you need to carry, and which items are not essential?

For some snowboarders, it is all about packing the essentials only. For others, they must strike a balance between style, fashion, and comfort. 

But what is the perfect snowboarding holiday packing list? Well, it depends on what kind of trip you're taking, whether it be a short or long-term trip, and where in the world you're thinking of spending your next break. And, of course, there are certain essentials you'll need no matter where you're going. 

Let's look at what you should pack for a perfect snowboarding holiday

Snowboards And Bindings

The snowboard is the most essential thing to pack for a snowboarding getaway. After all, what’s a snowboarding holiday without a snowboard?

There are 3 main types of snowboards and they include:

If you plan on renting your snowboards at from the resort, make sure they match your riding style. For instance, if you’re a beginner, you may prefer a freestyle snowboard because it’s easier to control. You can also use this snowboard until you’ve gained riding confidence.

If you have several snowboards in your bag, detach the bindings and put a soft layer between them to avoid scratching.

Bindings are also essential as they keep you attached to your snowboard. Choose the right bindings that go well with your riding style. If you’ll be renting them from the resort, the staffers will help you select the most appropriate bindings.

It is also advisable to bring a snow lock to secure your board when you break for a drink.

Snowboarding Helmet

Most skier or snowboarder hospital admissions are often a result of head injuries. These include skull fractures and severe concussions that usually result from falling, or bumping into stationary objects like trees and poles.

Get a snowboarding helmet to ensure a great time on the slopes and protect your head. 

If you’re a beginner, a helmet is mandatory as you’ve not yet mastered making turns. You can purchase a helmet at the resort or rent it. These are some of the specifications of a good helmet:

Snowboarding Boots

Skiing boots are different from snowboarding boots, and packing the right types ensures a great time on the slopes. It is also important to ensure they are a perfect fit as roomy or too-tight boots may cause injury. In addition, remember to match your snowboarding bindings to your boot size. Your snowboarding boots should also match your riding style and go well with the prevailing snow conditions. 

Tip: ensure your snowboarding boots are made of a strong material that is comfortable and easy on your feet.

Snowboarding Socks

Soggy or cold feet can ruin your perfect skiing or snowboarding experience. And wearing the wrong kind of socks can do just that.

The heat from your boots makes your feet sweat, so having a good pair of socks for your snowboarding adventure is essential. Since the boots are insulated, you should buy socks made of thin and synthetic material. Wearing thick socks makes your feet sweat and hence lose warmth. In addition, ensure your socks are above your boots to prevent your skin from rubbing on them, which could irritate your leg and ankle areas.

Tip: Breathable and waterproof socks help keep your feet warm and dry when snowboarding.

Snowboarding Jacket & Pants.

When snowboarding, a wind and waterproof jacket is your best bet. And that’s not all, it should be made of a breathable fabric to keep you warm and dry. This will protect you from snow, ice, and wind-chill exposure while on the mountain.

Like the jacket, your snowboarding pants should be breathable and waterproof.  Quality pants prevent water from soaking in while you’re shredding powder. It also helps to pack differently colored pants (such as gray or blue). You can also buy pants made of scratchproof material.

Tip: To prevent bulkiness while packing, roll your snowboarding pants and jacket up to save space for other things.

Snowboarding Gloves.

To protect your hands and fingers from frostbite injury, it is vital to invest in a good pair of snowboarding winter gloves. Invest in quality gloves that offer ample insulation, are waterproof, and have a breathable barrier that absorbs moisture. The gloves should also be made of a flexible material that allows you to handle objects such as when changing your snowboarding boot bindings.

Base And Mid Layers

Protection from the harsh weather elements and keeping warm is vital as you hit the slopes.

Layering up is crucial when dressing up for a snowboarding adventure. Wear your base and mid layers underneath your waterproofed and insulated snowboarding jacket and pants. Choose synthetic or woolen layers because of their ability to regulate body temperature. It’s also advisable to own a long top as it tucks easily in your pants to prevent your back from getting cold.

Tip: Bring two to three pairs of snowboarding pants and jackets for changing, as you will need to have them washed after an adventure.

