Snowboarding

You must take extra precautions if you are trying your hand at backcountry snowboarding. Snowboarding off-piste has many dangers, including wildlife, unkempt trails, and avalanches. The avalanche airbags can be a lifesaving addition. It inflates when pulled, acting as a giant balloon, preventing you from being completely buried under an avalanche. An avalanche beacon can also help rescuers locate you. Other helpful tools are snow probes, snow shovels, and slope meters.

Once finished with the slopes for the day, you will be craving a steaming drink in some warm, comfortable clothes. Snowboarding can be hard on the muscles, making you highly sore. Having pants or leggings to switch into will provide comfort when lounging. Bring an extra winter jacket, hat, and scarf to interchange. Flip flops and slippers can provide comfort when switching out of your boots for the day.

If you aren’t already, consider staying a couple of days or at least through the night. It can take a couple of days to acclimate fully, and one day is guaranteed not enough to enjoy the entire experience. Staying overnight, you will want pajamas, extra clothes, and a dirty laundry bag. If your stay has a pool, hot tub, or spa, remember not to forget your swimsuit to soak your sore muscles!

Accidents happen with any outdoor activity, and you must prepare. Be sure to always have an ID and insurance card on you. When taking braks, it's good to have something to occupy your time and relax. For you, that might be a book, tablet, or game. Carrying cash or a card can also buy an impromptu snack, much-needed hot chocolate, or replacement gear if an accident occurs. If you are planning a night hike after returning from the slopes, consider bringing a flashlight or headlamp.

If you choose to bring a backpack or a snow bib, you can carry other helpful items. It's easy to forget amidst the cold that it's imperative to wear and bring sunscreen and SPF lip balm. With the sun reflecting off the snow and high altitude, it's easy to burn.

Other things that are beneficial to have are first-aid kits, blister plaster, and glasses. You might experience dry eyes and a runny nose with the wind and cold temperatures. Having extra contact lenses and tissues can help relieve discomfort. Headaches and altitude sickness are common, so having ibuprofen and anti-nausea medicine can help you or another on the mountain.

While bringing your phone can allow for epic photos and an encouraging facetime with loved ones before the descent, it is also crucial in an emergency. That is why having a charger to keep battery life is wise. Other options, such as a camera or GoPro, won't drain your phone battery. A GoPro can provide stunning video footage of your experience to share. They can mount to your helmet for hands-free and thoughtless use.

If you are snowboarding with a group, consider purchasing walkie-talkies. Having no cell phone signalon top of the mountain is common, so having walkie-talkies will allow you to communicate important information to your group. Most snowboard jackets and pants will have a Recco Rescue Reflector sowed in but if you are completing an advanced route, consider personal locator beacon for if you get lost and need to call emergency services.

One thing that requires consideration is how you plan to get there. What makes snowboarding suitable? Good snow. What can cause road blockages, icy conditions, and canceled flights? Good snow. It’s a bittersweet factor. If you choose to drive, consider snow chains for less-than-ideal conditions. You will also need a ski rack to mount your skis safely.

If you want to skip the roads and plan to travel by plane, bus, or train, purchase a board and boot bag to bring your gear without the fear of damage. Most airlines as well as busses and trains require you to enclose the gear in in a bag so check your provider to avoid being denied service.

Depending on your resort chances are that there won’t be many food or dring options on top of the mountain, or that they will be extremely full. It’s important to stay nourished even when no restaurants are in sight. You will burn a significant amount of calories, so bring foods such as energy bars, sandwiches, and trail mix to recharge. Bring plenty of water as well. Even though it’s cold, you will likely sweat and lose electrolytes. Isotonic drinks can replenish your electrolytes, giving you more energy and nutrition for the next go.

Especially when backcountry snowboarding, all it takes is one unforeseen branch or rock to damage your snowboard. That is why you will want to bring repair items. If you are snowboarding on-piste, it's likely that enough people will be around to help you out and that there will be repair supplies nearby. However, getting repair supplies is still wise if you bring your gear, so you don't have to spend extra money at one of the shops.

A multitool and snowboard tool can account for minor repairs. Wax, gummy stones, scrapers, and metal files can provide a smooth ride. Lastly, having tape can protect your snowboard from gauges and help in emergencies until you can get your snowboard fully repaired.