Winter Sports Archives

The 8 Best All-mountain Snowboards of 2019 – Advice from An Experienced Skier

Updated 22/11/2019 By Kathleen Lumsden

I was a skier for decades, but with the proliferation of snowboards on the slopes it became pretty hard to resist the temptation to try out riding. After picking up an all-mountain snowboard, I was hooked. Snowboarding allows you to glide freely down the mountain, and there’s nothing better than feeling your whole body carve through the snow with your board.

The key to my experience was having the best all-mountain snowboard. With a versatile snowboard that I could use in any conditions, I was able to enjoy the snow no matter whether it was fresh powder, groomed trail, or hard, frozen surface.

There is a huge selection of all-mountain snowboards on the market today, which can make it tough to pick out the right board for your needs. Today, I’ll explain the factors you need to consider in an all-mountain snowboard that will affect your performance on the slopes. I’ll also highlight eight of the best all-mountain snowboards you can buy for the coming snow season to help you get the perfect ride.

The Different Types of Snowboards

Not every snowboard is alike. In fact, snowboards can be broadly classified into several different types depending on what style of riding they’re meant to be used for.

All-mountain

All-mountain snowboards are what you’re most likely to run into at your local resort. This is by far the most popular class of snowboard, and for good reason: they perform well in nearly any condition and on any part of the mountain.

The secret to all-mountain snowboards is that the weight is balanced towards the tail of the board. In general, the tail is short, narrow, and flat compared to the tip, which helps with control as you carve downhill. All-mountain snowboards can be ridden backwards, although the tail shape does make this a little more difficult.

Freestyle

Freestyle snowboards are meant for the park. These boards are lightweight and flexible so that you can pop off of jumps and perform twists and turns in the air. Typically, freestyle boards can be ridden either forwards or backwards. Twin tip freestyle boards are completely symmetrical between tip and tail, while directional twin tip freestyle boards are symmetrical but are balanced slightly towards the tail like an all-mountain board.

Keep in mind that freestyle snowboards aren’t burly enough to handle all-mountain conditions. They don’t have a very sharp edge, nor are they stiff enough to handle travelling downhill at high speeds.

Freeride

Freeride boards are designed for the most serious terrain on the mountain, like chutes, steep gladed runs, and cliffs. They’re able to power through crud snow or float on powder. On the whole, freeride snowboards share a lot in common with all-mountain snowboards. But, they tend to be stiffer, the directionality of the board is more pronounced, and they don’t have the same groomer-gripping edge as all-mountain boards.

Powder

Powder snowboards are for the powder hounds out there. These boards are designed to set first tracks, with a lightweight construction and rockered shape that gives them tons of float. You’ll also find highly curved tips on these snowboards to help you stay above the powder.

Splitboards

Splitboards are designed for snowboarders who want to get into the backcountry. These boards split in half down the center, so you can essentially have one ski-like surface on either foot for touring. When you get to the top of a run, you can clamp the two halves of the board back together and ride as you normally would.

How to Choose the Best All-mountain Snowboard for You

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right all-mountain snowboard for the season. The graphic design on the boards may stand out most when you’re looking at them in the shop, but there’s a lot more to consider than just what looks good. So, let’s take a look at some of the most important features you need to think about.

Size

The best place to start with choosing an all-mountain snowboard is to figure out the length and width of the board you need.

The length is typically measured from tip to tip, and the right length for you depends on your weight. Women weighing between 110-140 pounds will need a board that’s around 130-150 cm in length, while men weighing between 140-175 pounds will need a board measuring 150-170 cm. Riders over around 175 pounds will want a board that’s at least 160 cm, but you don’t want to get a board that extends way over your head, either.

If you’re in between sizes, you do have a choice. Longer boards are typically faster and more suitable for aggressive downhill riders. Shorter boards are more maneuverable and are often preferred by beginners and park riders.

Snowboard width is measured across the waist of the board and depends on your boot size. Ideally, your boots should hang over each edge of the board by about one to two centimeters so that you have maximum leverage when carving. Overhang too much, and you risk catching your toe in the snow; too little and you won’t be able to shift the angle of the board efficiently.

Flex

Snowboards can flex both down the length of the board and across the waist. Longitudinal flex – down flex the length of the board – is what most riders care about when choosing an all-mountain snowboard.

Soft flex board have a lot of give. They’re perfect for beginners because they make it easier to turn the board and are more forgiving if you make small movements while riding. Park riders also tend to prefer soft flex boards because they can better pop off jumps and provide better balance on rails.

Stiff flex boards are more aggressive, for riders who want more control over their snowboard’s movements. Importantly, these boards maintain speed better than soft flex boards and hold an edge better at high speeds.

Profile (Camber and Rocker)

A board’s profile describes how it looks when you set it on the ground.

A flat, or neutral, snowboard will sit with the base perfectly flat on the ground. These boards are good for all-around use. They make it easy to carve turns and float decently well on small amounts of powder.

A snowboard with camber will have a slight rise in the middle with floor contact on either end of the board, and tips that rise off the floor again. Cambered snowboards are more popular among experienced riders because they allow for more aggressive turns and faster speeds, particularly on hard-packed slopes and groomers. Beware of camber in deep snow, though, as this profile does not float well.

Rockered snowboards sit on the floor in the center of the board and rise to either end. This profile is ideal for deep powder because of its flotation, and it’s also popular in the park because it handles rails very well. Rocker takes away some power from the board, but beginning snowboarders will find it easier to initiate turns.

Note that there are also boards that combine rocker and camber profiles together, or rocker and flat profiles. These snowboards offer a compromise between the different styles when it comes to riding feel.

Shape

Most all-mountain snowboards are directional, meaning that they are designed to be ridden with the tip down. That’s because the tail is narrow and flatter on directional boards – you can ride backwards, but you’ll lose some float and control. The benefit of directionality is that the board feels balanced and carves aggressively.

You can also find directional twin tip snowboards. These have symmetrical tips so they can be ridden forwards or backwards. But, unlike true twin tip boards, the weight will be shifted towards the tail to give you more control while carving.

Sidecut Radius

Sidecut radius describes the taper from the tip and tail of your board towards the waist. All-mountain snowboards with a larger sidecut radius (wider waist in relationship to the tip and tail) will be better at make big, sweeping turns with a large radius. Boards with a smaller radius will make tighter turns as you sweep side to side.

Effective Edge

The effective edge is the length of your board that is actually in contact with the snow as you’re riding. Since the tip and tail are always slightly upturned, the effective edge is shorter than the full length of the board.

A longer effective edge is great if you ride at high speeds or on icy terrain, as it will give you more grip. A shorter effective edge is better for spinning the board, which can be helpful in the terrain park.

Base Material

Snowboards are generally coated in polyethylene on the bottom to provide a durable, sliding surface. Extruded bases are less expensive and easier to repair, but less durable over the long run because these bases are prone to warping. Sintered bases are more expensive and require more frequent waxing. But, they’re lighter, more durable, and stronger.

The 8 Best All-mountain Snowboards of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Loaded Boards Algernon All-mountain Snowboard

Best for: Aggressive carving
Shape: Directional Twin Tip
Profile: Camber
Flex: Stiff
Core Material: Bamboo and fiberglass

This high-quality snowboard from Loaded Boards is the perfect upgrade for experienced snowboarders. The board is built from bamboo and fiberglass with a cork footbed, which makes it lightweight, durable, and relatively stiff while still feeling highly responsive under your feet. Better yet, the sturdy flex and long effective edge of this board combine to make it a great choice for aggressive carving, whether you’re riding groomers or crud.

The radial sidecut carves a big arc, which makes this board very fun for sweeping downhill in smooth lines. On top of that, the directional twin tip adds to the balance and speed of this board. It should come as little surprise that Loaded Boards built this snowboard with a pronounced mustache camber, which further adds to its aggressive carving ability.

The board is expensive, but the construction is very premium. Note also that the base is sintered rather than extruded, so this board can last for many years if properly cared for.

Loaded Boards Algernon All-mountain Snowboard

PROS:

Lightweight bamboo and fiberglass core
Stiff with mustache camber for aggressive carving
Large sidecut radius carves smooth lines
Sintered base

CONS:

Expensive
Doesn’t perform super well in powder

2. Jones Men’s Mountain Twin Snowboard

Best for: Moving between groomers and the terrain park
Shape: Directional Twin Tip
Profile: Cambered
Flex: Stiff
Core Material: Fiberglass

This inexpensive all-mountain snowboard from Jones is perfect for riding groomers and hitting the terrain park, although it’s capable of much more. The board features a traditional aggressive design, with a cambered profile, directional twin tip, and stiff flex. But, unlike all-mountain snowboards that you’d want to bomb down the steepest crud with, this board has a blunt nose, a more progressive sidecut, and a slightly shorter effective edge.

That allows this board to be more maneuverable in the terrain park as well as riding through tight trees. The downside is that the board lacks some of the strength needed to hold up on the steepest terrain and in the worst snow quality. It’s also worth noting that this board has a surprising amount of lateral flex around the board’s waist, which can come in handy in the park to help you get an extra pop off a ramp.

This board isn’t cheap, but thankfully it’s built to last. The base is sintered and the topsheet is made from durable ECO-plastic.

PROS:

Aggressive design with cambered profile
Progressive sidecut for tight turns
Plenty of lateral flex for launching jumps
Durable

CONS:

Expensive
Doesn’t deal well with hard-packed crud

3. STAUBER Summit Snowboard

Best for: Beginning snowboarders
Shape: Directional Twin Tip
Profile: Camber-rocker Hybrid
Flex: Soft
Core Material: Fiberglass

The Summit snowboard from STAUBER was designed with novice riders in mind. First off, it’s fairly inexpensive so you don’t have to feel bad about using it for a few seasons and then upgrading to something more premium. You can even buy the board with bindings, which is great if you’re building your riding kit from scratch.

The board has a few adaptations to make it easier for beginners to learn to snowboard. The directional twin tip allows you to explore the slopes or the terrain park without sacrificing balance, while the soft flex makes it much easier for beginners to initiate turns on this board. STAUBER also used a hybrid camber-rocker profile on this board, which allows for smoother turning without taking away the ability to carve hard as your technique improves.

Do note that the board’s shape and sidecut radius are designed to prevent beginners from catching an edge. In icy conditions, that can backfire a bit as it can be more difficult to get a grip on the terrain.

PROS:

Inexpensive
Rocker-camber hybrid profile for easy turn initiation
Soft flex for easier turns and pop in the park

CONS:

Not the most durable board
Suffers in powder and on icy terrain
Not stiff enough for aggressive carving

4. Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

Best for: Poppy riding
Shape: Directional
Profile: Directional Camber
Flex: Soft
Core Material: Super Fly II 700G Wood

This all-mountain snowboard from Burton is very unique. It features a directional camber, which differs from a traditional camber in that the front half of the board is also rockered. This allows it to get far superior float in deep snow compared to most traditional cambered snowboards, without giving up on the aggressive carve that camber traditionally provides.

On top of that, this board is designed to pop when you jump into the air. The soft flex and lightweight wood core of this board give it a surprising amount of flotation. Meanwhile, the directional design of the board itself also ensures that the tail is ready to launch at any moment. The flex is directional so that you have less stiffness in the tail, and can use the stiffer waist to help lift the bottom of the board.

