Ski and Snowboard Equipment


Ok, below are details of what you're going to need, one way or another, when you get on those ski slopes. Most of the equipment can be hired in resort, but you will need to take certain things with you (gloves, jacket, hat etc). As you can see below the prices range hugely, so I've tried to explain what you should spend in relation to your ability and the length of your stay.

	If you're going for a first-time holiday, there's no need to spend �1,000 on kit, and if you're going to work a season, it's important to choose quality products (it will cost less in the end).




Snowboarding Gear

Boots (�100-�250)	- Without a shadow of a doubt, snowboard boots are the most important part of your riding set up. It is vital that your boots fit properly, so make sure your foot and ankle feel fully supported and comfortable and there should be no lift in the heel. We all have different riding styles and different shaped feet so branding and money are not all-important when choosing your boots. Comfort and stability are paramount; they result in more control and better performance. Tips - New boots should feel a little tight, as they will stretch and mould to your foot as you ride them. Never buy boots that feel even a little bit too big. Basically, when you find a boot that fits well, buy them! Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd for Burton snowboard boots, Burton Coalition snowboard boots, DC, Burton stockists - Boardshop.co.uk for Northwave, Flow Top of page




Bindings (�80-�250)	Bindings attach your boot to your board and allow you to customise your riding stance. There are 2 types of binding; 1.'Step In' - so called because you can literally step into them. Easy to use but not very responsive, they operate in a similar way to ski bindings. They require special boots and to be honest they are all crap! 2. 'Standard Strap' - these are the most widely used and definitely the superior choice. Two straps fastened with buckles securely clamp you boot to the base-plate and highback of the binding. Flow, a manufacturer, build a binding with a different mechanism that could be seems as a half way between the two. Easier to get in and out of than straps, and with better performance than those awful step-in's, they're worth a look. I've heard mixed reports...some love them, some don't. Tips - Always look for sturdy workmanship on a good binding. Big, padded straps and metal buckles are a must. - Take your boots with you when you buy your bindings and make sure the two fit securely. Check the straps don't crush your toes when tight. - �140 will get you a quality set of bindings, any more than this and you will be paying for light weight carbon fibre, or silly new adjustments only a pro would notice. - Bindings take punishment, and over time, straps can break through fatigue. Most manufacturers offer a decent warranty these days, but I always buy Burton, because wherever you are, you can be sure a Burton store is around the corner. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd for Burton bindings, Burton Coalition bindings freestyle bindings, cartel bindings, Burton custom ltd bindings - Boardshop.co.uk for Flow bindings, Drake bindings Top of page




Board (�200-�450)	- It is important to choose a board suited to your ability. If you are starting out, you should look for a flexible board. This means it will be more forgiving to ride and therefore quick to progress on. A stiffer board will be more challenging to ride, but will provide superior performance. There are specialised boards for the park, off-piste and everything in between. Tips - Because there is so much out there, it can be very hard to choose the right board. I find the best way is to get online, or buy a magazine, and spend some time researching. Set yourself a budget, try not to be influenced by graphics, and be honest with yourself about your ability. - New, you can pick up a decent all mountain board for about �300. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd for Burton snowboards, Burton air snowboard, Burton Coalition snowboards. - Boardshop.co.uk for Flow, Rome, Sims. Top of page




Board Sack (�20-�200)	If you have your own gear (board, boots, bindings) then a board bag is a must, it will protect your kit and keep all your bits in order during travel. It's a hassle shifting your luggage around the airport at the best of times, and a board bag certainly helps. They range from thin sleeve-like bags, made to carry a single board, to bags with removable boot and binding compartments, wheels, and enough room for several boards. Most come equipped with zip pockets for your tools, wax etc. Tips - Not something you need to spend much on. I've survived for two years with a bag that cost me less than �50. - Look for a comfy shoulder strap and a big strong zip. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd for Board sack Top of page




Goggles (�30-�120) Dragon Optical DX	When you're riding in the mountains at -15 degrees, being hit by cold winds and surrounded by snow, it is easy to forget the strength of the sun. Goggle protect your eyes against harmful rays, improve visibility, and provide a degree of facial protection. You must have a pair! The most important thing about eyewear in general is the quality and type of the lens. There are various lenses on the market; some goggles even allow you to switch them according to the conditions. An all-round orange lens is the most sensible option, and perfectly good for most weather conditions. I have a pair like this that cost me �70 and I've no plans of changing them. In springtime, I also like to take sunglasses with me when I a ride, as goggles can get hot on a sunny day. If it was one or the other though, goggles win hands down every time. Tips - Mirrored lenses are great on sunny days, and definitely look cool, but are not always so good when riding in flat light. - Try to avoid wiping your goggles; it often makes matters worse (similar to a car windscreen). if they steam up, remove them and dangle them off the next chair lift to clear. - If you have a helmet, try to get goggles that won't leave a strip of exposed forehead below the rim (otherwise you end up with a stupid tan line on your forehead!) - Your goggle strap is always on display, so if branding and looking cool on the slopes is important to you, choose wisely! Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Oakley A-frames - Boardshop.co.uk for Dragon Goggles Top of page




