Passion on the slopes - what to wear when snowboarding?

Thermal underwear for snowboarding is a necessity

The first layer of snowboard clothing is thermal underwear, which provides the closest support to your body. If you want to keep your body at the right temperature, it's a necessity. A long-sleeved blouse and leggings are the best option to keep you warm. Good quality thermal underwear wicks away the moisture that occurs when you sweat, keeping your body dry. The X-Bionic brand has a range of products that support thermoregulation, keeping your body within the optimal temperature range. It is worth mentioning that the brand's T-shirts feature Wallaby Structure and Microdiffuser technologies, which help to evenly distribute moisture.

What sweatshirt should you choose for the slopes?

A sweatshirt is another important part of your snowboarding outfit, acting as a key insulator. Models designed for snowboarding have a special cut - usually with an extended back, which effectively protects the kidney area from the cold even during intense movement or falls in powder snow. A good snowboard sweatshirt helps regulate body temperature by wicking excess moisture to the outside, so your skin stays dry and your riding comfort increases significantly.

When choosing a sweatshirt for snowboarding, it is worth paying attention to the material and its properties. Technical fabrics with thermoactive properties, quick-drying and resistant to the penetration of the cold are best. Soft, brushed fleece on the inside provides pleasant warmth, while stretch panels ensure complete freedom of movement when performing tricks or riding dynamically. Details are also important: a helmet-compatible hood, thumbholes to stabilise the sleeves and flatlock seams to minimise the risk of chafing.

A well-fitted snowboard jacket acts as an extra layer of protection, supporting both thermal comfort and riding comfort. It is an item that combines functionality with comfort and style, so it is worth taking the time to choose a model that suits your needs and the conditions on the slopes.

Which snowboard trousers will work best?

Snowboard trousers are one of the key pieces of winter equipment, because they are most often in direct contact with snow. Therefore, their main feature should be effective protection against wetness.

When choosing the right model, it is important to pay attention to the water resistance parameter, expressed in millimetres of water column (mm H2O). This indicates how much water pressure the material can withstand before it starts to let moisture through. The higher the value, the better the protection.

For recreational riders, trousers with a water resistance of around 5,000-10,000 mm H2O will be a sufficient choice. On the other hand, more advanced riders, who spend long hours on the slopes or ski in more difficult conditions, should go for models with 15 000-20 000 mm H2O membranes, which provide a much higher level of protection.

686 brand offers snowboard trousers designed to provide complete freedom of movement and a classic street-freestyle feel. The brand's models often use a GORE-TEX® 2L membrane - a two-layer membrane that is completely wind- and waterproof, yet breathable, which translates into a high level of comfort when riding. An additional PFC-free DWR coating reduces moisture absorption through the outer fabric, increasing durability. 686 is a brand known for its innovative approach, where advanced technical solutions go hand in hand with urban design. Its philosophy is based on functionality, authenticity and a passion for winter sports.

When choosing snowboard trousers, it is also worth paying attention to practical details that have a significant impact on comfort on the slopes. Detachable straps, waist adjustment, reinforcements at the bottom of the legs or zippered vents are elements that increase functionality and help adjust the trousers to the intensity of riding and the prevailing conditions. A well-chosen model should not only protect against snow and cold, but also support freedom of movement and ensure comfort during snow adventures.

Which snowboard jacket should I choose?

A snowboard jacket is one of the key elements of any snowboarder's outfit. As with trousers, its primary task is to protect against moisture, so a high level of waterproofness is an absolute must. Equally important is breathability, i.e. the presence of a membrane that allows air to circulate freely. It allows the jacket to wick excess moisture away from the interior, preventing both overheating and undercooling.

Construction and equipment are also important. The snow skirt provides an effective barrier against snow getting under the jacket, even during falls or when riding in powder snow. In turn, the taped seams reinforce the entire structure, ensuring maximum watertightness. It is worth noting the comfort details, such as the inner cuffs to protect against the cold, the system for attaching the jacket to trousers and the practical pockets. An internal pocket for your phone or goggles provides excellent protection for delicate items, while a small external ski pass pocket allows you to pass through gates quickly and conveniently without having to take your ski pass out of your rucksack or pocket.

In the 686 brand' s range you will find snowboard jackets that combine full protection against water and wind with high levels of breathability. Models equipped with a GORE-TEX® 2L membrane guarantee reliable moisture resistance even in harsh winter conditions, while allowing your skin to breathe. The graphene-enhanced Thermagraph® technology used is responsible for the intelligent positioning of the insulating panels, so that the jacket efficiently manages body temperature and ensures thermal comfort while riding. The PFC-free DWR coating reduces fabric soaking, which increases durability and enhances protection. Fully taped seams further seal the construction, while numerous pockets, including a dedicated goggle pocket and a convenient ski pass pocket, emphasise the practicality of the 686 jackets.

When choosing a snowboard jacket, it is also worth paying attention to its cut. Slightly longer models offer better protection for the back and hips, especially when riding in deeper snow. It's also worth making sure that the hood is helmet-compatible and that the zips are waterproof for extra protection. With thoughtful design, the right membrane and functional details, a well-chosen snowboard jacket can significantly increase comfort and safety on the slopes.