That’s a big plus whether you want to take this board into the park or simply have fun hopping around on small terrain features throughout the resort. If you find yourself in deep powder, the Deep Thinker’s pop also helps you to clear obstacles like snowed-over rocks and logs. Unfortunately for park riders, though, all of the directionality of this board does somewhat limit your ability to spin and ride backwards.

PROS:

Excellent pop in tail of board
Lightweight core material
Directional camber adds rocker to front of board for flotation
Moderately aggressive carving style

CONS:

Doesn’t have the most edge grip on icy or cruddy terrain
Directional design limits use in the terrain park

5. Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro Snowboard

Best for: Freestyle riding
Shape: Directional
Profile: Flat-camber Hybrid
Flex: Moderate
Core Material: Bamboo

The Kazu Kokubo Pro is about as close to a freestyle snowboard as you can get and still call it all-mountain. The board is built for steep terrain, deep powder, and aggressive riding.

To start, this board features a very flat cambered profile. There is a slight camber to provide power to your turns, but Kapita didn’t want to undermine the board’s float in heavy powder. The ridiculously lightweight bamboo core doesn’t hurt with flotation and pop, either.

The board is directional, as you’d expect from a big terrain board. The moderate flex is on the soft side for some riders, but the benefit is easier turn initiation in tight terrain like trees and rocky areas as well as better pop when hucking a cliff. The sidecut radius of this board is shorter than most true all-mountain boards, which also helps when maneuvering through tight terrain features.

Importantly, this snowboard is built to take a beating. It features a sintered Hyperdrive base and a Holysheet fiberglass topsheet with high-performance resin. The edges are fully stainless steel.

PROS:

Durable, strong, and lightweight board for big terrain
Excellent float in deep powder
Short sidecut radius for tight turns
Moderate flux for better turn initiation

CONS:

Expensive
Not the best board for park riding or groomers

6. Lib Tech T.Rice Pro HP Snowboard

Best for: Advanced snowboarders
Shape: Directional
Profile: Camber-rocker Hybrid
Flex: Stiff
Core Material: Wood (60% aspen, 40% Paulownia)

The T.Rice Pro HP board from Lib Tech was built with aggressive resort riders in mind. This snowboard was made to tear through steep terrain, with a directional shape and a camber-rocker hybrid that allows for hard-charging turns. The rocker hybrid helps this board navigate the terrain on powder days, but it’s worth noting that this snowboard doesn’t have the flotation necessary to push through more than ankle-deep powder.

One of the big differences between this board and the similarly big-mountain Kapita board is the flex. Lib Tech’s snowboard is very stiff, which allows you to push your speed limits without worrying about catching an edge or the board vibrating beneath you. While you can navigate reasonably tight terrain with this board, the large sidecut radius makes it ideal for carving smooth lines in your favorite face.

PROS:

Handles steep terrain easily
Rocker tip adds back some flotation
Stiff flex limits vibration while riding aggressively
Very smooth carve lines thanks to wide sidecut radius

CONS:

Not super floaty for riding in powder
Expensive
Doesn’t handle tight turns all that well

7. System Timeless and Summit Men’s Snowboard Package

Best for: Snowboarders on a budget
Shape: Twin Tip
Profile: Camber-rocker Hybrid
Flex: Stiff
Core Material: Wood (Poplar)

If you’re looking to build an all-mountain snowboarding package from scratch, this board, bindings, and boots package from System is worth a look. The package is impressively inexpensive, which puts it well within reach of most beginner and intermediate riders’ budgets.

The Timeless board is a true-all mountain ride. It features a stiff wooden core that allows you to power down groomers and off-piste runs alike, and a long effective edge ensures you can keep control in any conditions. While the snowboard isn’t perfected for the park, it does feature a true twin tip design that allows you to ride forward and backward. The wooden core is also relatively light, which gives this board some pop.

The other thing to note about this snowboard is the camber-rocker hybrid profile. The rocker is designed to add float to this board on powder days and makes it easier for beginners to ride. Meanwhile, the camber ensures that this board is gamely enough for steep terrain and aggressive riding on groomers.

The boots and bindings that come with this board are also very nice. The Camp Seven Summit Binding system uses a simple pair of ratchets to secure you to the board, and the toe piece can be either over your foot or over your toe depending on what you prefer. The APX boots are extremely comfortable and durable, and can even be thermally molded to your foot by your local snowboard shop for a perfect fit.

System Timeless and Summit Men’s Snowboard Package

PROS:

Board, bindings and boots package
Very inexpensive
Camber-rocker hybrid profile gives the board all-mountain capabilities
True twin tip design is good for the park

CONS:

Non-directional shape can be more difficult for beginners to ride
Rocker is less than ideal for steep terrain

8. Camp Seven Drifter and APX Men’s Snowboard Package

Best for: Deep powder
Shape: Twin Tip
Profile: Camber-rocker Hybrid
Flex: Soft
Core Material: Wood (Poplar)

The Drifter snowboard from Camp Seven is an all-mountain board built for powder days. The board is extremely lightweight thanks to a poplar wood core, and has a ton of float as a result of the camber-rocker hybrid profile. On top of that, the true twin tip shape makes it a ton of fun to ride through powder and the tips are upturned enough to keep you from riding beneath the snow surface.

This board can suffer a little bit on more aggressive terrain, especially if you’re riding hardpack. That’s because the board is relatively flexible and the lack of directionality makes it a bit harder to initiate turns in crud. Still, a large sidecut radius makes this board extremely fun in more open areas, since you can carve beautiful flowing lines into the snow.

The board is paired with the same Summit APX boots and bindings as the Timeless snowboard, which makes this package a terrific value. The boots are comfortable and long-lasting, while the bindings give you the option to wear the toe strap on top of your boot or directly over your toe.

Camp Seven Drifter and APX Men’s Snowboard Package

PROS:

Inexpensive board, boots, and bindings package
Excellent float thanks to rocker and low weight
Large sidecut radius is great for carving flowing lines
Soft flex makes turn initiation easy

CONS:

Non-directionality compromises the board in steep terrain

The 4 Best Snowboard Brands of 2019

Whether or not one of our eight favorite all-mountain snowboards strikes your fancy, it’s worth knowing about which snowboard brands regularly sport high-quality boards. Many brands offer variations of the designs we spotlighted, so it’s easy to get the snowboard that perfect matches your needs.

Burton

Burton is a goliath of the snowboarding world – chances are, nearly half the boards you’ll find at your local resort were made by Burton. The company has a truly massive array of board designs, so it’s easy to find a snowboard that exactly fits all of the characteristics you want. On top of that, Burton is constantly innovating in boards and bindings, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for new riding tech.

Jones

You won’t find a ton of snowboards classified as “all-mountain” from Jones – the company’s main focus is on freeriding and big mountain activities. But, many of Jones’ snowboards perform as well on groomers and even in the park as they do on huge, committing lines. Look for boards that are slightly on the stiffer side and feature more aggressive profiles from Jones.

GNU boards are famously good for riding in powder thanks to a mild rocker profile. The company has other designs, but if you’re looking for a board that can go anywhere in the mountain in snowy conditions GNU is worth exploring. Importantly, all GNU boards are made in the US out of eco-friendly materials, so you can feel good about your environmental footprint while riding.

Lib Tech

Lib Tech pioneered the camber-rocker hybrid profile over a decade ago, and it’s now relatively standard on all-mountain snowboards. The company hasn’t stopped innovating, and today many of its boards are able to take on the entire mountain – from powdery slopes to groomers to the terrain park. Whatever conditions you favor, chances are good that Lib Tech has a board for you.

FAQs

Q: How do I know what length of snowboard is right for me?

A: Snowboard length usually depends on your height and weight, as well as your riding style and skill level. While there are general guidelines for snowboard sizing, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommended sizing for the snowboard you have in mind – different shapes, profiles, and effective edge lengths will change how a snowboard feels for a specific size of rider. When in doubt, more aggressive and experienced riders tend to prefer longer boards, while beginner riders and boarders who spend a lot of time in the terrain park tend to prefer shorter snowboards.

Q: I’m a beginner – what features should I look for in an all-mountain snowboard?

A: If you’re a beginner, you want a board that’s relatively easy to control and that helps you through your turns. That typically means finding a board with a soft flex and a strong directionality, since both of those features will make it easier to initiate shifting weight from one side of your board to the other. You may also want to look for a snowboard with a rocker profile, since rocker also makes it easier to shift weight on the board and control your turns.

Q: Is a camber-rocker hybrid the best profile for all-mountain riding?

A: Camber-rocker hybrid profiles have become very popular for all-mountain snowboards because they combine the aggressive riding of camber with the flotation of rocker. So, a hybrid profile is good for a lot of all-mountain riders.

But, it’s important to think about where you’ll spend most of your time riding. If your local resort gets walloped with snow, more rocker might be important. On the other hand, if conditions are often cruddy, more camber might be better. Hybrid boards are best for mixed conditions or if you spend time at a lot of different resorts.

Conclusion

All-mountain snowboards allow you to enjoy all the different styles of snowboarding, from ripping groomers to launching jumps in the terrain park to trying out challenging and steep terrain. These boards are ideal for beginners and experts alike, which also means that an all-mountain snowboard can grow with you as you become a stronger rider.

There are a ton of all-mountain snowboards on the market, which can make finding the board that’s perfect for your needs difficult. With our guide to choosing a board and reviews of the top eight all-mountain snowboards, you can quickly and easily find the right snowboard to hit the slopes with this winter.

The 8 Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks of 2019 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Updated 22/11/2019 By Kathleen Lumsden

Skiing and snowboarding require a lot of gear, whether you’re on the mountain or just trying to get there. Thankfully, there is a huge variety of ski and snowboard backpacks and bags to help you carry everything you need and keep it with you on the slopes.

Ski and snowboard bags range from boot bags to hydration packs to large daypacks ready for the backcountry. So, choosing the right bag or backpack for you can be a difficult choice. In this guide, we’ll highlight everything you need to consider when choosing a ski and snowboard bag for the coming winter. We’ll also review eight of the best ski and snowboard backpacks and boot bags that you can use on and off the slopes.

Daypack vs. Hydration Pack vs. Boot Bag

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The first big choice you need to make when picking out a ski or snowboard bag is what type of bag you’re looking for. Are you planning to use your backpack primarily to get your gear to the mountain, or do you want a backpack that can stay with you all day? Are you primarily an in-bounds resort skier, or do you have ambitions to venture out into the backcountry?

Daypacks are ideal if you want to carry a lot of gear with you on the mountain, such as an extra layer or two, spare lenses for your goggles, an extra pair of gloves, and a few snacks. A dedicated backpack is also essential if you plan to head into the backcountry, since at a minimum you’ll need to carry avalanche rescue equipment with you.

If you’re skiing in-bounds only, you may be able to opt for a hydration pack instead of a full daypack. Hydration packs are typically smaller and lighter – just large enough to carry a water bladder and potentially a few snack bars. While hydration packs won’t allow you to keep as much stuff with you throughout the day, many skiers and snowboarders prefer them for resort skiing because they are less cumbersome than full daypacks.

If you’re more worried about getting your gear to the mountain than carrying it with you all day, consider opting for a boot bag instead of a backpack. Ski and snowboard boot bags are large enough to fit bulky boots, and many can also squeeze in a helmet and some of your insulating layers. At the resort, you can typically find a place to store your boot bag for the day while you head out on the slopes.