Beanies/Hats (�10-�35) Fat Albert	It is important to wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the head. Now you know you will need, it's really a case of personal preference as to which brand and style you desire. I really like peaked beanies for everyday use, they're pretty trendy and around resort they keep the sun out of my eyes. for riding I find a standard beanie is best, as they are more goggle compatible, and the peak can cause added pain if you land on your face! Tips - I don't know if it's just me, but I find that wearing a standard-shaped beanie in such a way that your forehead is fully exposed, (the front just to your hairline), looks stupid! It keeps you warmer and looks better if it stops just above your eyebrows. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Burton Sherpa Earflap - Boardshop.co.uk for Fat Albert Top of page




Gloves/mitts (�20-�100) Lightening Mitt	In a resort, hands are probably the most frequently exposed part of your clothed body, so you want a decent pair of gloves or mitts to keep them warm. Last season, I paid �70 for a cracking pair of Burton mitts. They had 3 layers (layers=warmth) with Gore-tex� outer-shell (waterproof and breathable), a hardy palm grip (very important) and a seperate glove-shaped inner for insulation. I was happy these lasted me a season, as gloves take a near-constant punishment during riding. Personally I prefer mitts to gloves all round. I think they look better, and keep your hands warmer; gloves however, do allow more movement. Tips - Always look for a good seal between glove and jacket, (this is where snow creeps in). Good gloves will have easy access straps and cords that mean you can get them on and off easily and create that 'snow-tight' seal. - You don't need to spend loads of money. For about �40, you can get some solid gloves that will do the job fine. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Kinetic - Boardshop.co.uk Lightening mitt Top of page




Jacket (�80-�250)	- A jacket is your first line of defence against the winter elements, so get this one right! A good jacket will be made from a waterproof, breathable and resilient fabric. Waterproofing and breathability are most commonly measured in thousands (1,000mm resistance to water, 1,000 gm/m2/24hr), 10k being twice as effective as 5k. IF you're riding in mid-winter, or working a season, I wouldn't consider buying a jacket with less than 5k/5k fabric. If you ride aggressively, in trees or on street rails, get something with durable fabric as well, to withstand the occasional floor scrape and branch snag! - Jackets come with all kinds of special features these days, which can make choosing the little bit trickier. I always look for big chunky zips and easy access pockets, they make life in loves a lot simpler, and a nice snug hood for windy days is always nigh on my list for a good all-round jacket. Cuffs with easy to use Velcro straps aid the jacket/glove seal, and a good tight snow skirt is essential on powder days. Most good stuff on the market comes with vents for spring riding, goggle and lift pass pockets etc. - Once again it's the same old story, how good you look, and how well the kit works, is directly related to what you spend! Tips - A decent snowboard jacket is not necessarily made of thick material (in fact the most expensive tend to be quite think!), remember layers are the key to warmth. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Volcom stockists - Boardshop.co.uk Special Brand Top of page




Sallies (�60-�200)	- Salopettes are basically waterproof trousers with inner gaiters to cover your boots, helping to create the all-important seal. The most important thing is to have thick, durable and waterproof material (similar to a good jacket), and warm pockets. If you're riding in Spring (or you find you get hot legs during apres-ski!), then vents with easy access zips, ideally mesh-lined to keep snow out, are what you need. Some pants allow you to clip or button your snow skirt to them ( a great idea as they ride up naturally when you're boarding). Other than this, it's really a matter of individual style for which ones you choose. Tips - If you're bothered about such things, try to avoid wearing the same brand design on jacket and pants. This can create a 'one piece' look that should be amongst the skiers only! Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Burton - Boardshop.co.uk for 686 Cargo vent pant Top of page




Good socks (�5-�25)	- Ideally you want proper ski socks, these cost around �15 per pair. otherwise look for quite think socks made from a synthetic, breathable fabric. Part wool is ok, but remember to avoid cotton as it retains moisture from the foot. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Burton socks - Boardshop.co.uk Top of page