Snowboard helmets

A helmet is one of the most important protective elements when snowboarding. Its task is to protect the head from injuries, which may occur both at higher speeds and during seemingly harmless falls. The right helmet should be shock- and impact-resistant and at the same time provide a high level of comfort. Vents are important to regulate air flow to prevent overheating and a soft, breathable liner to improve comfort and stabilise the helmet on the head. Also key is the adjustable chin strap and girth adjustment system, allowing the helmet to be precisely adjusted to the shape of the head.

In the Rossignol brand range you will find helmets designed for versatile use. They combine lightweight yet durable construction with the aesthetic design characteristic of the French manufacturer. Rossignol focuses on creating models with a high level of comfort, with well thought-out ventilation and liners that can be easily removed and washed. This is a good option for those looking for solid protection, versatility and comfort when riding in a variety of conditions.

POC helmets, on the other hand, have a reputation among more demanding snowboarders and freeride enthusiasts. The Swedish manufacturer is renowned for its exceptionally high safety standards and innovative solutions, such as impact-absorbing technologies and designs that work with the MIPS system to minimise the risk of rotational injuries. POC helmets are characterised by their minimalist design, lightness and great fit, as well as advanced ventilation, which makes them an ideal choice for those who value the highest level of protection.

When choosing a snowboard helmet, it is worth paying attention to a few additional considerations. It is important that a model has safety certificates (e.g. EN 1077), guaranteeing compliance with European standards. Its design should allow for a stable fit of the goggle strap for snowboarding and reduce the risk of a gap between the top edge of the goggles and the helmet. A useful feature may also be the ability to adjust the ventilation, allowing you to adapt the airflow to the weather and intensity of your ride.

Snowboard gloves

Gloves are another essential piece of equipment for every snowboarder. They provide warmth, protect your hands from injury and allow you to enjoy riding in winter conditions. Good snowboard gloves should be waterproof, durable and resistant to various abrasions. It is advisable to choose models with additional reinforcements in the finger and wrist area, which increase durability and protection. Another practical solution is a silicone finish on the inside of the hand. This improves grip and prevents your hands from slipping, which is particularly important when gripping the edge of the board or using the lift. For a better fit, gloves with an adjustable cuff, usually fastened with Velcro, work well, as they allow you to quickly adjust the circumference and keep the glove firmly in place.

Goggles for snowboarding

When going snowboarding, it's a good idea to get some goggles to improve the quality of vision in changing weather conditions, which directly affects safety when riding. They also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, with additional protection from wind gusts and snow.

When choosing the right model, pay attention to the colour and category of the lenses, which determine how much light they let through. For nighttime conditions or very low visibility, lenses marked S0 or S1 will work best. In moderately cloudy and neutral conditions, it is a good idea to choose S2 or S3 lenses, which offer a balance between protection and clarity. On the other hand, when driving in intense sunshine, S4 lenses are ideal, providing maximum darkening and protection from strong light reflected off the snow.

It is also worth noting the shape of the lenses. Cylindrical lenses have a flat surface and provide good visibility, but may slightly restrict the field of vision due to the pronounced frame. For more discerning snowboarders, spherical lenses with a rounded design may be a better choice, as they adapt well to the curvature of the eye. As a result, they offer a wider field of vision and better depth perception, which translates into greater comfort and precision on the slopes.

The POC brand offers a wide range of goggles designed with safety and ultimate user comfort in mind. The manufacturer is renowned for its use of modern technology and minimalist Scandinavian design. POC goggles often feature double lenses with high resistance to fogging, as well as protective coatings for increased durability and clarity of vision. Advanced ventilation systems prevent moisture build-up and the lightweight, flexible frames adapt perfectly to the shape of the face. The brand's models also work well with helmets both in terms of ergonomics and maintaining a stable riding position.

Snowboard socks

To fully enjoy your time on the slopes, it's worth taking care not only of your board and boots, but also the right snowboard socks. It's a small element that makes a real difference to your comfort and safety when riding. Socks, such as the models from the X-Socks brand , are made of functional fibres and use modern technologies to improve thermoregulation and moisture wicking. This keeps feet dry and warm even during intense riding.

It is worth noting the presence of toe, heel, instep and tibia protectors, as well as special protections such as the Lambertz-Nicholson Achilles Tendon Protector 4.0, which reduce the risk of abrasion and overload. The ventilation systems used in X-Socks, such as the Air-Conditioning Channel® 4.0, ensure constant airflow, while the elastic elements - Aktiv-Bund or O-Ring Bandage - take care of a good fit and stable positioning of the sock in the boot. Well-chosen snowboard socks can significantly improve your riding comfort, so it's worth taking a moment to choose a model that fits your needs.

Summary

When adventure on the slopes is calling, it's important to ensure comfort and safety, which starts with the right clothing.

When choosing an outfit for snowboarding, opt for a layered clothing system that allows you to regulate heat and moisture while riding. Thermal underwear wicks away perspiration, an insulating layer keeps you warm, and a snowboard jacket and trousers protect you from snow, wind and getting wet. And don't forget important accessories such as a helmet and goggles to ensure your safety and visibility on the slopes, as well as snowboard gloves and socks for warmth and comfort. Why is this so important? Because a well-chosen outfit will allow you to concentrate fully on riding. With thoughtful layers and functional accessories, you'll be prepared for any winter adventure. See you on the slopes.