How to Choose Best Backpacks for Skiing and Snowboarding

There’s a lot to think about if you’re in the market for a skiing or snowboarding backpack – much more so than for hydration packs or boot bags. To help you decide what’s right for you, we’ll take a closer look at the features that are important to consider when choosing a ski or snowboard backpack.

Ski and Snowboard Carry Systems

The best place to start is by looking at how your backpack can be used to carry your ski or snowboard. This is absolutely essential in the backcountry, when you may have to “boot” your way up steep sections of terrain. It’s also helpful to have carry options for resort skiing and riding, since there are often sections of the mountain that can only be accessed with a short hike from the top of the lift.

Many backpacks offer both ski and snowboard carry systems, but some offer just one or the other. Be sure to check whether the backpack you have in mind is designed for skiers, snowboarders, or both.

For skiers, there are two main carry systems available: A-frame and diagonal. An A-frame places one ski on either side of your pack with the tips meeting above your head, held together by a ski strap. An important feature to look for in an A-frame carry system is padded loops that can hold your skis against your pack – these should be easy to tighten and loosen as needed, and durable enough to withstand scraping against the sharp metal edge of your skis.

Diagonal carry instead places your skis together and clips them across the back of your pack diagonally. This is advantageous because it’s fast, but a lot of skiers prefer having A-frame carry options because diagonal carry can allow the skis to hit your calves and flop around. Ideally, a good ski backpack will offer straps to carry skis in either configuration.

Snowboard carry is a bit simpler – it’s either vertical or horizontal on the back of your backpack. Many backpacks only offer one of the two options, and there aren’t significant disadvantages to either. Horizontal carry may feel slightly more cumbersome because the board will be wider than your body, but this typically won’t matter on open mountain terrain.

Gear Storage

The amount of space you need in your backpack will depend a lot on what types of skiing and riding you have planned. At the resort, if you’re able to keep items in the lodge or your car is relatively accessible from the slopes, you may not need any gear storage at all – in which case you might want to consider a hydration pack over a full-sized backpack. Even if you want to carry a few layers, snacks, and water for the day, you probably won’t need a pack larger than 10-20 liters in size for in-bounds skiing.

Heading into the backcountry immediately doubles or triples the amount of gear storage space you need. That’s because you need to be completely self-sufficient, with plenty of extra layers, tools to fix a fussy binding, lights and emergency supplies in case you end up outside after dark, and navigational aids. On top of that, you need to carry a beacon, shovel, and probe to be able to perform avalanche rescue if necessary – these items alone take up a significant amount of space. As a rule of thumb, ski and snowboard backpacks for the backcountry should be at least 30-40 liters in size, and larger if you are planning a multi-day trip.

It’s also important to think about gear organization. Having two main compartments is nice because it allows you to put wet gear into one and dry layers into another. In addition, it’s always helpful to have a few small, easy to access compartments for items like snack bars, sunglasses, and car keys. If you are carrying avalanche rescue gear, look for a backpack that offers a dedicated pocket for your shovel and probe so you can access them without delay in an emergency. Finally, keep in mind that you won’t want anything on the outside of your pack while you’re skiing or riding – it’s likely to get wet with snow or fall off and roll down the mountain during a crash.

Material

The material your pack is made from is extremely important. Ski and snowboard backpacks have to balance being extremely durable, while also minimizing weight and maximizing comfort. Look for backpacks that are made with ripstop nylon or similar materials and that come with reinforcements in places that are commonly rubbed, such as the straps that hold your skis in place for an A-frame carry.

In addition, it’s worth considering whether your backpack comes with a hip belt and whether or not it’s padded. This can add some weight to the pack, but it’s well worth it if you’ll be carrying a heavy load all day.

Weight

Pack weight is another important consideration – after all, you’ll have your backpack on all day. Packs that are unnecessarily heavy can wear down your shoulders and back, and even create problems with your skiing or riding technique. Ideally, a ski backpack should weigh no more than a few pounds, although there are some avalanche airbag packs that weigh more.

Style

Just because there’s a lot of other things to look for in a ski backpack doesn’t mean you need to throw style out the window. Many backpacks are available in multiple colors, so you can feel good about wearing your backpack on the slopes. Remember, the happier you are with how your backpack looks, the more likely you are to use it every time you go out skiing or riding.

Avalung

The Avalung is a piece of safety equipment specifically designed for backcountry skiers and riders. In the even that you are ever buried by an avalanche, limited air supply and carbon dioxide buildup threatens to kill you within 15 minutes of burial. The Avalung is essentially a breathing tube that pulls air out of the snowpack and exhales carbon dioxide away from your body, giving you closer to an hour of survival time so that your partners have a chance to rescue you.

Some packs come with a built-in Avalung, which is definitely worth considering if you spend a lot of time in the backcountry. These packs aren’t that much more expensive than a standard touring daypack, and the Avalung itself is very lightweight. Also keep in mind that you can buy an Avalung torso sling later, if you don’t want it integrated into your backpack.

Avalanche Airbags

Avalanche airbags are a relatively new safety technology for backcountry skiers and riders that are designed to keep you from being buried in an avalanche in the first place. If you inflate the airbag right when an avalanche is triggered, the airbag can help float you to the top of the snow to keep you safe.

Airbag packs are relatively expensive and can be quite heavy, but they’ve also been demonstrated to be very effective at saving lives in the backcountry. Note that unlike Avalungs, airbags cannot be added to your backpack setup after-market.

The 8 Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Dakine Men’s Heli Backpack 12L – Best Snowboard Carry Backpack

Weight: 15 ounces
Storage Capacity: 12 liters

The Heli backpack from Dakine is a classic in-bounds snowboard backpack. It features a vertical snowboard carry system and straps for diagonal ski carry. Even better, you can use the snowboard carry space as an external pouch when you’re not taking your board for a hike.

This backpack isn’t particularly large, but Dakine did a good job of organizing the available 12 liters of space. There’s one main compartment that’s large enough to fit extra layers or a hydration bladder – but, note that the backpack doesn’t have an opening where a hydration bladder hose can fit through. In addition, two smaller compartments provide convenient spaces to carry spare goggle lenses, snacks, and other small items. One of these pockets is even fleece lined so it doesn’t scratch up your lenses.

The backpack includes a chest belt and hip belt, but both are just nylon webbing. This keeps the pack weight down, but the hip belt in particular isn’t the most comfortable for carrying heavier loads.

PROS:

Lightweight and durable
Vertical snowboard carry and diagonal ski carry
Fleece lined goggle pocket
Inexpensive

CONS:

Hip belt is just nylon webbing
No opening for hydration bladder hose
No A-frame ski carry

2. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack – Best Insulated Backpack

Weight: 1.7 pounds
Storage Capacity: 15 liters

This backpack from Mubasel Gear is around 15 liters in size, so it’s another great option for in-bounds skiing and riding. There are lots of differences from the similarly sized Dakine Heli pack, though, including the fact that this backpack is made from entirely waterproof fabric to prevent your gear from getting wet. In addition, it comes with a two-liter hydration bladder and the main compartment is insulated to keep your water from freezing in the winter or getting too warm in the spring.

The pack doesn’t have a lot of space for carrying extra layers after the hydration bladder is filled, although you can put snacks and other small items in the front zipper pocket. Unfortunately, there aren’t any other small pockets that are shaped to fit goggles. We did like that the hip belt is padded, however, which makes this pack much more comfortable to carry throughout the day.

One important caveat to note is that this backpack doesn’t have any straps for ski or snowboard carry. It’s also not rigid enough that it would be easy to rig straps to the backpack and keep your skis or board from flopping around.

Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack

PROS:

Perfect size for in-bounds skiing and riding
Waterproof fabric
Insulated hydration bladder compartment
Comes with two-liter water bladder
Padded hip belt

CONS:

No goggle pocket
No ski or snowboard carry mechanisms

3. CamelBak Powderhound Ski Hydration Pack – Best Hydration Pack for Skiing and Snowboarding

Weight: 1.5 pounds
Storage Capacity: 12 liters

This small 12-liter hydration pack from CamelBak provides a surprising amount of punch. To start, it comes with a three-liter water reservoir and allows you to run the tubing through a thermally insulated line in the shoulder strap so you never have to worry about freezing. The bag also leaves just enough room to stuff in a few extra layers and snacks, although there’s not much space to put something rigid like goggles.

We particularly liked the low-profile design of this backpack. It fits tightly against your back, which is a big plus whether you’re sitting on the lift (without having to take the pack off) or skiing through tight trees where loose pack straps could be a big problem.

Even better, CamelBak designed the Powderhound backpack with a diagonal ski carry strap system. Snowboarders beware, however – there’s no option for carrying a board on this hydration pack.

PROS:

Comes with three-liter hydration reservoir
Thermal insulation in shoulder strap
Low profile hugs your back
Diagonal ski carry

CONS:

No room for goggles or extra lenses
No snowboard carry system
Expensive

4. Osprey Kamber 42 Ski Pack – Best Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Backpack

Weight: 3.4 pounds
Storage Capacity: 42 liters

The Osprey Kamber backpack is a terrific all-around backpack for big days at the resort or long missions in the backcountry. The backpack is 42 liters and has a dedicated J-zip pocket on the front for storing your avalanche rescue gear. On top of that, the main compartment is cavernous, so you can easily stuff in all of the clothing, food, and other supplies you need to spend the entire day in the mountains. Small pockets on the top of the pack brain and in the hip belt round out this pack’s storage capabilities and give you easy access to small items.

We particularly liked that Osprey paid attention to the details that matter on the Kamber. You can easily access the main compartment not only through the top of the bag, but also by unzipping the back panel – this gives you instant access to all of your stuff. The hip belt is lushly padded to keep you comfortable and optimally distribute weight on your body. All of the zippers are equipped with large rings so that you can open and close them even with gloves on. Finally, there’s even a divider for placing a hydration bladder inside your pack.

As for carry, this pack allows for A-frame or diagonal ski carry and horizontal snowboard carry. There are also two gear loops for ice axes or other tools.

PROS:

42-liter pack designed for backcountry use
Dedicated avalanche rescue gear pocket
Top and back panel access to main compartment
Padded hip belt with small zipper pockets
Lots of carry options for skis and snowboards

CONS:

Expensive
No insulation for hydration bladder
No vertical snowboard carry

5. Element Equipment Boot Bag – Most Stylish Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

Weight: 2.8 pounds
Storage Capacity: 60 liters

This extremely stylish and uniquely designed boot bag from Element Equipment is designed to make it easy to get your stuff to and from the mountain. The bag is large enough to handle a single pair of large ski or snowboard boots, with plenty of space left over to fit your helmet, a few jackets, and anything else you need for the day. There’s even a fleece padded goggle pocket on the top of the bag to carry your goggles without the potential for scratching.

We loved that Element Equipment padded the back panel of this bag, which makes it much more comfortable to use as a backpack. It would have been nice to see a top carry handle as well, though, since without that you’re limited to carrying this boot bag over your shoulder.
The bag is extremely durable thanks to 600D polyester construction. That also makes it waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your boots and gear getting soggy before you even hit the slopes.

PROS:

Relatively inexpensive
Unique, stylish designs available
Fleece goggle pocket
Waterproof, durable construction
Padded back panel

CONS:

No top carry handle

6. Athalon Everything Boot Bag – Best Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

Weight: 3.8 pounds
Storage Capacity: 58.5 liters

If we had to pick a single boot bag to recommend for every skier and boarder, this bag from Athalon would be it. The bag puts your boots separately, one on each side of the bag, in zippered and ventilated side pockets. The vents are much appreciated at the end of the day after you’ve been sweating into your ski or snowboard boots for hours. In the center of the bag is a main compartment for storing your helmet, jackets, and the rest of your gear. A small top pocket is another nice touch, since this gives you a ready place to store your car keys and find them again later.

