What to wear snowboarding: complete kit guide for beginners

Planning your first snowboarding holiday and wondering what to wear? Chances are you do not have a wardrobe full of snowboarding kit yet, so it can feel like a lot to buy before you have even strapped into a board. The good news is that snowboarding clothing is much like ski clothing: warm, waterproof and layered, with a few small differences that make a big difference once you are on the snow. And you do not have to buy it all, as plenty of it can be hired or borrowed.

We asked Cam and Millie, the snowboarders in our London team, for their tips. Here is how to put together your snowboarding outfit, from the layer next to your skin to the accessories you will be glad you packed.

The secret to staying comfortable on a snowboard is layering, so you can add or remove a layer as the day changes. Mountain mornings can be cold, afternoons can be sunny, and you will warm up quickly once you start moving.

• Base layer: a thermal top and leggings that sit snugly against your skin. Choose a fabric designed to wick moisture away, rather than cotton, which holds on to damp and leaves you feeling chilly.
• Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket for warmth. A thinner one is plenty on a sunny spring day, whilst something warmer is needed in the middle of winter.
• Outer layer: your waterproof jacket and trousers, which do the job of keeping the weather out.

Beginners tend to spend more time sitting and kneeling in the snow than they expect, so it is worth thinking about warmth from the bottom up as well as the top down.

Cam has some advice for beginners: "Opt for as many breathable layers as possible. Learning to snowboard is probably as, if not more, physically demanding as skiing, so you can get quite hot when trying to get up." Several thinner layers are easier to adjust than one thick one, so you can peel one off when you are working hard and put it back on when you stop for a rest.

When you are learning, you will sit down, fall over and get back up again, so a waterproof outer layer is the most important part of your kit. Look for a jacket and trousers that are both waterproof and breathable, with taped seams and a snug cuff or powder skirt to keep the snow out.

Millie has a tip for beginners: "Some snowboarders opt for bib or dungaree salopettes, especially when starting off, as you spend a lot of time on your bum, so it stops the snow getting in."

A bib-style pair of trousers, like these ones from Dope, sits higher up the body, so there is less chance of snow creeping in at the waist when you fall backwards. If you are buying new kit for your first trip, they are well worth a look.

Millie also has a view on jackets: "I would also recommend a shorter jacket, as longer ski jackets can be restrictive." A shorter jacket gives you more freedom to bend, crouch and get back up again, which is exactly what you will be doing as you learn.

For most people, snowboarding clothing is much the same as ski clothing, but with a little more "steeze". Cam's one real difference is the fit: "I would say the only difference between ski clothing and snowboarding clothing is to have a slightly looser fit, as I feel that snowboarding requires a greater range of movement. There's more up and down movement snowboarding, so tight salopettes aren't ideal."

Cam explains that you will be crouching, bending and getting back up again all day, so you want trousers that move with you. Try on your trousers and do a few squats in the shop (or at home) before you commit.

If you do decide to buy, a specialist snowboard shop is a good place to start. Millie suggests The Snowboard Asylum, a UK independent snowboard store. She also points to a few snowboard clothing brands worth looking at: Volcom, Howl, Horsefeathers, 686 and L1 Premium Goods.

The small things make a big difference on the mountain. Here is what we would put on your list:

• Helmet: essential for every snowboarder, from beginner to expert.
• Goggles: choose a pair that fits comfortably with your helmet, and ideally pack a spare lens or a second pair for flat-light days.
• Gloves or mittens: waterproof, warm and a good fit. You will be putting your hands in the snow when you fall and get back up, so a spare pair is handy in case one gets wet.
• Wrist guards: Cam's top accessory tip, for beginners and experts alike.
• Neck warmer or snood: more versatile than a scarf, and keeps the wind out.
• Socks: one good pair of ski or snowboard socks, rather than two thin layers, which can cause rubbing and cold toes.
• Sun cream and sunglasses: the sun at altitude is strong, particularly in spring.

If you are worried about falls, you may also want to consider padded shorts, which some beginners find helpful whilst they find their feet. They are an optional extra, but a lot of people find them reassuring.

