From Tahoe, California to Taos, New Mexico, snowboarders wait all year for clear blue skies and ideal snow conditions. If you’re hitting the slopes six months out of the year, from November to April, you need versatile snowboarding gear that works for 60-degree weather and will keep you warm on a chairlift when it’s below zero and threatening to hail.
Related: 10 Luxury Ski Resorts Worth Visiting for the Après Ski Alone
First and foremost, good snowboarding gear involves layering, which means taking as much care choosing a long-sleeve base as choosing snow pants. You wouldn’t sacrifice quality when buying snowboarding boots, so why not pick a luxurious jacket to match? This winter, prioritize finding a hat made of the very best material, that’s fashionable and will actually fit comfortably under your helmet so you don’t have to keep readjusting. Find the stylish vest that provides good insulation and looks better than the old-school puffed-up vests that haven’t looked sleek since the mid ‘90s.
As you’re scoping out your après-ski spots and browsing for a new board, check out these snowboarding gear essentials that will keep you looking put together and ready for a season of chasing powder. Great snowboarding gear should fit well, feel luxurious, and look polished on and off the mountain.
Cordova Telluride Convertible Snowsuit
There is no more iconic winter fashion statement than the full snowsuit. And this polished beige number from Cordova, with ‘90s-inspired accents and long, slimming legs is a showstopper. The suit is insulated and waterproof, with a minimalist-chic belt and a detachable coat.
To buy: $1,280, Net-a-porter.com
Fendi Bronze Printed Ski Helmet
Fendi’s winter offerings are an edgy take on couture that is, to put it quite simply, enthralling. Their printed coats, with dramatic flaps and belts, are ready for the runway, and they now have a high-fashion ski helmet to match. The bronze helmet has a distinctive hard shell, cozy ear pads, and the coveted FF logo printed along the headpiece. If there is one piece of luxury snowboarding gear to splurge on this year, it is without a doubt the Fendi helmet.
To buy: $1,290, Net-a-porter.com
Karma Long Sleeve Top, We Over Me
We Over Me makes butter-soft luxury athletic wear that is both breathable and warming under your snowboarding layers. With thumb holes and elongated cuffs, it’ll fit neatly under your fleece or snow jacket and your snowboarding gloves. The panel-fit keeps you snug and makes for a flattering base layer.
To buy: $88, Bandier.com
Camo Thermal Beanie, White + Warren
White + Warren makes high-end winter accessories that feel authentic to snowboarding culture while using the finest materials. The thermal beanie is 100% cashmere and an enviable, gender-neutral accessory.
To buy: $175, Bandier.com
Freestyle Snowboard Jacket, Sam
One of the more fashion-forward and eye-catching snowboard jackets of the season is Sam’s quilted, bright yellow snowboarding coat. With a high collar to repel wind, this down-filled coat has essential details, like arm pockets and spandex thumbhole cuffs.
To buy: $350, Bandier.com
I/O Mag Goggles, Smith Optics
Looking for the luxury ski goggles you’ve seen in magazines? They’re probably from Smith Optics. Their I/O Mag goggles have lenses that change with the light and anti-fog treatment on the inner lens, both of which work to provide snowboarders with superior sight on the slopes. These goggles can even be upgraded with ChromaPop lenses that enhance coloring and other details.
To buy: From $250, Smithoptics.com
Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, Lululemon
If you’re looking for the perfect cold-weather Lululemon legging, look no further than their Everlux collection—it’s not just their softest material, it’s also their fastest-drying fabric. The breathable, high-waisted tights move with you and won’t overheat you under your snowsuit.
To buy: $118, Lululemon.com
Sweaty Betty Base Layer Top and Bottom
Chic London-based athletic brand Sweaty Betty goes all-out for winter wear. And their lovely base layers combine fun-loving design with high-quality material that is soft, breathable, and dries quickly. This base layer set will fit perfectly under a snowsuit, while getting you endless compliments when lounging by the fire after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
To buy: (Top) Sweatybetty.com, (Bottoms) Sweatybetty.com
Alpine Air Gloves, Lululemon
Buying the right snowboarding gloves is a challenge. There are two schools of thought; some prefer the bulky gloves that optimize warmth, others prefer a more lean, athletic glove. Lululemon’s Alpine Air gloves tend more toward the athletic side, but use double-knit wool for increased warmth.
To buy: $52, Lululemon.com
Performance Ski and Snowboard Socks
Bombas makes unbeatable wool socks for men and women—with a specific line of ski and snowboard socks. Their four-pair performance package has “strategic zone cushioning to minimize boot bulk,” but maximizes warmth and blister protection.
To buy: $92 (originally $96), Bombas.com
Moncler Grenoble Gore-Tex Jacket
Year after year, Moncler makes excellent men’s ski and snowboard jackets. They are not only the pinnacle of men’s fashion, they are highly functional and made with the best material. The hooded Grenoble jacket minimizes bulk and effectively uses Gore-tex fabric for elasticity and insulation.
To buy: $1,390, Matches.com
CloudKnit Sweatsuit, Outdoor Voices
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the essential après-snowboard outfits. For men, the Outdoor Voices CloudKnit line is a perfect choice for boarders who want to look put together but tend toward functionality. Outdoor Voices is made, first and foremost, for movement and their CloudKnit hoodie and sweatpants are warm, soft, and perfect for kicking back in the chalet, or even a pre-slope workout.
To buy: (Hoodie) $88, Outdoorvoices.com, (Sweatpants) $88, Outdoorvoices.com
Canada Goose Men’s Tundra Bib Overall
The bib look is back in for skiers and snowboarders, and bib snow pants keep your core warm and offer extra protection from the elements. Canada Goose gear might be pricey, but the insulation is worth every penny.
To buy: $675, Canadagoose.com
Women’s Burton Fly Pants
Burton says these pants are a “favorite for pros like Kelly Clark and Chloe Kim.” They’re waterproof and have inner thigh vents that come in handy for warmer-weather snowboarding.
To buy: $95 (originally $180), Burton.com
Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air Vest
A vest is a must-have snowboarding accessory because it keeps your core insulated and lets you get away with not wearing a down coat for November and December boarding, as long as you layer properly.
To buy: $199, Patagonia.com
Canada Goose Women’s Rideau Parka
This parka is the intense down coat you need for dead-of-winter snowboarding. All the base layers in the world won’t do you much good if you’re snowboarding the Alps in the middle of February—and that’s where this coat comes in.
To buy: $795, Net-a-porter.com