Athalon’s boot bag also includes a padded back panel for comfortable backpack carry. For shorter distances, there are rubberized grab handles on the top and front of the bag as well. Grommets built into the bottom of the bag allow you boots to drain water without it pooling up inside the bag, and the rest of the bag is made of durable and waterproof polyester.

Overall, it’s hard to beat this bag for carrying ski and snowboard boots. It’s also available in a huge variety of colors so you can match your bag to your style.

PROS:

Excellent organization and compartment design
Bottom grommets allow boots to drain water
Ventilated boot pockets
Durable and waterproof construction
Available in dozens of colors

CONS:

No dedicated goggle compartment

7. Backcountry Access Float 42 Airbag Pack – Best Airbag Backpack for Skiing and Snowboarding

Weight: 6.4 pounds
Storage Capacity: 42 liters

This avalanche airbag backpack from Backcountry Access is the de facto standard among backcountry skiers and riders who want maximum safety. The Float 42 has a simple pull tab that you can yank on at the onset of an avalanche to release a wide airbag that can carry you to the snow surface to avoid burial. Keep in mind that the airbag canister isn’t included in the price of this bag and must be purchased separately for this pack to work.

It’s important to note that although this pack is 42 liters in size, it’s not very spacious. The airbag and canister take up a ton of room, and push the weight of this pack over six pounds – that’s a lot to carry for big days in the backcountry. Still, the pack features diagonal and A-frame ski carry options as well as vertical snowboard carry. It also has a dedicated compartment for avalanche rescue equipment, a fleece lined goggle pocket, and a built-in system for carrying your helmet on the outside of the pack.

PROS:

Airbag backpack for safety in the backcountry
Lots of carry options
Dedicated avalanche rescue equipment compartment
Fleece lined goggle compartment and external helmet carry

CONS:

Expensive – and price does not include airbag canister
Not very spacious for long day tours
Very heavy for a ski or snowboard backpack

8. Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack – Best Upgrade Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

Weight: 2.75 pounds
Storage Capacity: 60 liters

This premium boot bag from Thule takes design a lot further than its competitors. To start, the shape is totally different – you load your boots into the bag from a zippered back panel rather than from side or top pockets. The top does unzipper as well, which allows you to super efficiently pack your helmet, jackets, and other items around your boots once they’ve been loaded in. We also loved that the top of the pack is rigid to provide space for a protected, fleece lined goggle compartment.

One of the neat touches that Thule provided for in this bag is that the back zipper panel folds down to provide a mat for you to stand on while you get your boots on. This is nice, but keep in mind that you can get the inside of your bag dirty by using this too liberally.

What’s also cool is that this bag is designed to integrate with Thule’s ski and snowboard bags. You can use attachment loops on the bottom of the bag to strap it to one of the rolling ski or snowboard bags, and then roll all of your equipment around with just one hand. Alternatively, the back panel is padded so you can carry this boot bag as a backpack.

PROS:

Zipper back panel and top access for maximum organization
Back zipper panel doubles as floor mat
Reinforced, fleece lined goggle compartment
Integrates with Thule ski and snowboard bags
Padded back panel for backpack carry

CONS:

Expensive
No top carry handle

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a backcountry-ready ski or snowboard backpack for “sidecountry” skiing?

A: Depending on who you ask, there is no such thing as “sidecountry” – as soon as you leave the ski resort boundary, you’re in the backcountry. That means you need to have a full complement of avalanche rescue gear and everything you need to be self-sufficient in case something goes wrong. So, you will most likely need to carry just as much for a quick run out of the resort’s backcountry gates as you would for a full day deep in the mountains – which means you will need a backcountry ski or snowboard pack.

Q: How do I get airbag canisters for my airbag backpack?

A: If you have an airbag backpack, you’ll need to invest in a compatible canister for that pack to work. These canisters are typically available from your pack’s manufacturer or at any backcountry ski shop. Keep in mind that airbag canisters are not allowed to fly on planes, so you’ll need to have a source for a new canister if you’re travelling for a ski trip.

Q: Can I use the avalanche rescue compartment to hold other gear?

A: In the backcountry, no. The reasoning behind having a dedicated compartment for your avalanche rescue gear is that it saves precious seconds in pulling out your shovel and probe during a rescue. If you have other gear in that compartment, you’ll have to waste time getting it out of the way to get to your rescue equipment. If you plan on spending the day in-bounds at the ski resort and aren’t carrying avalanche gear, then it’s okay to use this pocket for a spare jacket or snacks.

Conclusion

Having the right ski or snowboard backpack for your needs can dramatically improve the enjoyability of your ski day. At the resort, a good pack allows you to access hike-to terrain and ensure that you stay hydrated or ready for changing weather conditions. In the backcountry, having the right backpack can make or break your trip and even play a role in your safety if an avalanche were to occur. With our reviews of the eight best skiing and snowboarding backpacks of 2019, you can be sure to find the right pack for your time in the mountains this winter.

Gloves vs. Mittens: Which is Best for Skiing & Snowboarding?

Updated 12/11/2019 By Kathleen Lumsden

Gloves and mittens are essential for keeping your fingers toasty warm while you spend the day skiing or snowboarding. If you have the right pair of gloves or mittens, you’ll never have to think twice about how your hands are faring. On the other hand, if you skimp on this essential piece of winter equipment, you could easily spend most of the day in the lodge defrosting your fingers rather than enjoying fresh powder.

Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, there are tons of glove and mitten options to choose from. But, deciding between five-fingered gloves and compartmentalized mittens is a big decision.

In this guide, we’ll highlight everything you need to know about the differences between gloves vs. mittens for skiing and snowboarding. We’ll also touch on some of the important features you need to know about when selecting the best pair of gloves or mittens for you. On top of that, we’ll review six of the best ski and snowboard gloves and six of the best ski and snowboard mittens that you can get to prepare for the coming winter season.

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Gloves vs. Mittens: What’s the Difference?

The choice between gloves and mittens is one that skiers and snowboarders have faced for decades. For better or worse, one style of finger protection isn’t necessarily better than the other – it all comes down to your preferences and what you need out of a glove or mitten. With that in mind, we’ll focus on the advantages and disadvantages that distinguish gloves and mittens.

The number one reason to opt for gloves over mittens is that they have better dexterity. Gloves give you five fingers instead of just two or three, which makes it easier to control grab your ski poles, adjust your goggles, or do anything else you need to do on the mountain.

In addition, many ski and snowboard gloves have textured fingers to give you finer control over the glove tips for delicate tasks, like opening a Ziploc bag or zipper or entering text on your phone. Mittens, in contrast, tend to have rounded finger and thumb compartments that aren’t great for fine motor control.

The main advantage to mittens is that, everything else being equal, they tend to be warmer than gloves. The reason for this is that your fingers are scrunched together in mittens, allowing them to share warmth. In gloves, each finger is surrounded 360 degrees by cold air on the other side of the fabric. Even more important, heat can circulate much more easily within the larger mitt compartment than within the individual finger pockets of gloves.

Of course, how much heat you retain with either gloves or mittens will depend quite a bit on how often you take them off and expose your hand to the frigid outside air. You’ll have to take mittens off more frequently to adjust your ski and snowboard equipment, so you’ll probably want to pair them with glove liners to retain some heat.

Should You Wear Gloves or Mittens for Skiing?

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You can wear either gloves or mittens for skiing, but many skiers prefer gloves because they make it easier to grip ski poles. Many ski poles have molded handles that pair perfectly with gloves, but don’t really fit the wide compartment of mittens. In addition, skiers tend to find that unless it’s really cold outside, mittens can cause your hands to sweat while you’re heading downhill – and then that sweat can freeze as you cool down on the chairlift.

But, if you know that you are likely to ski in cold weather and have had issues with frigid fingers in the past, it may be worth opting for mittens. You’ll still be able to hold your poles, and its better to sacrifice a little bit of grip for not having to run into the lodge to defrost after every run.

Should You Wear Gloves or Mittens for Snowboarding?

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In contrast, most snowboarders choose mittens over gloves. Snowboarders don’t need to grip poles, and most modern snowboard bindings are designed to be easy to tighten or release even with mittens on.

Just as for skiing, mittens can cause your hands to sweat on cold days, so they’re not ideal for every snowboarder or in every situation. It’s also important to consider whether you need dexterity for things other than your snowboard bindings, such as reaching your phone or snacks inside your jacket, when deciding on mittens vs. gloves.

Features to Look for in Skiing & Snowboarding Gloves and Mittens

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Hopefully, you now have an idea of whether gloves or mittens are better suited for your needs. Once you’ve decided on which style of finger protection is right for you, it’s important to think about the specific features that go into getting a quality pair.

Glove and Mitten Styles

You may have decided on either gloves or mittens, but there’s more to decide than just that.

For mittens, you’ll need to decide on what style you want: traditional mittens with a thumb and a four-finger pouch, or “lobster” style mittens with a thumb, forefinger, and three-finger pouch. Traditional mittens are warmer, while lobster style mittens add back some dexterity by offering a hybrid design between mittens and gloves.

In addition, you will need to choose between standard gloves and mittens, or gloves and mittens with removable liners – also known as 3-in-1 styles. 3-in-1 style gloves and mittens are great for skiing and snowboarding through the whole season, since you can take out the liner and wear just that or just the shell as the weather warms up into the spring.

Standard gloves and mittens don’t offer the same versatility, but you have the ability to create your own custom 3-in-1 system by adding your favorite pair of glove liners. Doing that is typically warmer, since you get both glove liners and the insulation system that’s part of your gloves and mittens.

Insulation Type

The two types of insulation typically used in ski and snowboard gloves are down and synthetic insulation. Of these, most skiers and snowboarders will want to choose synthetic insulation.

That’s because down is an extremely good insulator, but it doesn’t retain any heat once it gets wet. It’s also more expensive than synthetic insulation, and its light weight isn’t all that important in gloves and mittens. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, will stay warm even if you sweat into it or develop a hold in your glove and get snow into it.

Electric Heating – If you suffer from cold hands even in moderate winter temperatures, you can look for gloves or mittens that pair synthetic insulation with battery-powered heating modules. Heated gloves and mittens allow you to control how much heat is put out – they are like having Hot Hands that never wear out. The battery is typically rechargeable so you can use the gloves for several seasons or more.

The biggest downside to electric, heated gloves and mittens is cost – heating elements typically push the price of gloves and mittens into the hundreds of dollars.

Waterproofing

It should come as little surprise that waterproofing is absolutely essential in both gloves and mittens if you’ll be skiing or snowboarding with them. Sooner or later, you’re going to get snow on your fingers – and when that happens, your fingers should stay dry. Otherwise, any moisture that gets inside your insulation can quickly freeze as you sit on the chairlift between runs.

Unfortunately, the bigger threat is water vapor from inside. As you sweat, that moisture needs to be able to escape through the insulation. That’s why so many gloves and mittens use Gore-Tex or another waterproof breathable membrane. Material is important here – some waterproof, breathable membranes are more or less breathable than others, and some break down with use faster than others.

