Essential Outerwear — Choosing a Snowboard Jacket and Pants

The right outerwear is the difference between a magical day on the mountain and a cold, soggy, miserable one. A snowboard jacket and pants are your shell against snow, wind, and the wet bottom that comes from sitting down a hundred times as a beginner. Here is what to look for when you shop.

Waterproofing and Breathability

• Waterproof rating. Measured in millimetres, higher is more waterproof. Aim for at least 10,000mm for general riding, more if you ride wet, mild climates. Beginners sit down constantly, so do not skimp here.
• Breathability rating. Also in numbers, this lets sweat escape so you do not get clammy. A 10,000 to 15,000 range is plenty for most riders.
• Taped seams. Fully taped seams stop water sneaking through the stitching. Worth having.

Fit and Features

1. Room to layer. Buy outerwear roomy enough to fit a base and mid layer underneath without restricting movement.
2. A powder skirt in the jacket and gaiters on the pant cuffs keep snow out when you fall.
3. Pit zips and leg vents let you dump heat on warmer days.
4. Pockets that matter — a lift-pass pocket on the sleeve and a goggle pocket are genuinely useful.

One Buying Tip

Outerwear is one of the best things to buy on autumn clearance. Last season's jacket keeps you just as dry as this year's, often at half the price.

Once you are kitted out and dry, the cold stops being a reason to quit early. Plan a full day on Bonvo's 3D maps, mapping a string of beginner runs you can lap from open to close in comfort.