I love to snowboard. But I hate being cold, or for that matter, wet. As a result, I’ve spent the past 20 years (give or take) perfecting my winter weather mountain ‘kit.’
Beyond the obvious, like a proper ski/snowboard jacket, pants, gloves, and a helmet, I’ve come up with five core apparel staples that pretty much ensure I have the best day of riding ever, regardless of the slope or weather conditions.
Tested again and again over hundreds of thousands of feet of vertical descent, I’m confident that these winter clothing essentials will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, too, from mountain peak to après and everywhere in between.
1. Merino wool base layers
My primary weapon against cold and sweat: Merino wool base layers. I’m talking a long-sleeve shirt and leggings. Sure, merino wool garments aren’t cheap, but the material is far superior to more affordable alternatives.
Cotton, for example, may be breathable, but it also retains moisture, weighing you down and ultimately making you chilly (there’s an old mountain saying, ‘cotton kills’). Synthetic materials like polyester, meanwhile, absorb sweat but lack breathability.
So, yeah, merino wool is your best bet. And even though the initial investment — expect to spend a few hundred dollars — is steep, your new base layers should last you many seasons.
For example, I’ve been rocking the same Smartwool medium-weight base layers (linked below) for six seasons straight with almost no signs of wear.
2. Buff fleece neck gaiter
Neck gaiters come in a wide range of thicknesses and materials. I’ve tested dozens, and my favorite for chilly days is either the Buff Polar Multifunctional fleece gaiter or the extra-thick Ridge Merino wool neck gaiter.
The Buff option is kind of like two gaiters in one. Extra long, half of the gaiter is thick fleece, while the other half is a thinner, stretchy polyester. I tend to fold the thinner portion over the fleece, but you can also wear it over your head as a helmet liner on especially cold days.
For warmer days, consider a lightweight and stretchy synthetic gaiter, like the Patagonia Sun Mask. Like the Buff gaiter, the fabric has been treated to protect you from harmful UV rays. Bring on the bluebird days!
3. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (or similar) mid-layer
With base layers and a proper neck gaiter covered, it’s time to talk about mid-layers. My go-to for the past 15 seasons has been the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, a super-lightweight, synthetic puffer that fits perfectly under a heavier ski jacket. Plus, it’s water and wind-resistant as a bonus.
I ultimately prefer the hoodless variant to cut down on bulk. And for a slightly cheaper alternative, consider the LL Bean Primaloft Packaway jacket. It’s just as good as the Nanopuff for a little bit less cash.
4. Merino wool ski socks
Don’t skimp on high-quality ski/snowboard socks; they can make or break your day. Similar to base layers, I strongly recommend opting for merino wool socks to ensure dry, warm feet all day long.
Sure, the best merino wool ski socks can set you back as much as $35, but can you really put a price tag on happy feet? That said, if you’re looking to save some coin, consider doing your ski sock shopping ahead of the holidays, when even the priciest Smartwool ski socks see major discounts.
One more tip: consider picking up both a pair of heavyweight merino wool socks for colder days and lighter-weight ones for spring conditions.
5. Arcade performance belt
Snowboarding is a serious core workout, but not all of the strain comes from riding. With bindings that frequently need attention, bending over before and after a run is par for the course. How’s one to ensure their snow pants stay in place? An Arcade performance belt.
I was admittedly skeptical when I first came across the Arcade Performance Belt — it reminds me of the belt I wore in the Cub Scouts — but after five seasons rocking one, I’m a firm believer. Designed with skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and hikers in mind, Arcade Belts are super lightweight, durable, and highly adjustable.
They also come in all sorts of funky designs, though I prefer the classic black option.
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