Snowboarding gives you an unmatched sense of freedom, catharsis and self expression. But to fully capitalize on this, we need to make sure we’ve got the right gear.
Because riding while cold, wet or with a broke-down board that’s too tall is definitely not a good time.
So, what do you need to snowboard? Welcome to my guide. This is your snowboarding checklist to make sure you have an epic time.
Let’s get to it.
How Much Does Snowboarding Cost?
Before getting into the checklist, let’s talk money.
While snowboarding isn’t the cheapest sport, it doesn’t need to break the bank either. How much you ultimately spend depends on your brand preferences, needs and how (or where) you shop.
For example, if you’re buying a brand new jacket at a big-brand store next to a major ski resort, you’ll probably be paying more than at a local shop or online.
So how much can you expect to spend?
Here are some rough estimates, depending on the type of shopper you are.
- The higher end shopper: ~$1,500+
- You have a specific brand and style in mind
- You prefer to buy all brand new equipment
- You’re okay with spending a little more to get what they want
- The mid-level spender: ~$500-1,500+
- You’re okay with previous year’s models
- You’re open to a few different brands
- You spreads things out and don’t buy everything all at once
- The thrifty shredder: $500-1000 (or less)
- You may opt for used equipment
- You plan ahead and buy gear at the end of the season or wait for sales
- You’re not too picky about brand
While these price ranges are good estimates, there is a third door option we haven’t mentioned yet.
Renting your gear.
So let’s talk briefly about renting versus buying your snowboard equipment.
Buying vs. Renting Your Boarding Gear
A lot of the bigger items in this checklist you can rent. This can save you some serious loot.
Renting is also a smart move if you just want to try things out (but you’re not totally sure if you’ll stick with it yet).
Most ski resorts have a rental shop, but you can also check with local ski shops near resorts, which may offer better deals. Sometimes, you can even rent jackets or snow pants.
Finally, some ski shops will offer rent-to-own plans or whole-season rentals. For example, my brother helps manage a ski shop in Ohio and they offer this service. You can check your local shops’ websites or call them directly to see if they offer something similar.
Renting gear is especially a great option if you have kids who will quickly grow out of their gear within a couple years.
But if you plan on making snowboarding a serious part of your life, it’ll make more sense to (eventually) invest in your own equipment.
You can customize your setup, choose the design you want and pick a board that best matches your riding style and goals. Rental equipment will never be as good as your own stuff.
So let’s keep moving and look at everything you need to start snowboarding.
What You Need for Snowboarding (complete checklist)
This checklist is everything you’ll need to strap in and have an epic day on the hill.
Let’s start with the most essential item – your snowboard setup.
A Complete Snowboard Setup
It’s obvious, but the first thing you’ll need to snowboard is, well, a snowboard.
This means getting the full setup – your board, some bindings and the boots.
You can buy all of these separately, but a lot of online shops (like Evo) will offer snowboard packages to bundle things together.
For example, if you find an epic board, there’s usually recommended bindings (like an “often bought together” section) and an option to buy the board as a package.
This can sometimes save you some money, but it’s also just way more convenient. You can rest assured that you’re getting the right gear that will all work together.
Your bindings will fit perfectly on the snowboard and the boots as well.
Outerwear Essentials
Snow is cold. So let’s make sure we’ve got the right gear, so we’re comfortable and warm.
For outerwear, you’ll mostly need:
- Snowboard jacket
- Snowboard pants
- Gloves
- Hat
- Goggles
- Ski mask
While you could technically use any old coat, having a jacket that’s specifically made for snowboarding and being the elements is incredibly important.
These jackets typically have advanced features like higher waterproofing and wind resistance ratings.
They’re specifically designed to keep you dry and warm while also allowing for airflow.
And you don’t need next-gen outerwear that’s built for Everest. Most modern snowboard outerwear will get you everything you need to stay warm and dry.
Here are some key things to look for in your snowboard outerwear:
- Proper fit and sizing (I go for looser fits for better movability)
- Look for a good waterproof rating (look for at least a 5,000 mm rating)
- Check for breathability (underarm jacket vents and inner thigh pant vents)
- Buy outerwear that’s suited for the typical weather of where you’ll be riding
Base Layers (+ more)
I pay most attention to base layers during the coldest parts of the season, which makes sense.
Because once spring riding starts, I usually don’t stress about having extra layers for warmth. But during those frosty parts of the year, having extra layers is clutch.
Base layers are layers of clothing that typically go on underneath your snowboard outerwear, for added warmth and insulation.
Base layers should be breathable and fit comfortably. Some examples are:
- Thermals
- Stretchy spandex-style pants and long-sleeves
- Long underwear or long Johns
- Comfy fleece layers
- Snowboard socks (technically not a base layer, but close enough)
- Ski masks (technically not a base layer, but close enough)
Tip: For base layering, material matters. Avoid fabrics like cotton, which soak up sweat and can make you colder. Instead, opt for breathable fabrics like Merino base layers.
A Helmet
If there’s one area of your body that’s most important to protect, it’s your head.
So a helmet is super important (especially if you’re new to riding, since falling is more common).
Even knocking your dome at low speeds as a beginner can be serious. So protect your dome.
Besides, wearing a helmet is pretty ubiquitous these days – especially out west. Often, not wearing a helmet can feel taboo (like you’re an idiot).
So here are some tips for buying a good helmet:
- A good helmet will be snug (but not tight)
- Look for extra features you want (such as built-in camera mounts for filming)
- Measure the circumference of the largest part of your head (match your measurements to a snowboard helmet sizing chart)
- Look for a ASTM sticker (this indicates the most popular U.S. safety standard certification)
- Visit a store to try on helmets
A Lift Ticket or Pass
Unless you’re riding at a local sled hill (or hiking some backcountry), you’ll need a lift ticket.
Prices for a day ticket or season pass vary widely, depending on the ski resort and your location.
For example, riding at any of the top Vail Resorts is going to be way more expensive than any locally run resort in the Midwest of the U.S.
So here are some tips for getting your ski pass like a pro:
- If you’ll be riding multiple times throughout the year, get a season pass
- Look for deals or offers (such as 4-pack tickets or resort packages)
- Plan ahead (preseason or online sales are often cheaper and/or quicker)
- Ask friends with season passes (pass holders often have discounted friend tickets)
A Goal or Plan
There’s one last thing you’ll need to snowboard: a goal.
One of my biggest tips (for newer snowboarders especially) is to have a plan for your daily sessions and season at large.
This keeps you focused and makes your riding and practice more intentional. It’s a strategic way to improve your skills and ride better.
For me, this starts with mindset and setting aside any limiting beliefs you may have. You want to cultivate a confident and playful perspective.
A growth mindset is key to developing your snowboarding skills (whatever your goals may be).
So here are some tips for creating a snowboarding goal and plan:
- Make the goal realistic
- Challenge yourself (but not too much)
- Break down your goal into smaller steps and actions
- Stay patient and focus on the process (not the outcome)
Conclusion
Snowboarding is an epic adventure. It’s social, it’s exercise, it’s meditative and it’s pure fun.
But having the right gear can make or break the experience. So this post has given you everything you need to get started, from jackets and base layers to snowboards and helmets.
So happy shredding and who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other out there!