Keep in mind that no waterproofing is perfect. It’s important to try to brush snow off your gloves and mittens when you get it on them, and to try to modulate your activity so that your hands and fingers are not sweating heavily while skiing and snowboarding. If you do get your gloves or mittens wet, you can try to dry them off quickly using an air blower – most ski resorts have these in their lodges.

Touchscreen Compatibility

If you have a smartphone with a touchscreen, it’s extremely worthwhile to opt for a pair of gloves with touchscreen compatible fingertips. That way, you don’t have to pull your hand out of your glove every time you want to access your phone – which can quickly lead to losing all the heat you’ve built up inside your gloves and, soon after, frigid fingers.

Touchscreen compatibility isn’t as important for mittens since you probably won’t have the dexterity to type or enter patterns on your phone screen anyway. But, if you use glove liners inside your mittens, make sure your liner’s fingertips are touchscreen compatible so that you don’t have to pull those off to access your phone.

Additional Features

There are lots of additional features to look for when choosing a pair of gloves or mittens. We’ll highlight just a few things to keep in mind here:

Cuffs – The cuff of gloves or mittens can go under or over your jacket. Gauntlet style cuffs, which are designed to go over your jacket, provide warmth for your wrist but can more easily get snow on them. Cuffs that go under your jacket can be somewhat annoying to adjust every time you remove your gloves and put them on again.
Vents – Some gloves and mittens have zippered vent pockets, which can be used to help you dump heat on warmer days. Vents are ideal if you don’t want to switch to glove liners for spring skiing and riding.
Leashes – Having leashes that attach your gloves and mittens to your wrist is invaluable if you tend to remove them on the chairlift. That way, you don’t risk accidentally dropping your glove and losing it.

Fitting Skiing & Snowboarding Gloves and Mittens

There’s no real trick or secret to fitting skiing and snowboarding gloves and mittens. They should be snug, without feeling overly constrictive. Gloves and mittens that are too tight can cut off circulation to your fingers, which in turn makes your hands colder. On the other hand, gloves and mittens that are too loose won’t insulate effectively and you’ll lose a lot of dexterity.

The only extra thing to keep in mind here is whether or not you plan to wear glove liners inside your gloves or mittens. If you do, it’s a good idea to try your gloves and mittens on with the liners on.

The 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves of 2019 – Compared and Tested

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1. Velazzio Ski Gloves – Overall Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves

These ski and snowboard gloves from Velazzio are the perfect pairing for your hands in any weather. They come packed with 3M Thinsulate insulation, which is warm enough to keep your fingers toasty in the dead of winter but breathable enough to work as you move into spring conditions. We also liked the Fan-Tex membrane inside these gloves. Fan-Tex is a cheaper competitive to Gore-Tex that helps to keep water away from the insulation and efficiently moves moisture away from your hands.

The palms of these gloves are rubberized and stubbled, which really helps with gripping ski poles and all-around dexterity. Unfortunately, we would have loved to see at least the index fingers of each glove capped with a touch sensitive material, but that’s not the case. The zipper compartment is also strangely placed – it’s on the wrist, where putting anything inside the pocket is likely to cause problems with getting the gloves’ cuffs under your jacket.

Pros:

3M Thinsulate insulation
Fan-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
Rubberized palms for grip
Comfortable
Adjustable wrist strap

Cons:

Zipper compartment is on wrist and can cause problems with cuffs
No touch sensitivity in glove fingertips

2. Tough Outdoors The Slugger Winter Ski & Snowboard Glove – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Gloves

These inexpensive gloves from Tough Outdoors have a lot to offer at a bargain price. They’re extremely comfortable, with a fleecy liner on the inside to keep your hands cozy and warm. The insulation overall doesn’t stand out – these gloves are warm, but also a bit bulky – but we found that they worked well for most mid-winter conditions and it was easy to add glove liners underneath for the extra cold days.

Tough Outdoors paid attention to details with these gloves. The thumb and forefinger are touchscreen compatible, although the fingertips are wide enough that they can’t really be used for typing out messages on your phone. In addition, there’s a fleecy area on the thumb that you can use to wipe your nose and wrist straps so it’s easy to take the gloves off on the chairlift. One minor complaint: the synthetic leather palm is reinforced for durability, but it’s not rubberized for grip.

To top that all off, Tough Outdoors gives you a one-year warranty on these gloves. So, you can use them for a full season and be certain that your purchase is protected.

Tough Outdoors The Slugger Winter Ski & Snowboard Glove

Pros:

Fleecy interior liner
Warm enough for mid-winter temperature conditions
Touchscreen compatible fingertips
Fleecy nose wipe on thumb
Wrist straps
One-year warranty

Cons:

Palm is not textured for grip
Insulation is bulky
Touchscreen fingertips are too wide for typing on a phone

3. FREETOO Men’s Ski Gloves – Best Waterproof Breathable Ski and Snowboard Gloves

These ski and snowboard gloves from FREETOO are designed from the ground up to keep water out. The exterior of the gloves is a synthetic waterproof fabric on the back and synthetic PU leather on the palm. To provide even more protection, there’s a TPU waterproof breathable layer on the inside of the gloves between the exterior and the insulation. All of this ensures that these gloves won’t get wet, from the inside or out.

That said, these gloves aren’t necessarily the best choice for ultra-cold temperatures. They’re insulated with cotton rather than a more advanced synthetic fabric, which keeps the cost down at the expense of additional warmth. In fact, FREETOO only recommends these gloves in temperatures down to 5^oF.

In addition, there are not a lot of additional features to these gloves. You won’t find touchscreen compatible fingertips, nose wipes, or wrist leashes. While you can adjust the tightness of the cuff, there’s also no zipper compartment where you can store valuables or add a hand warmer.

Pros:

Extremely waterproof
TPU waterproof breathable layer on the inside
Comfortable
Adjustable wrist strap

Cons:

Cotton insulation isn’t super warm
No touchscreen compatibility
No zipper compartments
Palm isn’t textured for grip

4. LANYI Winter Gloves – Warmest Ski and Snowboard Gloves

If you suffer from cold fingers but don’t want to make the switch to mittens, try out these ski and snowboard gloves from LANYI. They’re packed with 40 grams of 3M Thinsulate and 120 grams of cotton to maximize insulation. In fact, they’re so warm that LANYI rates them for use down to -10^oF.

The entire glove is also covered in a waterproof fabric so that you never have to worry about getting wet and cold. A waterproof breathable TPU membrane inside helps wick away sweat from your hands, keeping you dry and warm. Still, we would have liked to see a zipper compartment on the backs of these gloves so that you could easily add hand warmers for the coldest days of the ski and snowboard season.

Dexterity in these gloves is good, but not great. The fingertips aren’t overly thick, but none of them are touchscreen compatible. In addition, the synthetic leather palm is only slightly textured to improve grip, and we would have loved to have seen a bit more work in this area.

Pros:

Extremely warm
3M Thinsulate and cotton insulation
Waterproof with TPU membrane
Dexterity is decent
Adjustable wrist strap

Cons:

No touchscreen compatibility in fingertips
Palm could use more texturing for grip
No zipper compartments for hand warmers

5. MCTi Waterproof Men’s Ski Gloves – Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves for Dexterity

These ski and snowboard gloves from MCTi are warm, but tight-fitting to provide you with the most possible dexterity. The fingertips can feel a little tight – you probably won’t want to add glove liners to these gloves – but that allows you to precisely grip your poles and reach for zipper pockets on your jacket. Better yet, the fingertips are reinforced so you won’t wear through them with use. The only big thing we would have liked to see in this regard was a touchscreen compatible forefinger. As these gloves are now, you can’t fully take advantage of the dexterity they provide.

As for insulation, these gloves are very warm. They’re packed with a combination of 3M Thinsulate and cotton, which together feel soft against your hand and trap in heat. Better yet, the gloves are completely waterproofed on the exterior and contain a TPU waterproof breathable membrane on the inside. There’s a nose wipe on the thumb and even a small compartment where you can add hand warmers to these gloves.

Pros:

Excellent dexterity with reinforced fingertips
Warm thanks to 3M Thinsulate and cotton insulation
TPU waterproof breathable membrane
Nose wipe on thumb
Compartment for hand warmers

Cons:

Tight fit makes them hard to wear with glove liners underneath
Fingertips are not touchscreen compatible

6. Savior Heated Gloves – Best Electric Heated Ski and Snowboard Gloves

These electric heated gloves from Savior Heat are perfect for battling the coldest temperatures that winter can throw at you. Regardless of how well blood flows through your hands to keep you warm, these gloves will do the trick.

They run off a rechargeable battery and give you the option between three different heat settings when they’re turned on. The change in temperature is quick – you can feel the added heat within about 30 seconds of turning up the power. At the highest temperature setting, these gloves are able to withstand extremely cold temperatures even when you’re just sitting on the chairlift.

While the gloves are designed for both skiers and snowboarders, they offer some extra protection along the knuckles for snowboarders. However, beyond that, there aren’t a lot of add-on features like touchscreen compatibility or a nose wipe. Notably, these gloves don’t even have an adjustable wrist strap, so it’s very important to get the sizing right.

Pros:

Electric heated gloves
Rechargeable battery easily lasts for a full ski day
Three temperature settings with quick power changes
Extra protection for snowboarders
One-year warranty

Cons:

Expensive
No touchscreen compatibility
No adjustable wrist straps or leashes

The 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Mittens of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. VBG VBIGER Winter Ski Mittens – Best Waterproof Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These impressively warm and comfortable ski and snowboard mittens from VBG are ideal for mid-winter skiing and riding conditions. They’re packed with a ton of cotton insulation and do a great job of trapping in heat thanks to the warm elastic liner that conforms around your wrist. On top of that, you can further lock in heat with the adjustable wrist strap and cinch the cuff under your jacket.

VBG didn’t really try to add back in any dexterity to these mittens, instead focusing efforts in other areas. The mittens are fully waterproof and include a waterproof breathable membrane to fully lock out moisture. In addition, there are four thin finger pockets on the inside of the glove to help keep your fingers from building up sweat. A zipper pocket near the thumb also gives you a place to add in a hand warmer for those extra frigid days on the slopes.

Pros:

Multiple mechanisms to lock in heat, including conforming elastic wrist liner
Fully waterproof with membrane inside
Zipper compartment for hand warmers
Four finger pockets inside mitt work with glove liners

Cons:

Cotton rather than 3M Thinsulate insulation
Not much effort to improve dexterity

2. Tough Outdoors Winter Snow & Ski Mittens – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These budget-friendly mittens from Tough Outdoors are pretty basic, but perfect for facing all-mountain conditions. They’re packed with cotton insulation that keeps your hands warm down to pretty frigid temperatures, and a waterproof outer fabric ensures that snow and water can’t penetrate to your fingers. Better yet, a waterproof breathable membrane helps to move moisture away from your fingers and out of the gloves so you stay dry and toasty.

Beyond that, there’s not much to these ski and snowboard mittens. The finger compartment is completely open and there’s not much texturing on the synthetic leather palm to provide grip. You can lock in heat with the adjustable wrist strap, and wrist leashes allow you to easily take the mitts off on the chairlift.