Sunnies (�50-�120)	- Not as good as goggles on the slopes (unless maybe in spring), as they don't protect your face and nose in a fall. Very handy off the slopes where goggles aren't to practical. Tips - Again, lenses are the key to good glasses, you may pay more for the big names, but usually they are all well know for a good reason. Protecting your eyes from the powerful rays on the slopes is an absolute must. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Oakley - Shade station - Extreme Pie - Arnette Top of page


Extra Options for serious boarders (not essential)

Helmet (�60-�200)		- Thankfully, helmets are becoming increasingly common on the mountains, they quite obviously provide protection for the most vital part of you body... you head!! You have all sorts of different styles and colours to choose from,,, check out the Hi-Fi helmet it's got built in speakers, how cool is that! Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Shaun White Hi-Fi, Skycap, Burton helmet - Boardshop.co.uk Arnette Top of page




Pack (�25-�200)		- A pack is obviously used to transport goods. It could be your shovel, helmet and extra clothing, or simply your lunch box! Many packs come with room for a water bladder, allowing you to drink whilst on the move! If you are an off-piste lover, look out for board/ski straps to make those hikes a little bit easier. Tips - Bladders are great in the right conditions, however on colder days even with insulation the liquid in the tube can freeze. To avoid this, blow the liquid back into the bladder each time you drink from it. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Day Hiker - Boardshop.co.uk Da Kine Top of page




Hoodies (�40-�60)		- Similar to hats, the right hoodie purchase is all about the brand, fit and graphics. often hoodies lose shapes, so look for think, quality fabrics that won't stretch. There are loads out there so you can look around to find the look and style for you. Tips - Check the hood itself fits over your head! Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Burton snowboard hoodies - Boardshop.co.uk for Westbeach Fresh Flagdot hoodies, Roxy - Extreme Pie Westbeach Fresh hoodie Top of page




Belt (�10-�30)		- On and off the slopes, in resort baggy pants are everywhere! Never under-estimate the belt that supports them, it's definitely a must have for the trendy rider. Most common are cargo belts made from canvass material (costing about �10), but if you want to invest a bit more, there are loads of sick belts out there! Where to buy? - Boardshop.co.uk for 686 tool belt - Extreme Pie Quiksilver, Addict, Fenchurch Top of page




Trainers (�40-�90)		- The nightlife in resort is fantastic, so you will want a nice pair of trainers that will look right and keep your feet dry. Skate-style shoes are perfect. Without being technically waterproof, most are more than sufficient when you're out on the lash! Again, the choice is largely based on branding, but �60 will get you a decent pair of durable shoes. Where to buy? - Alliance Ltd Gravis Comet - Extreme Pie Ethnies Contact Top of page




Shovel (�20-�70)		- Not much explanation needed here! A shovel is very useful for digging a person out of the snow once located with the transceiver (much quicker than your hands!) Also a great tool when building your own backcountry kickers! Where to buy? - Boardshop.co.uk Bakoda Top of page




Transceiver (�60-�200)	- The first thing you should invest in, strapped around your chest and always on, a transceiver emits a beacon-like signal should you become engulfed by snow in an avalanche, or lost due to unconsciousness in a fall. Should this happen it's a race against the clock for survival, so make sure everyone has their own to pick up your signal. Make sure you read the instructions on how to operate your transceiver, (not difficult but important to know all the 'ins and outs'. Top of page



Probe (�20-�40)	- A probe is basically an extendable rod used to 'probe' into the snow to locate a missing person. Once your transceivers have isolated the area to look in, searchers should sweep up the mountainside in a line pushing the probe into the snow every couple of feet. Top of page



	- REMEMBER - If you want your own kit, but can't afford or justify paying for new stuff, you can always buy second hand. There are all sorts of cracking deals out there if you're prepared to search. Buying second hand equipment is certainly cheaper, but can be a little risky. Things like boots are best purchased new. Click on the link to e-bay to start bargain hunting now! Top of page

Unexpectedly useless!

Scarf	- Not practical on the slopes, they flap around and are definitely not cool!

Thick socks	- Not necessary when snowboarding, any half-decent boot will keep your feet 100% dry and warm. Wearing two pairs of socks is NOT good; this will create movement in the boot, resulting in sore feet from rubbing and inferior boot-board response.

Thick clothing	- For practical, efficient heat retention, you should always wear lots of layers of think clothing. Fat jumpers and the like are inefficient, un-cool and cumbersome to transport.

Time of Year
- Over a 5-month season, understandably, weather conditions in a mountain resort vary hugely. All aspects of the weather, from temperature to visibility, should be taken into account when choosing what to take with you. During the heart of the European Winter (Jan+Feb), weather can change very quickly, and is far from predictable. Board in trees when visibility is poor!