How to Stay Warm while Snowboarding
If you want to spend the entire day on the mountain, you must know how to stay warm. The ability to handle chilly temperatures can mean the difference between an awesome and a mediocre snowboarding day.
I've been snowboarding my entire life and have ridden in every kind of weather you can think of. I've learned the importance of staying warm while snowboarding from firsthand experience.
 |
| How to Stay Warm while Snowboarding |
This article will show you how to remain warm while snowboarding. I'll give you some pointers on how to keep your body temperature up so you can enjoy as much fresh snow as you want.
Let’s get started
Why Staying Warm is Important
Snowboarding is obviously done in cooler climates. There would be no snow to ride down if it weren't for the cold. However, because cold weather is not natural for the human body, you must know how to stay warm in order to flourish outside in the winter.
When you get cold when snowboarding, things can quickly turn bad. Also will not only be uncomfortable, but you risk more serious problems such as frostbite and hypothermia. With that in mind, you want to prevent becoming chilly as much as possible.
How to Stay Warm While Snowboarding
If you are well equipped, staying warm when snowboarding is not difficult. A little forethought will go a long way toward providing you the best chance of keeping warm and cozy. Here are some tips to keep you warm at all times.
1. Purchase Cold Weather Clothing
Having excellent cold weather clothing on hand is one of the most important things in staying warm while snowboarding. You don't want to sacrifice your layers because it will lead you to become cold.
A good snowboard jacket and a snowboard pants are the fundamental pieces of cold-weather clothing that you need. Make sure that these are fully waterproof and windproof in order to block out the snow and cold.
You can also acquire insulated jackets and pants to protect yourself from the weather. Insulated clothing is more expensive, but it is worth it if you are concerned about becoming chilly.
Layers are another critical component of the puzzle. Under your outer layers, you should have a strong base layer and a mid-layer. This will provide additional warmth and protection against chilly weather.
After you've put on all of your layers, remember that socks, hats, and gloves are also vital for staying warm. A good pair of wool socks will keep your feet warm, and in extremely cold weather, mittens can be warmer than gloves.
2. Keep Moving
The faster you ride, the harder your body works to keep up. This produces internal body heat, which keeps you significantly warmer than standing around a lot. On a cold day, you may want to take frequent breaks, but this is not a good idea.
Try to be as active as possible. Ride as fast as you can without losing control. Even as the weather begins to drop, your body will remain loose and warm.
3. Stay Dry
You will become chilled if you get wet. While snowboarding, you will want to stay as dry as possible. A sturdy outer layer to keep the snow out is essential, but you also need to think about moisture from the inside out.
If you work up a sweat and then cool down, the moisture in your body might cause you to become cold quickly. You might want to pack an extra base layer to prevent this, or at the very least wear one that dries quickly to prevent moisture from accumulating.
4. Eat Food and Drink Water
Staying warm also requires proper hydration and nutrition. You should always drink enough water and consume enough food while you're out on the slopes. Water helps your body function efficiently and can improve blood flow to your extremities.
Eating a large breakfast high in carbohydrates will boost your metabolism. This helps to fire up your inner furnace, helping your body to naturally heat up more than it would if you rode on an empty stomach.
When I'm up the mountain, I also bring snacks and drink with me. That way, you'll always have food and drink available if and when you need it. It's worthwhile to carry a little extra weight for the additional benefits.
5. If necessary, warm up inside.
When you get severely cold on the mountain, it can be difficult or impossible to get warm again unless you take a rest in a lodge or warming hut. There is no shame in taking a short break; it might make you much more comfortable.
If you do take a break, use it to dry any damp clothing or equipment and refuel on food and water. If you're feeling particularly relaxed, perform some jumping jacks or other light activity while you're inside.
If you suffer from cold hands or feet, you can purchase hand or foot warmers to use inside your gloves or boots. This is an inexpensive and simple way to get a warm boost that will keep you riding for the rest of the day.
Conclusion
Staying warm while snowboarding usually entails a multi-pronged strategy. If you follow all of the above tips and try to stay dry, you can reduce your chances of getting chilly.
Every rider will be cold at some point, but the better prepared you are to deal with it, the easier it will be to warm up again.