Tough Outdoors Winter Snow & Ski Mittens

Pros:

Inexpensive
Waterproof outer fabric and waterproof breathable membrane
Wrist strap and wrist leashes

Cons:

Cotton insulation isn’t the warmest option

3. OZERO -40F Winter Gloves – Best Gauntlet Style Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These extremely warm winter mittens from OZERO offer a gauntlet style cuff, which is designed to extend over your jacket. That’s not always great since it can allow snow to get into your mittens during a fall, but we liked that OZERO designed these cuffs with an elastic band that helps seal them over your forearm. In addition, the adjustable wrist strap provides another barrier to any snow that does get into the mitten wrist cuff and helps to lock in heat.

These mittens are also packed with insulation. They contain a ton of 3M Thinsulate insulation and are lined with a thermal TR cotton lining. That makes them ideal for even the coldest mountain conditions, although they can be a bit much as you head into the spring season. Thankfully, an internal TPU waterproof breathable membrane helps to wick away any sweat that does form on your fingers.

We also liked the palms of these gloves. They’re made from synthetic leather and double-stitched for extra durability. They’re still lacking some grip, but they’ll last through any abrasion.

Pros:

Gauntlet cuff with adjustable strap to seal out snow
Adjustable wrist strap locks in heat
Synthetic leather palms
3M Thinsulate insulation with thermal cotton lining
TPU waterproof breathable membrane

Cons:

Too warm for use during sunny winter days or spring skiing and riding

4. EXski Waterproof Ski Mittens – Warmest Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These ski and snowboard mittens from EXski are incredibly toasty inside. They’re insulated with 40 grams of 3M Thinsulate and 140 grams of warm cotton, plus offer a Fan-Tex membrane that works much better than standard TPU membranes to wick moisture away from your hands. These mittens are so warm that EXski recommends them down to temperatures at low as -4^oF before you even think about adding glove liners.

We also liked that EXski put some thought into grip with these mittens. The synthetic leather palm is coated with a sticky material so that it’s easier to grab ski poles and to open zippers on your jacket. While there are no leashes, the loops of fabric at the base of the cuffs on these mittens can be easily clipped to your jacket so you don’t lose them on the chairlift.

Pros:

Extremely warm insulation from 3M Thinsulate and cotton
Fan-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
Sticky material coating palm for added grip
Fabric loops can be used in place of leashes

Cons:

No zipper compartment for hand warmers
Cuffs are sort of in between gauntlet and under-jacket styles in size

5. Black Diamond Mercury Mitts – Overall Best Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These ski and snowboard mittens from Black Diamond may be expensive, but we’d be hard-pressed to find another pair of mitts that can beat them. To start, they’re insulated with Primaloft Gold – a pricier material than 3M Thinsulate or cotton, but one that offers a far superior warmth to weight ratio. The interior of the glove is lined with fleece to keep your hands cozy and warm. Even better, we loved that the liner is removable so you can more easily dry it out between ski days.

As you’d expect, the mitten shells are fully waterproof and contain a breathable membrane so your hands don’t clog up the gloves with moisture. We really liked the goat skin palm material, which is durable and grippy without feeling fake. It also stands up to abrasion over time extremely well. We would have liked to see a zipper compartment for hand warmers or wrist leashes, but these are relatively minor complaints.

Pros:

Primaloft Gold insulation offers extreme warmth at low weight
Fleece lining throughout interior
Liner is removable for drying overnight
Fully waterproof and breathable
100% goat skin palm is grippy and durable

Cons:

Expensive
No zipper compartment or wrist leashes

6. SNOW DEER Heated Mittens – Best Electric Heated Ski and Snowboard Mittens

These electric heated mittens from SNOW DEER are perfect if no other pair of gloves or mittens has been able to keep you as warm as you’d like to be. The mittens have three different heat settings, with the most powerful setting offering nothing less than toastiness inside the insulation.

However, SNOW DEER could have used a slightly larger battery supply for these mittens. The mittens use a 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery to provide heat, but they probably won’t last a full day on the slopes. On low power, the battery is rated to last just six hours, and on high power that drops to as little as 2.5 hours. Recharging takes around three hours, so it’s not something you can really do in the middle of the day.

Still, we liked the design of these mittens. The palms are made from true sheep leather rather than a synthetic, which improves their heat retention and durability. The fleece liners in the interior are also removable for quick drying or cleaning. A gauntlet style cuff offers an elastic band so that you can seal out snow in case you take a tumble into powder.

Pros:

Electric heated mittens with three heat settings
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Gauntlet cuff with elastic cinch
Removable fleece liners
Genuine sheep leather palms are durable

Cons:

Battery lasts only 2.5 hours on high setting and six hours on low
Expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Is there a difference between gloves or mittens designed for skiing vs. those designed for snowboarding?

A: In general, skiing and snowboarding gloves and mittens are interchangeable – you can use any pair of gloves or mittens for either sport. However, there are some styles of gloves that are modified to fit the needs of snowboarders.

Snowboarding gloves typically have reinforced material on the palm or on the knuckle. That’s because snowboarders are much more likely to land on their palms during a crash than skiers are, and knuckles can be knocked easily while tightening and loosening snowboard bindings. These reinforcements aren’t necessary for snowboarders, but they can be nice to have.

Q: Can I wash my ski or snowboard gloves and mittens in the washing machine?

A: Most ski and snowboard gloves and mittens will hold up to the abuse of a washing machine and dryer. But, most manufacturers don’t recommend doing this because it wears down your gloves and mittens faster than is necessary. Instead you can wash them by hand – see your manufacturers instructions on whether the liner is removable for washing and how to take it out.

Q: What can I do if my fingers are still cold inside my gloves or mittens?

A: If you got a new pair of gloves or mittens and you find that they’re just not quite enough for the coldest days on the mountain, you have a few options. The first is to add glove liners beneath your gloves or mittens. These may be thin, but they help a ton at retaining warmth. Just make sure that your gloves or mittens aren’t too constrictive and cutting off blood flow with the extra material, as that will make matters worse.

The second thing you can do is to try using hand warmers. These can go inside your glove or mitten, and many ski and snowboard gloves have a dedicated zipper pocket for them.

Finally, make sure that you’re maximizing the warmth of your gloves and mittens. Do everything you can to avoid sweating and getting the inside of the fabric wet. You can even try adding baby powder to soak up moisture. In addition, try to refrain from pulling your gloves or mittens off as much as possible, as you lose all of the heat you’ve built up inside the insulation when you do that.

Conclusion

Having the right pair of gloves or mittens for skiing and snowboarding can dramatically improve how much you enjoy a cold day on the slopes. If frozen fingers have held you back in the past or forced you into the lodge, now is the time to upgrade to a new pair of gloves or mittens.

Thanks to our comparison of gloves vs. mittens for skiing and snowboarding, you can decide which type of hand protection is better suited for you. Plus, our reviews of the 12 best gloves and mittens for skiing and snowboarding make it easy to find your perfect pair for this coming winter season.

The 10 Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets of 2019 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Updated 29/09/2019 By Kathleen Lumsden

Snow may seem soft when you’re skiing on it, but if you have the misfortune of falling on it and smacking your head you’ll know that powder isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Don’t take the risk of banging up your head when you come up against a patch of ice or run into a tree branch that you didn’t see coming. Your head is worth protecting – so you need a quality ski or snowboard helmet to help you stay safe.

When it comes down to it, a ski or snowboard helmet is a no-brainer. There are simply too many things that can go wrong on the mountain, and you don’t want to put your head at risk. Even if you’re an expert skier or rider, there’s always the chance that someone else will come flying down the hill into you.

That’s why an ever-increasing number of skiers and riders are choosing to invest in ski and snowboard helmets. They not only protect your head, but also provide warmth on cold days and fun features like integrated music players.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best helmet for skiing or snowboarding. Plus, we’ll highlight 10 of our favorite ski and snowboard helmets available this winter.

How to Choose Best Helmet for Skiing and Snowboarding

When it comes to choosing a helmet for skiing or snowboarding, protection is a guarantee. Every helmet on the market today is tested to rigorous safety standards, so you can rest assured that your head is protected. However, there’s a lot more to helmets than just protection to consider. Here, we’ll walk you through the most important factors you need to consider when choosing a helmet.

Chin Strap

Most of the ski and snowboard helmets on the market today come with padded chin straps that won’t rub up against your face when you’re skiing and riding. If you do find a helmet without padding, think twice about it. If your chin strap is uncomfortable, you’ll be more tempted to leave it unbuckled – and then your helmet won’t provide any protection at all if you do end up in a collision.

Ear Covers

Ear covers are insulated inserts that extend from the edge of the helmet down over your ears. They’re a life saver on those cold days, when you just can’t seem to fit enough hats and gaiters under your helmet. Plus, many skiers and riders appreciate the fluffy feel of ear covers.

However, you may not be as into ear covers if you mostly ride on warm days, like in the spring. In that case, you can opt for a helmet without ear covers, or choose a model that allows you to easily remove the ear covers.

Air Vents

Almost every ski and snowboard helmet has some type of air vent to allow air to flow through the helmet. That way, your head isn’t heating up and sweating while your working your way down the mountain.

However, some ventilation systems are better than others. Look for ventilation systems that allow you to open and close the vents so you can adjust your temperature for warm and cold days.

Goggle Compatibility

Fitting your ski goggles up against your helmet used to be an issue, but that’s been solved with modern ski and snowboard helmets. These days, ski helmet brims are designed to form a tight seal with the top of your goggles, so there’s never a “gaper gap” between the top of your goggles and the bottom of your helmet. In addition, having a tight fit ensures that your goggles won’t fog up as you’re skiing and riding.

Still, it’s a good idea to check that your goggles will fit seamlessly. If possible, get your goggles and helmet from the same manufacturer, since they’re almost guaranteed to be compatible in that case.

Earphone Integration

If you like to listen to music as your cutting turns in the snow, never fear – there is a wide variety of helmets that allow you to play music directly through your helmet. That eliminates the need for earbuds, which can be uncomfortable if your helmet has ear covers. Instead, earphone integration helmets have a small speaker in each of the ear covers and an auxiliary cable or Bluetooth receiver so that you can connect to your phone or music player.

Camera Mount

If you like to ski with a GoPro or another action camera so you can relive the ski day later, look for a helmet with an integrated camera mount. These mounts are much sturdier than anything you can glue onto your helmet later, which adds a lot of confidence that you won’t lose your expensive camera if you end up crashing into the snow.

MIPS Technology

One protective technology that’s not standard on helmets is MIPS – multi-impact protection system. This is a relatively new technology that’s designed to reduce the rotational forces on your head during a collision, and thus cut down on the prevalence of concussions. The science on how effective MIPS technology actually is is still out, but if you’re really concerned about safety it’s worth looking into these helmets. Just keep in mind that MIPS helmets are generally more expensive than standard ski and snowboard helmets.

Fitting Your Ski or Snowboard Helmet

Ensuring that your ski or snowboard helmet fits snugly is key to getting the most protection for your head. You should be able to put the helmet on comfortably, but it should be tight enough that it won’t move when you shake your head from side to side or up and down. In addition, your helmet should cover your entire head – if it sits on top of your head or off to one side rather than completely encompassing it, it won’t do its job properly.

Ideally, your helmet will have an adjustment system like a Boa system that allows you to constrict or loosen the inside of the helmet slightly. This adjustment system won’t fix a helmet that doesn’t fit to begin with, but it can allow you to adjust your helmet for days when you want to add another hat for warmth.

The 10 Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Wildhorn Drift Snowboard & Ski Helmet – Best Helmet for Ventilation

This well-designed ski and snowboard helmet from Wildhorn is ideal for those hot spring days on the slopes. The proprietary VNT active ventilation system includes 13 vents, which allows the helmet to efficiently move hot air away from your head. When the weather turns cold, you can easily close up the vents to lock that warm air in.

