Winter is the season when pristine snow blankets fields and mountains as far as the eye can see. While some people can’t wait to make snow angels, you, on the other hand, may be prepping for winter sports. Don’t get lost in thought when you start thinking about the gear you will need for the trip as here’s a list of five essential equipment you should bring when you’re about to do winter sports.
- Snowboard
Perhaps, you’re a snowboarding enthusiast. If so, then you will definitely need a snowboard. Hence, the primary snowboard equipment that should be at the top of your checklist of the things to bring on the sports trip is a snowboard.
It might be your first time on a snowboarding trip, so you might feel confused by the different snowboards available on the market. You should buy the snowboard that caters to your preferences.
Here’s a quick overview of the different snowboards you’ll find on the market:
- The Freeride Or All Mountain Board
You may find the freeride snowboard in many online and offline snowboard shops. That’s because it carries an industry-standard architecture fit for beginners and veteran snowboarders.
Freeride boards have a unidirectional shape, which means that this type of winter sports equipment can be ridden in one direction. A directional shape means that the board’s tip has a different design than its tail. The rear tends to be narrower, flatter, and shorter than the tail.
Freeride or all mountain boards are ideal for snowboarding enthusiasts that prefer balance over tricks.
- The Freestyle Board
Freestyle snowboards have broader designs than their freeride counterparts. But, this wide architecture makes the snowboard more stable, which means a more forgiving ride.
This particular category of snowboards is also shorter and lighter than all mountain boards. All these characteristics denote that freestyle boards are ideal for beginner use. But, expert snowboarders can still use freestyles to perform different tricks on snow.
- The Race Board
Also called alpine or carving board, a race board is longer and narrower than freeride snowboards. This design allows the snowboarder to gain acceleration, momentum, and speed that are suitable for races (hence, the name).
If you’re a beginner snowboarder, consider buying a freestyle board. But, if you prefer casual snowboarding experiences, a freeride model should suffice. However, if you plan to join snowboarding races, opt to use an alpine board.
2. Jacket
It can be easy to pick out a winter sports jacket on style alone. But, your most significant hurdle for any winter sports trip can be the cold temperatures. Hiking up the mountain before you ski, sled, or snowboard downhill requires you to have a stable temperature. Otherwise, you might suffer from health complications, such as shortness of breath or, worse, hypothermia.
Your winter sports jacket should protect you from the intense cold, along with giving you other essential benefits. This piece of clothing should also provide you with appropriate comfort and a suitable fit.
Furthermore, consider investing in a waterproof jacket to help keep you dry as you slosh around in the snow. Waterproof winter jackets also help protect you from windchill. Plus, you can look fashionable as photographers anxiously wait for you to shred the slopes.
3. Gloves
Once you have packed your jacket, don’t forget to keep your hands warm and toasty while you ski or snowboard by wearing the right gloves. Remember, you can’t wear just any gloves for the winter trip. Some gloves, such as leather gloves, aren’t ideal for the cold environment.
Instead, opt for gloves specially made for winter sports. A good pair of gloves for winter sports can have polyester construction. Also, the material should be waterproof, like your jacket. After all, you’re going to get a little soggy or wet, especially when you’re prone to wiping out.
Also, winter sports gloves are excellent for another purpose, which is throwing snowballs at friends and family. After all, a winter trip will not be complete without a good old-fashioned snowball fight to keep seasonal depression away.
4. Boots
Boots, like gloves, have different variations. You can find casual and work boots on the market, but you can also find boots made for winter sports.
With that in mind, take note that snow and winter boots are very different from their casual or work counterparts. Also, snow and winter boots are different from each other.
Choose to wear snow boots on the snow, which are your ideal option for winter sports. But, winter boots are more lightweight and versatile than snow boots. However, winter boots have less protection than snow models.
In other words, wear winter boots if you’re going around town in the winter, whereas slip on a pair of snow boots for doing snow sports.
5. Sunglasses
Perhaps, the last thing you’d want is for the sun to get in the way of your skiing or snowboarding session. Imagine the following scenario: you’re snowboarding down the mountain, and glare from the sun’s rays suddenly hits your eyes. That lapse in good vision prevents you from seeing a rock in your path, causing you to wipe out.
So, bring a good pair of sunglasses with you on your winter sports trip. Aim to buy sunglasses that can block 100% of the sun’s UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
Another option is to use goggles that offer similar protection. Goggles might be better for beginner winter sports enthusiasts, as sunglasses may impair the vision because of the tint.
Also, don’t forget to incorporate style when choosing the right sunglasses or goggles for winter sports. Wear winter accessories that incorporate both fashion and function to give you excellent value from the purchase.
Final Words
While you’re packing things for your winter sports trip, don’t forget to add the five items mentioned above. Your snowboard (or skis), jacket, gloves, boots, and sunglasses play an integral part in a safe and enjoyable winter sports vacation. Remember to exercise safety by equipping yourself with the right gear, but don’t forget about incorporating style into your winter sports attire as well. You’d still want to look good while you’re snowboarding or skiing down hills and mountains.