Few things in life are as amazing as snowboarding. However, I recently discovered a way to make it even better… listening to music! Of course, I’ll address the various safety concerns involved. But first, let’s talk about how to listen to music while snowboarding.
The best ways to listen to music while snowboarding are through headphones, helmet inserts or bluetooth speakers. These are all available in wireless form which provides a low-risk and comfortable solution.
Let me walk you through the specific products and how to use them. Make sure you save our very popular snowboard music playlist too!
Is Snowboarding With Music Safe?
Collisions on the hill happen. Two skiers, two snowboarders, a skier and a snowboarder, it doesn’t matter – it happens.
There are many factors that contribute to poor slope use – often times it’s a basic lack of knowledge or not being aware of the things to look out for.
But is listening to music one of the main causes? Is it irresponsible? Or is it simply another way of enhancing the ride…
Let’s be honest. If you’ve got music playing in your ears – it’s harder to hear what’s going on around you. This makes you less aware. Can you argue with that?
No, not really. However, I’d argue that experienced riders are already much more aware of their surroundings, even with their hearing impaired.
It’s probably true that there are a load of snowboarders out there on the mountain, riding with music playing loud, and they’re more aware than the average slope user. Safer to those around them. More considerate. More aware.
However, there will also be riders out there who shouldn’t really be listening to music.
How To Listen To Music Safely While Snowboarding?
Basically, only listen to music if you’re a confident snowboarder with adequate awareness of your surroundings. Be aware that your hearing is impaired. Use your other senses. Consider turning the volume down a few notches. Don’t be an idiot.
Snowboard with music at your own risk.
Ways To Listen To Music While Skiing Or Snowboarding:
Here’s a quick summary of the best audio solutions for skiing and snowboarding.
Best Earphones: AirPods 2nd Generation
Best Drop-In Helmet Headphones:
OutdoorMaster Headphones
Best Bluetooth Speakers: JBL Clip 3 Speakers
Each of these options has it’s own pros and cons. Let’s take a look in more detail…
1. Earphones
One of the best ways to listen to music while snowboarding is with earphones. In the past, those pesky wires would get in the way. With the release of true wireless earphones, these problems were fixed! Let’s take a look at the best earphones for snowboarding.
- Quick access to Siri by saying “ Hey Siri ”.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- More than 24 hours total listening time with the Charging Case
- Effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching for a magical experience
- Easily share audio between two sets of AirPods on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV
These are one of my favorite audio solutions while snowboarding. They are low profile, comfortable and have pretty good audio overall. They also let you pick up any urgent calls whilst riding.
The 2nd generation includes tap controls, which are a game changer. Simply tap the outside of your beanie or helmet to control your music – you can also customize what action tapping each earbud will have.
The main problem is that they’re very easy to lose… as my other half has kindly demonstrated on several occasions! Fortunately, wearing a beanie or helmet tends to keep them in place. But if you take a particularly gnarly fall, they’re still at risk.
A quick fix for this is using Airpod Hooks. This has worked for me so far! Tip: Get the brightly colored ones. If they do fall out, they’ll stand out in the snow.
Pros:
- also useable off the mountain
- excellent signal
- good audio
- handy case
- external controls are great
Cons:
- high risk of losing one, grab some AirPod Hooks to prevent this!
2. Drop-In Headphones For Helmets
Drop-In headphones are another of the best ways to listen to music while snowboarding. These are audio-inserts that sit neatly within the ear-pads of your helmet.
This solution is particularly good as you can never lose them. They also don’t fully obstruct your ears. In the past, the difficulty was finding a compatible helmet. Nowadays most reputable helmet brands are “audio-ready”. Check your helmt before ordering!
Here are the best drop in headphones for skiing and snowboarding.
- PREMIUM BALANCED SOUND - Shred the slopes listening to your favorite tunes in high-definition sound with the Alta Bluetooth Helmet Speakers. Using 40mm Drivers and a premium Bluetooth 5.0 wireless chipset, the Alta wireless helmet headphones deliver balanced dynamic sound with deep bass at any volume level
- CRISP HANDS-FREE CALLING - With the helmet Bluetooth speakers ALTA, No more digging for your phone or taking off your helmet to make a call. Simply press the right button twice to activate Siri or Google Voice to make a call or change your playlist using the built-in microphone
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE - Works with most audio-ready helmet brands including Wildhorn (Checkout out our Drift helmet!), Smith, Poc, K2, Giro, Bolle, Anon, Burton, and others. At 2.2 inches high, 1.8 in wide, and .5 in thick the Altas easily drop into the ear pads and run across the backside of our Drift helmet for comfort and easy use
- INTUITIVE DESIGN - These ski helmet headphones were Designed in Utah by skiers and snowboarders that wanted a hassle-free premium audio experience. You will never have to remove your phone from whichever coat pocket it's hiding in again. The Alta features 3 oversized buttons (one on the Right and two on the left) so you can easily control almost every function of your phone without removing your helmet or gloves. Control the volume, change tracks, activate Siri or Google Voice, make calls, pause music, and more
- RUGGED CONSTRUCTION WITH ALL DAY PLAYTIME - The helmet speakers Bluetooth wireless Alta is sweat resistant and has been tested in extreme cold, 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius). With 10 hours of playtime, you can shred the gnar all day and never run out of juice for your tunes
The Wildhorn Alta have solidified their spot as the best rated drop-in headphones on Amazon. They offer surprisingly good audio, a solid bluetooth connection and compatibility with a wide-range of helmet brands. They are slightly tricky to use with gloves on, but overall, they do a pretty good job.