You do not need to buy everything before you go. We can arrange snowboard hire, lift passes and lessons for you when you book, which lets you try snowboarding before committing to buying your own equipment. If you would rather not buy a helmet, ask the team to add one to your snowboard equipment hire.

The same goes for clothing. If you are not sure snowboarding is for you, or you would rather not spend a lot on kit you may only wear for a week, you can buy it second-hand from online sites such as Vinted or Ebay or rent it instead. EcoSki is a UK-based rental company that lets you hire ski jackets, trousers, gloves, goggles, helmets and more, then send everything back after your holiday. It is a good way to try a more technical outfit, and a more sustainable choice than buying something new for a single trip. Remember Cam's advice on a looser fit when you choose your trousers.

If you can, we recommend a session or two at an indoor snow slope before your trip. It is a great way to get used to the feel of a board under your feet, practise standing up and falling safely, and try your kit out before you are in resort. You will also find out quickly whether your trousers are comfortable and whether your gloves keep your hands dry, whilst there is still time to fix it. It is not essential, but you will arrive with a head start and a lot more confidence.

Whatever you do beforehand, lessons are one of the most important things you can book on a snowboarding holiday. Snowboarding can feel awkward in the first couple of days, and a qualified instructor will teach you the basics properly, from balance and stopping to turning, so you build good habits from the start and progress far faster than you would on your own. Lessons also keep you safe, steer you towards the right terrain for your level and make those early days much more enjoyable. Our ski and snowboard school partners can look after your first experience, and we can book your lessons for you.

All four of our resorts are great for snowboarders, whether you want gentle terrain to learn on or a park to play in:

• La Plagne, with terrain for all levels, including beginners
• Arc 1950, home to a snowpark with rails, kickers and boxes for all abilities
• Avoriaz, with terrain parks, a superpipe and an eco park
• Val d'Isère, with very few drag lifts or irritating flats

Take a look at our snowboarding holidays for more information, and our team will happily help you find the right resort and book your lessons.

Dressing for snowboarding is not complicated. Layer up, make sure your outer layer is properly waterproof, go for a looser fit and add a helmet, goggles, gloves and ideally a pair of wrist guards. Get the kit right and you can concentrate on the fun part.

Ready to hit the slopes? Get in touch with our team and we will help you plan your first stress-free snowboarding holiday.

Can I wear ski clothes for snowboarding?

Yes. Ski and snowboard clothing is very similar, as both need to be warm, waterproof and layered. The main difference is fit: Cam recommends a slightly looser pair of trousers for snowboarding, as you need a greater range of movement. If you already own ski kit, try it on and do a few squats to check it is comfortable before you buy anything new.

What should a beginner wear snowboarding?

Start with a thermal base layer, add a fleece or insulated mid layer, and finish with a waterproof jacket and trousers. Add a helmet, goggles, waterproof gloves or mittens and a neck warmer. Beginners spend a lot of time sitting and falling in the snow, so waterproof trousers matter. Bib-style salopettes are a good option, as Millie explains above.

Do I need wrist guards for snowboarding?

You do not have to wear them, but Cam recommends them for beginners and experts alike. A friend of Cam's, an experienced snowboarder, will not ride without a pair. If you are nervous about falling, they are worth considering.

Are bib salopettes better for snowboarding?

Many snowboarders like them, especially when they are starting out. Bibs sit higher on the body, so less snow gets in around your waist when you fall. Millie recommends them for beginners for exactly that reason.

Can I rent snowboarding clothing?

Yes. A company such as EcoSki lets you rent ski clothing and accessories and send them back after your trip. We can also arrange snowboard hire, so you do not have to buy everything before your first holiday.

Do I need lessons on a snowboarding holiday?

We would strongly recommend them. A qualified instructor will teach you the basics properly, help you progress faster and keep you safe on the right terrain for your level. We can book lessons for you or take a look at our ski lessons page for more information.

Is it worth going to an indoor snow centre before my trip?

It is not essential, but it can help. A session or two at an indoor slope lets you practise standing up, falling safely and getting used to your board, and lets you test your kit before you head to the Alps.