Snowboarding Bag

A quality snowboard bag helps you haul your gear conveniently and offers protection from damage. You sure don't want to get your goggles scratched during transit.

Shop for a bag that fits all your gear in case you’re not renting it. A good snowboarding bag has compartments for packing different gear items separately. 

While every snowboarder has their own packing method, the following is a boilerplate method that you can use. This method encourages packing items from bottom to top:

Snowboarding Backpack

As you hit the slopes, you may want to carry things like

A snowboarding backpack comes in handy. Choose one with ample space but not too large. A snug fit is preferable. If you’re a beginner, take caution as carrying too many items may imbalance you. Ask your trainer for the best way to carry the bag and what essentials are an absolute must-carry.

Snowboarding Goggles

Proper visibility is vital while on the slopes. Snowboarding goggles protect your eyes from the snow, wind, and sun glare.

Since snowboarding goggles require an exact fit, it is advisable to carry your own as you may not get that at a rental store. Also, depending on the quality desired, resort prices may be quite high.

Invest in quality goggles that block out the UV rays, are not prone to fogging up, and improve visibility during snowy or bright sunny days.

Pro tip: When packing your snowboarding goggles, put them in your helmet. This prevents them from getting scratched while inside your luggage.

Sunscreen

To ensure you get maximum protection from the sun, and cold and dry air, carry sunscreen to prevent sunburns. In as much as the mountain environment is cold, the air is rarefied and offers little protection from UV rays. For quick access ensure that the sunscreen fits in your backpack or jacket pocket for easy access.

Belive it or not sun reflecting off the snow on a bluebird day will burn you.

Neck warmer 

Pack a neck warmer to protect your neck from the cold and wind while schussing down the slopes. Consider a face balaclava to protect your face from stinging, freezing temperatures.

Protective Gear

In addition to the helmet and snowboarding goggles, there are several kinds of protective gear used while snowboarding such as the back protector, impact shorts, knee pads, and wrist guards. Protective gear is usually worn inside your jacket and pants. They may appear bulky but your protection is guaranteed. 

Like helmets and goggles, it is wise to invest in your own protective gear for an exact fit.

A Camera

What’s a good vacation without hi-res photos to claim bragging rights later?

Invest in an affordable camera that has a waterproof casing and small enough to attach to your helmet. This allows you to take hands-free photos and videos. It allows you to experience the adventure once again with your loved ones.

Personal Items

These are essential things that are easy to overlook when packing but are essential. Forgetting certain items such as facial wash may also mean you have to buy them at a much higher price at the resort. Some of the personal effects that you should pack include:

Electronic Accessories

We are always on our gadgets and while it’s unlikely to forget to pack your phone or tablet, it’s easy to forget a charger or a tripod. Be sure to pack the following electronic accessories:

Basic Clothing (Non-Snowboarding Clothing)

You will not spend all day at the slopes. You need some time to take a shower or have dinner with your family or friends.

 Some of the basic clothing you should pack:

Travel insurance

While on your snowboarding winter holiday, may incur an injury or accidentally injure someone else. Comprehensive travel insurance covers you against such events and ensures that you’re taken care of. In fact, some countries (especially in the EU) and some resorts require you to have insurance coverage before visiting.

 A good insurance cover should include the following:

Essential Travel Documents

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your travel documents in order.

Have your paperwork ready as you plan your winter adventure. Pack them in a safe place and carry a manifest to keep track of all the documents. It would also help to take photos of your documents and back up their digital copies on a secure cloud. It would be a bummer to realize that you forgot to carry your travel documents after arriving at the airport. 

The basic travel documents that you’ll need to pack include:

Other documents you should take with you:

Final Thoughts

While snowboarding holidays can be amazing, they can also be extremely complicated. There are so many different factors that need to be taken into account when planning your perfect snowboarding holiday, from the costs to packing and the number of days you will be away from home.

If you need help planning your next winter holiday, Brealpa can help you. You’ll find lots of useful information on our website to help you plan the perfect winter escape. For example, you’ll find the following useful information:

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