On top of that, we liked the adjustability of this helmet. It comes with a Boa-style adjustment knob that makes it easy to match the helmet to whatever you’re wearing on your head that day. The chin strap is also simple to adjust, and the comfortable padding ensures you’ll always keep it buckled when skiing and riding.

The helmet also comes with ear covers that include integrations for audio. You can easily connect to your favorite device using Bluetooth, and the ear covers are removable for warm days on the slopes.

Pros:

VNT active ventilation system
Boa-style adjustment
Bluetooth-integrated ear covers

Cons:

Slightly expensive
Only dark colors available

2. OutdoorMaster KELVIN Ski Helmet – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Helmet

This inexpensive ski and snowboard helmet from OutdoorMaster is perfect if you’re on a tight budget this ski season. The helmet is available in a wide variety of colors to match any style. Plus, the ear pads and inner liner are removable and can be machine washed, which makes it easy to clean this helmet after sweating through a warm spring day. Hopefully, though, you won’t sweat at all thanks to the 14 vents included throughout this helmet.

However, the helmet does lack a few features that are standard on more premium helmets. The most important of these is that the vents can’t be adjusted to match the temperature. In addition, the construction of this helmet is slightly heavy, which can weigh on your head over the course of a long day on the slopes.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Available in nine colors
14 air vents
Machine washable ear covers

Cons:

Heavy
Vents can’t be adjusted

3. Demon United Phantom Helmet – Best Helmet and Goggles Combination

If you want to be absolutely sure that your helmet will fit with your goggles, check out this helmet and goggles combination from Demon. The company designed the helmet specifically to fit with the Demon Supra goggles, which are quite premium in their own right. As a result, there’s absolutely no gap and no fogging when wearing these goggles with the Phantom helmet.

The helmet itself is very good, although there were a few minor drawbacks we found. On the plus side, it features a comfortable inner liner, ear covers, and plenty of ventilation. It also has earphone integration and you can connect to your music player via Bluetooth. We liked that the large Bluetooth button makes it easy to connect with your gloves on.

However, we were disappointed to find that the ear covers aren’t removable for spring skiing. In addition, the vents can’t be adjusted to match the outside temperature, and there’s no Boa system for adjusting the tightness of the helmet. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are pretty large oversights for an otherwise high-quality helmet.

Pros:

Comes with anti-fog Supra goggles
Good ventilation on warm days
Integrated earphones with Bluetooth connectivity

Cons:

Ear covers aren’t removable
No Boa adjustment system
Vents can’t be adjusted

4. AKASO Ski, Snowboard Helmet – Best Helmet for Customizing Warmth

This inexpensive helmet from AKASO makes it easy to determine how much insulation you want. Both the fleece ear covers and fleece inner liner can be removed from the helmet, and the remaining liner is designed to be comfortable enough to ski with. Plus, the ventilation system allows you to change how open the vents are so you can let more or less warm air out of the helmet.

A Boa closure system on the back of the helmet allows you to adjust its tightness, although the dial is small enough that you’ll probably have to take your gloves off to do it. In addition, the goggle snap can be hard to close without taking the helmet off.

Otherwise, users were quite happy with this helmet, especially given its budget price. The helmet also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Removable fleece ear covers and inner liner
Adjustable ventilation system
Boa adjustment system
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Adjustment dial is pretty small
Goggle snap is hard to close

5. Zionar Lagopus H1 Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Lightweight Helmet

This lightweight ski helmet won’t weigh your head down while you’re tearing it up on the slopes. In fact, you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing it – that’s how comfortable this helmet is.

The secret isn’t just in the light weight, but also in the plush inner liner that this helmet is constructed with. Both that and the fleece ear covers are removable. The Boa closure system allows you to adjust the tightness depending on what you’re wearing underneath the helmet. Users also noted that while the ear covers don’t have integrated speakers, they leave plenty of space for using earbuds with this helmet.

Another nice advantage to this helmet is that the ventilation system is completely adjustable. The only thing to watch out for is goggle compatibility – while the helmet is compatible with all Zionar Lagopus goggles, it has a slightly odd front shape that may not work with all goggles.

Zionar Lagopus H1 Ski and Snowboard Helmet

Pros:

Lightweight
Removable inner liner and ear covers
Boa closure system
Space for earbuds
Adjustable ventilation system

Cons:

May have issues with goggle compatibility

6. MONATA Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Snowboarding Helmet

This basic helmet from MONATA perfectly fits the snowboarding aesthetic. It is shaped more like a trucker hat than a ski helmet, and has a slightly elongated brim that’s common among dedicated snowboarding helmets.

Overall, this helmet is relatively simple. The ear covers and inner liner are removable for cleaning and riding on warm days, and the helmet has an adjustable Boa closure to allow you to adjust the inside a little bit. The goggle strap closure is simple enough to handle with gloves on, which users appreciated.

The helmet features 13 vents, but the vents can’t be closed to hold in heat on warmer days. In addition, it can be hard to put ear buds under the ear covers on this helmet and there’s no speaker integration.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Snowboarder aesthetic
Adjustable Boa closure
13 vents
Removable ear covers and inner liner

Cons:

Vents aren’t adjustable
No music integration and hard to wear with ear buds

7. Oakley Mod 5 Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Premium Helmet

This high-quality ski and snowboard helmet from Oakley isn’t cheap, but if you’re looking to upgrade your gear it’s a top contender. The helmet uses all premium materials on the inside, so it’s extraordinarily comfortable compared to helmets that use cheaper and scratchier fabrics. Oakley also paid attention to making this helmet as light as possible so that you’ll barely notice it on your head.

Some other premium features include a magnetic buckle closure on the chinstrap, which makes it extremely easy to close up the helmet with gloves on. As you’d expect, it features a Boa closure system for adjustability. The modular brim system works with almost any type of goggles, and the low-profile vents do an impressive job of moving air through the helmet.

In reality, the only downside to this helmet is the cost. If you can afford it, this is a top-notch helmet for skiers and snowboarders.

Pros:

Premium liner materials
Extremely lightweight
Magnetic chinstrap buckle
Boa closure system
Low-profile vents

Cons:

Very expensive

8. Giro Ledge Snow Helmet – Overall Best Ski and Snowboard Helmet

This impressively designed ski and snowboard helmet from Giro is one of the best options at a price any skier and rider can afford. The stack ventilation system keeps it extremely cool on warm days, and it’s fully adjustable so that you can close up the vents on colder winter days.

While the helmet doesn’t come standard with earphone integrations, the ear covers are removable and you can pair this helmet with speaker-integrated ear covers from Giro. The helmet brim is designed to offer perfect compatibility with Giro goggles, but users found that it works well with goggles from almost any manufacturer.

What we really liked about this helmet was the auto loc 2 fit system. It provides better control over your fit than standard Boa closures, and it’s easy to adjust on the fly.

Pros:

Stack ventilation system
Auto loc 2 fit system for adjustability
Ear covers are removable
Can add speaker-integrated ear covers later

Cons:

Earphone integration isn’t standard

9. Smith Optics Vantage MIPS Helmet – Best MIPS Ski and Snowboard Helmet

This helmet from Smith Optics takes advantage of new MIPS technology to provide the ultimate protection for your head. It’s not cheap, but the internal skeleton in this helmet can help reduce the chances of a concussion if you do suffer a crash.

On top of that, this is overall a very well designed helmet. The ear covers are removable with buckle snaps, and the small brim helps reduce glare on sunny days. The helmet is also surprisingly light, which is an advantage for long days on the mountain. Best of all, Smith Optics built this helmet with its patented AirEvac 2 ventilation system. It’s not adjustable, but it does an impressive job of regulating temperature.

The only thing we would have liked to see in this helmet is the option for earphone integration. For a helmet this pricey, that seems like a feature that should be available.

Pros:

MIPS technology
Brim to help reduce glare
Lightweight
AirEvac 2 ventilation system

Cons:

Expensive
No earphone integration

10. Swagtron Snowtide Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Communications Helmet

This unique helmet from Swagtron is an all-in-one communication station. You can play music via Bluetooth through the speakers in the earphones, but there’s a lot more than just that. The side of the helmet features a prominent push-to-talk button, so you can essentially communicate at will with anyone via the Swagtron app on your phone. That’s way more convenient than trying to pull your phone out on the ski lift.

One of the best features of this helmet is that it will automatically call for help in the event of a crash. Sensors in the helmet monitor for a crash, and if you don’t turn off the alarm – perhaps because you’re injured – the helmet will send your location to rescuers through your phone.

All these features make the Swagtron helmet a little bit heavy compared to other options, but it’s otherwise quite comfortable. Note that the ear covers are not removable, but there is a Boa closure system to adjust the fit. Plus, it’s well ventilated.

Swagtron Snowtide Ski and Snowboard Helmet

Pros:

Earphone integration in ear covers
Push-to-talk button for instant communications
Automated distress signal after crash
Boa closure to adjust fit
Good ventilation

Cons:

Heavy
Expensive
Ear covers are not removable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a ski or snowboard helmet with MIPS technology?

A: MIPS technology is relatively new, and the science on how effective MIPS is at preventing concussions is still mixed. For now, most helmet manufacturers either haven’t adopted MIPS or are only offering it in a few helmet models. Whether you want MIPS is up to you – it definitely isn’t less safe than a standard ski or snowboard helmet, and it may be more safe.

Q: Will my helmet be compatible with my ski goggles?

A: Most helmets are compatible with most ski goggles. But, to be sure, it’s a good idea to try out the combination you have in mind. If you’re on the fence, buy your helmet and goggles from the same manufacturer – manufacturers take extra care to ensure that their helmets and goggles are compatible.

Q: Can I add ear covers with speaker integrations later?

A: If your helmet’s ear covers don’t have integrated speakers but are removable, you may be able to add ear covers with speakers later. This is something that the Giro Ledge Snow Helmet offers, for example. But, it’s important to check what your specific manufacturer offers for your helmet before counting on this as an option.

Conclusion

Ski and snowboard helmets are essential pieces of safety gear that can protect your head in the event of a crash on the slopes. But they do a lot more than just that, offering warmth, speaker integrations, and even options to communicate with friends on the mountain. Picking the right ski or snowboard helmet is a big decision, but with our guide to the top 10 ski and snowboard helmets of 2019 you can be sure to get the perfect one for you.

Skiing vs. Snowboarding: How to Choose Which Winter Sport is Right for You

Updated 25/11/2019 By Kathleen Lumsden

Skiing and snowboarding are both extremely popular winter sports that involve gliding downhill on snow. Both skiers and snowboarders will insist that their chosen method of moving down the mountain is better – so how do you decide which sport is right for you?

If you’re a winter sports novice just looking to get into skiing or snowboarding, choosing between the two is a difficult and consequential choice. In this guide, we’ll highlight the differences between skiing and snowboard to help you decide on which mountain sport will be the most enjoyable for you.