Pros:
- Best-rated on Amazon
- Decent sound
- Recharges quickly
- Good value
- Prime delivery
- 10 hours playtime
Cons:
- Have to remove them from the helmet each time they need charging.
- Buttons are a little fiddly, especially with gloves.
- Clean Sound, Clear Highs, Big Bass.
- Skiing/Snowboarding Friendly Control. Three glove friendly buttons adjust volume, change tracks, play, pause, take calls and use Siri (voice control) through the built-in microphone.
- Built-in microphone allows you to keep riding pow whilst answering calls.
- Universal Helmet Compatibility - Minimal designed headset with 12.2 inch cord fits most audio ready ski/snowboard helmets including Giro, Smith, Burton, K2, POC, Anon and even motorcycle helmets.
- Rugged Design for All Conditions.
- IP45 sweat-resistance material and tested working perfectly at -20°C/-4°F. Up to 15 hrs play time & 500 hrs standby time.
The OutdoorMaster Drop-In Headphones provide the best bang for your buck. At the time of writing, they’re on sale for just $60.
They are hard-wearing, have a great bluetooth connection and offer good audio quality. Their buttons are easier to use than the Wildhorn offering and they can also be charged without taking them out of your helmet each time.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Reliable bluetooth connection
- Large, easy to use buttons
- Chargeable without removing them from your helmet.
- Hard-wearing
- 15-hours playtime, 500 hours of standby.
Cons:
- Slightly bulky, can be uncomfortable over time in certain helmet brands
3. Bluetooth Speakers for Skiing and Snowboarding
At the risk of becoming public enemy number one, bluetooth speakers are another of the best ways to listen to music while snowboarding.
They have the added benefit of also providing music for your friends.
As they do not obstruct your ears, they also leave you more aware of your surroundings.
The important thing with speakers is to choose a product small enough to be portable. This also reduces the risk of the speaker injuring you during a fall. I used to carry a large speaker in my backpack… I learned the hard way why this was a bad idea!
After testing dozens of speakers over the years, there is one clear winner for this category…
- SOUND TO GO - Never leave awesome sound at home again. This ultra-portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. Clip it on with the built-in carabiner, press play, and make the moment pop.
- UP TO 10 HOURS OF PLAYTIME - The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life, plus a metal carabiner so you can easily hook it to your clothes, backpack, or belt loop.
- NOISE CANCELLING & WIRELESS STREAMING - Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone or tablet. Plus, take crystal-clear calls from your speaker with the touch of a button, thanks to the noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone.
- WATERPROOF & DURABLE - No more worrying about rain or spills: JBL Clip 3 is completely waterproof—you can even immerse it in water. Plus, the improved, durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing protects it on all of your outdoor adventures.
- THE SOUND PROMISE - JBL has brought music to life in a way people can feel for over 70 years. From Woodstock to the Motion Picture Academy, our speakers unleash the power of music so you can live life to the fullest, wherever and whenever.
The JBL Clip 3 is easily the best bluetooth speaker for skiing and snowboarding. It’s small enough to clip to the outside of your backpack and not even notice it. It’s hard-wearing, waterproof and packs a punch (not that you’ll want to play at max volume).
Pros:
- Great sound for the size!
- Waterproof and durable
- Sturdy carabiner
- Excellent reviews
- 10+ hours playtime
Cons:
- You’re unlikely to hear the music whilst riding fast – due to the wind and snow noise.
Note: This is one product that I strongly recommend – even if you don’t use it for skiing and snowboarding. I have a couple of these around the house. We use them for hiking, trips to the beach, dog walks, vacations etc…
Final Thoughts
Those are the best ways to listen to music while snowboarding. Which one are you going to try?
Personally, I use a mixture of methods depending on the day.
Riding with friends? I’ll be taking my speakers along. Riding solo – then I’ll bring my earphones or drop-in’s.
That’s all for now.
As always, happy riding!
