Heading out on an epic snowboarding trip?
Don’t hit the slopes without checking off our snowboarding trip packing list!
From cozy base layers to trusty goggles, we’ve got you covered. So grab your board, pack your bags, and let’s dive into the essential items you can’t afford to leave behind!
Printable Snowboarding Trip Checklist
If you’d prefer to simply print off the checklist and start packing, download our printable snowboarding trip packing list below.Â
Snowboarding Checklist
Still with me?
Awesome!
If you’re new to snowboarding or just need a reminder of what to take on your trip, I’m going to discuss our snowboarding checklist.
This includes most of the things you’ll need to take, rent or buy for your upcoming trip.
1. Snowboard Equipment
Of course, the first thing you need for a snowboard trip is snowboard equipment:
- Snowboard
- Snowboard Boots
- Snowboard Bindings
- Snowboard BagÂ
- Waxing Kit

If you have snowboard boots and bindings, make sure they’re all in good working condition before you pack them.
You don’t want to get to the mountain and discover broken binding straps or snapped boot laces.
You should also ensure that your snowboard is properly waxed and the edges are in good condition. If your snowboard has blunt edges or a dry base, it won’t perform as it should.
If you don’t own your own snowboard equipment, you will need to rent it. It’s always best to rent your equipment online in advance. By doing this, you can be sure that the equipment is waiting for you.
2. Protective Gear!
There was a time when very few skiers and snowboarders wore helmets (myself included).
However, these days pretty much everyone wears a helmet, and for good reason. Make sure your helmet is specifically designed for snowboarding and not for other sports.Â
You can rent helmets, but I recommend buying your own. Rental helmets can be pretty unhygienic. You also don’t know if the one you’re supplied with has been dropped (a helmet that has been dropped may not protect you when you wipe out).Â
You may also choose to wear:Â
- Wrist Guards
- Crash Shorts
- Knee Pads
- Spine Protectors
*Beginners should definitely wear wrist guards.Â
3. Eyewear
It’s essential for you to protect your eyes when snowboarding.
A good pair of sunglasses or snowboard goggles will protect your eyes from the sun, snow blindness, and harsh weather conditions.

Goggles are the best choice as they offer more coverage and look much better. But it’s always good to have a pair of sunglasses in your jacket pocket for when you’re sitting outside a bar at lunchtime, sipping a beer.
If you don’t already have some, these are the best value goggles of the season.Â
4. Outerwear
Your choice of snowboard jacket and pants is incredibly important. You can buy cheap outerwear, but you certainly get what you pay for.
At the very least, you want your outerwear to have some level of waterproofing, but you can also choose clothing with various levels of insulation.
If you are a casual snowboarder, you don’t need too much insulation unless you are heading into Arctic-like regions. You may want to choose clothing with no insulation at all, so you can fine-tune your comfort with a selection of clothing layers.
A high-quality snowboard hoodie is always a great addition too.Â
5. Baselayers
Baselayers are essential on the mountain. This is the thermal top and bottoms which will be in contact with your skin.
Make sure your base layer is made from a technical moisture-wicking material. This will keep you warm and dry while helping your body regulate temperature while you shred.

6. Mid-Layers
Your mid layer will all depend on how much insulation your outer layer has (and the temperature).
For example, you may want to wear a fleece or down jacket on particularly cold days or if your outerwear is quite thin. However, if the temperature is quite mild, you may get away with wearing a hoodie or sweatshirt as an additional layer.Â
7. Gloves Or Mittens
You will have a bad day if you don’t keep your hands warm. Therefore you need a good pair of gloves or mittens, designed explicitly for snowboarding.
These may seem quite expensive, but if you buy cheaper items or ones designed for skiing, your hands will quickly get cold and wet.
Gloves are better for dexterity; however, mittens are much warmer. Whichever you choose is down to personal preference (I like mittens).Â
8. Neck Gaiter/Scarf
It can be pretty miserable when sitting on a chair lift with frosty high winds attacking your face. It’s a good idea to wear some kind of scarf or face protection. This will keep you snug and warm while also protecting you from the sun.

9. Sunscreen
The sun’s UV rays bounce off the snow and become even more intense. Therefore, you need to protect your skin with a high factor sunscreen.
It is a good idea to put some on in the morning but have a small tube that fits in your pocket too. This will stop you from going to the après bar with a face like a tomato.
10. Backpack
A backpack is an excellent idea on a snowboard trip. Sure, you might not want to carry it every day, but there will be days when you want to bring your lunch, snacks, drinks, camera, equipment, etc. But please don’t overpack it, or you might end up on your back like a turtle.Â
11. Lift Pass
Your lift pass is an essential part of a snowboarding holiday.
Make sure you always have yours with you, and remember to take it out of your jacket if you wear it on a night out in the resort. If your jacket gets stolen or lost, the added cost of the lift pass will be hard to stomach.
Also, remember to put it back in your jacket for the following morning! You don’t want to trudge back to your accommodation while your friends score all the fresh tracks.
When it comes to buying your lift pass, it is best to book online in advance. Ski resorts often have deals. Look for family discounts, group discounts, and lower prices for beginners.
12. Travel Essentials
This all depends on where you’re going. But I’m talking about:
- Passport
- IDÂ
- Hotel confirmationÂ
- Rental gear confirmations
- Neck Pillows
- Headphones
- Etc…
13. Resort Clothing
Evidently you won’t be wearing your ski clothes in the evening (unless after-hours beers get out of hand). Make sure to pack warm clothing.Â
Final Thoughts
This is just a short checklist of items you’ll need on a snowboard trip. I could go on all day to cover everyone’s needs, but these are the main things nobody should leave behind.
For a super detailed checklist, head on up the printable snowboarding trip packing list.Â
Have a great trip!