Skiing vs. Snowboarding: A Side-by-side Comparison

	Skiing	Snowboarding
What Is It?	Skiing involves moving downhill on a pair of skis, one on each foot, with your body facing downhill.	Snowboarding entails strapping both feet to a single board and moving downhill with your body facing across the mountain.
How Many Boards?	2 – One on each foot	1 – Both feet are strapped to a single board
Body Position	Feet facing forward and body facing downhill	Feet facing to the side and your body facing across the mountain
Boots	Rigid, strapped into skis with an ejectable binding	Soft, strapped into snowboard using a set of tightening straps
Learning Process	Relatively easier to learn for a beginner since you have control over both legs and face downhill	Relatively harder for a beginner to learn because your feet are strapped together on the board
Potential Injuries	A fall can twist the knees, especially if your bindings don’t release quickly enough	Your legs are likely to stay together in a fall, but you can impact your wrist or shoulder
Suitable Terrain	Skis can handle bumps, ice, and narrow chutes well, but may struggle in cruddy snow	Snowboards handle hardened snow well, but struggle with tight turns, bumps, and ice
Styles	Alpine, Freestyle, Nordic, Military	Freeriding, Dryslope, Freestyle, Freecarve
History	Invented by Nordic people as a means of moving around in the winter for hunting and war	Invented in 1965 in Michigan as a toy involving two skis strapped together

Skiing vs. Snowboarding: How to Decide

The vast majority of people will choose either skiing or snowboarding at the start of their winter sports career and then stick with that sport for life. So, choosing between skiing vs. snowboarding is a big decision that can impact how you spend your winters for years to come.

Ultimately, neither skiing nor snowboarding is better than the other – that’s part of what makes the decision so hard. So, how can you choose?

One of the best places to start is to look for mentors. If you have close friends who are skiers and are willing to teach you, that’s a good incentive to learn to ski. That way, you have a built-in support group and friends who you can ski with after you become an expert. On the other hand, if your mentors are snowboarders, you’ll have a much easier time getting into snowboarding.

That’s not to say that skiers and snowboarders can’t mix, but skiers don’t have much insight into how to teach a snowboard to ride and vice versa. In addition, skis and snowboards are better suited to different types of terrain, so it can be hard to skiers and snowboarders to stick together on the mountain.

Another thing to consider when choosing between skiing and snowboarding is whether you’ve had any prior experience on either skis or snowboards. If so, that means you’ll have a head start in learning one of these sports over the other. When it comes to learning to move on skis or snowboards, every little advantage can go a long way.

Cost can be another factor in choosing between skis and snowboards. However, it’s usually a minor one because ski and snowboard packages are very similar in price. There’s also no difference in lift ticket prices for skiers and snowboarders, and lessons usually cost the same too. Expense usually matters most if you can reduce the cost of getting a ski or snowboard setup by borrowing or inheriting a used set of skis or snowboard from a friend or family member.

Finally, if you’re still not sure about which sport is better for you, think about where you see yourself in a few years. Do you want to hang out with other snowboards in the mountain park, riding rails or the halfpipe? Or do you see yourself more charging through moguls or tight trees, which will be easier to do on skis? Both skis and snowboards can handle the vast majority of mountain terrain, but they do have some differences when it comes to specializations like these.

Pros & Cons of Skiing vs. Snowboarding

Skiing

Pros and Cons of Skiing

Pros

Skiing is typically easier for beginners to learn because you have control over both of your feet
Bumpy terrain features like moguls and tight terrain like chutes and glades are easier to navigate on skis
Seamlessly get on and off the chairlift without having to stop and undo your bindings each time
Skis allow you to walk or skate your way through flat or slightly uphill terrain
You get ski poles, which are great for helping you up from a fall and traversing through flat terrain
Skiing opens up more possibilities for backcountry travel in the future

Cons

Skiing falls are more likely to lead to serious injuries, particularly around your knees
Ski boots are rigid and many people find them uncomfortable; they’re very difficult to walk around in
Skis aren’t as suited for terrain park features like rails and boxes as snowboards
Skis have a hard time pushing through crud and hardened snow

Snowboarding

Pros and Cons of Snowboarding

Pros

Typically harder for beginners to learn because your feet are stuck together
Better suited for terrain parks and halfpipes
Snowboard boots are very comfortable and are much easier to walk around in than ski boots
Falls are more likely to lead to injuries, but snowboarding injuries are usually minor compared to ski injuries
It’s typically easier to progress as a snowboarder once you’ve learned the basics

Cons

You’re likely to spend a lot of time falling on your butt when learning to snowboard
Snowboards have a difficult time on flat or uphill terrain – you’ll likely have to undo your bindings and walk
You need to undo one binding to get onto the chairlift and redo that binding after you get off
Even expert snowboards have a difficult time with tight turns, such as through trees and bumps
Snowboards can have a hard time stopping in icy conditions

Which is More Exciting?

Both skiing and snowboarding are exciting, and skiers and snowboarders will each try to convince you that their chosen sport is the better choice for you. Ultimately, you can make either skiing or snowboarding as exciting as you want them to be.

Skiing gives you access to tight tree-filled terrain and bumpy moguls, which many skiers think is the epitome of excitement. Snowboarding gives you access to the terrain park and halfpipe, which allows you to launch yourself into the air. Both skiing and snowboarding can take you to some very steep slopes and scary – exciting – terrain.

Which is Easier to Learn?

There’s an old adage that skiing is easy to learn, but hard to master, while snowboarding is hard to learn but easy to master. Some skiers and snowboarders will disagree with this advice, but in general it holds true.

Skiing is easier to get started with because your feet aren’t strapped together. Most people feel more comfortable that way, since it feels a lot more like how you normally move around the world. Plus, you’re facing downhill and moving your legs from side to side, and forming a pizza shape with your skis to slow yourself down is relatively intuitive to most people.

Snowboarding, on the other hand, involves strapping your feet together and moving downhill with your body facing across the mountain. For most people, that feels very unnatural and there’s a strong tendency to want to separate your legs. Learning to control your speed by rotating the snowboard is also not a natural skill for most beginner snowboarders, which is why so many novices end up spending a lot of time falling down – it’s a defense mechanism against runaway speed.

However, that starts to change once you get better. Mastering skiing typically takes years of practice, since there’s always more work to do to improve the form of your turns. Keeping your skis together not only when turning, but also when moving through difficult terrain like moguls and tight trees is also much more difficult than being able to achieve basic turns on gentle terrain. As a result, many skiers get stuck in a phase of being okay, but not great, for many years after they learn the basics quickly.

Snowboarders, on the other hand, don’t have much else to learn after they learn to control their speed by rotating their board. The gap between good snowboarders and great snowboarders is much narrower than the gap among skiers. As a result, it may feel like your perseverance at getting through the first few seasons of snowboarding will pay off much more in the long run.

Which is More Dangerous?

Unfortunately, both skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports – after all, you’re moving down a mountain at high speeds. However, there are some important differences in the types of injuries you’re likely to get from the two sports.

Skiers tend to injure themselves less often than snowboarders. That’s because it’s easier to stay on your feet and fall in a controlled manner than with a snowboard. On a board, with your feet locked together, you expose yourself to unusual directions of torque and can easily land on less reinforced parts of your body like your wrist and shoulder.

However, snowboarders’ wrist and shoulder injuries are typically very minor compared to what happens when a skier gets injured. Skiing injuries usually involved twisting your knees, often as a result of the binding not detaching when you fall. Knees aren’t meant to twist very much, so this can lead to tearing important ligaments like your MCL or ACL.

Again, how dangerous skiing or snowboarding are comes down to how aggressively you ski or ride. If you travel conservatively, your chances of injuring yourself with either sport are significantly lower than if you ski or ride at high speeds or on challenging terrain.

Conclusion

Skiing and snowboarding are both extremely fun ways to spend a winter. Once you learn how to ski or ride, you have a skill that you can apply every year for the rest of your life – and pass on to friends and family who are in the same stage of starting out that you’re in now. Choosing between skiing and snowboarding can be difficult since both sports have their advantages and disadvantages. But by leveraging your network and your past experience and fully understanding what both sports have to offer, you can pick the one that’s right for you.

The Different Types of Snowboards

All-mountain

Freestyle

Freeride

Powder

Splitboards

How to Choose the Best All-mountain Snowboard for You

Size

Flex

Profile (Camber and Rocker)

Shape

Sidecut Radius

Effective Edge

Base Material

The 8 Best All-mountain Snowboards of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Loaded Boards Algernon All-mountain Snowboard

2. Jones Men’s Mountain Twin Snowboard

3. STAUBER Summit Snowboard

4. Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

5. Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro Snowboard

6. Lib Tech T.Rice Pro HP Snowboard

7. System Timeless and Summit Men’s Snowboard Package

8. Camp Seven Drifter and APX Men’s Snowboard Package

The 4 Best Snowboard Brands of 2019

Burton

Jones

GNU

Lib Tech

FAQs

Conclusion

Daypack vs. Hydration Pack vs. Boot Bag

How to Choose Best Backpacks for Skiing and Snowboarding

Ski and Snowboard Carry Systems

Gear Storage

Material

Weight

Style

Avalung

Avalanche Airbags

The 8 Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Dakine Men’s Heli Backpack 12L – Best Snowboard Carry Backpack

2. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack – Best Insulated Backpack

3. CamelBak Powderhound Ski Hydration Pack – Best Hydration Pack for Skiing and Snowboarding

4. Osprey Kamber 42 Ski Pack – Best Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Backpack

5. Element Equipment Boot Bag – Most Stylish Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

6. Athalon Everything Boot Bag – Best Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

7. Backcountry Access Float 42 Airbag Pack – Best Airbag Backpack for Skiing and Snowboarding

8. Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack – Best Upgrade Boot Bag for Skiing and Snowboarding

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Gloves vs. Mittens: What’s the Difference?

Should You Wear Gloves or Mittens for Skiing?

Should You Wear Gloves or Mittens for Snowboarding?

Features to Look for in Skiing & Snowboarding Gloves and Mittens

Fitting Skiing & Snowboarding Gloves and Mittens

The 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Velazzio Ski Gloves – Overall Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves

2. Tough Outdoors The Slugger Winter Ski & Snowboard Glove – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Gloves

3. FREETOO Men’s Ski Gloves – Best Waterproof Breathable Ski and Snowboard Gloves

4. LANYI Winter Gloves – Warmest Ski and Snowboard Gloves

5. MCTi Waterproof Men’s Ski Gloves – Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves for Dexterity

6. Savior Heated Gloves – Best Electric Heated Ski and Snowboard Gloves

The 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Mittens of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. VBG VBIGER Winter Ski Mittens – Best Waterproof Ski and Snowboard Mittens

2. Tough Outdoors Winter Snow & Ski Mittens – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Mittens

3. OZERO -40F Winter Gloves – Best Gauntlet Style Ski and Snowboard Mittens

4. EXski Waterproof Ski Mittens – Warmest Ski and Snowboard Mittens

5. Black Diamond Mercury Mitts – Overall Best Ski and Snowboard Mittens

6. SNOW DEER Heated Mittens – Best Electric Heated Ski and Snowboard Mittens

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

How to Choose Best Helmet for Skiing and Snowboarding

Fitting Your Ski or Snowboard Helmet

The 10 Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets of 2019 – Compared and Tested

1. Wildhorn Drift Snowboard & Ski Helmet – Best Helmet for Ventilation

2. OutdoorMaster KELVIN Ski Helmet – Best Budget Ski and Snowboard Helmet

3. Demon United Phantom Helmet – Best Helmet and Goggles Combination

4. AKASO Ski, Snowboard Helmet – Best Helmet for Customizing Warmth

5. Zionar Lagopus H1 Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Lightweight Helmet

6. MONATA Ski and Snowboard Helmet – Best Snowboarding Helmet