Maximize Your Snowboarding Experience with These Travel Tips

Want an epic snowboarding trip?

Snowboarding trips are a lot of fun. You’re packing up your gear, hitting the road, and then riding for hours on end in one of your favorite mountain ranges. But…

What if you have a bad time?

Traveling to the mountains can be stressful and lead to disappointment if you aren’t prepared properly. Mispacking your bag, forgetting a crucial piece of gear, or arriving under-conditioned are just a few ways to make your snowboarding trip less than ideal.

Especially with 61.5 million skier visits recorded in 2024-25, mountains have never been more crowded. You need to plan the right travel and packing strategy for success.

Plan now or you will have a bad time.

In this guide, I’m going to explain exactly how to take your next snowboarding trip to the next level. From prepping your equipment to smart packing and travel decisions, by the end of this article, you will know how to travel for snowboarding.

Ready to shred this?

In this guide you will learn:

• Prepping Your Gear for Travel
• Essential Snowboarding Packing Tips
• Smart Travel Decisions for Snowboarders
• Mountain Prep Advice

Prepping Your Gear for Travel

Snowboarding travel preparation has a key component…

Make sure your gear is ready.

I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your gear in top condition before you leave. Dull edges and poorly tuned equipment will negatively impact your entire snowboarding trip. You will spend less time riding and more time fixing your gear on the side of the mountain.

To avoid this, take time to both shop for snowboard gear and service your current equipment before leaving. You’ll want everything from your board’s edges to your bindings and boots in proper working order.

Some of the things you should take care of well in advance include:

• Sharp edges – especially if there’s any chance of ice on your ride
• Fresh wax – speeds up your speed on the mountain
• Binding inspection – make sure your hardware is tight and there are no cracks in your boots
• Boot condition check – need to last a full day of riding

Think of it as a way of preparing your car for a road trip. Do you take it on a long journey without an oil change?

Essential Snowboarding Packing Tips

You now have snowboard gear that is ready to travel. The next challenge is packing it all into a suitcase and then bringing it to the mountain.

It might sound complicated, but it’s easy when you have a list of the right things to bring. As I mentioned earlier, most people make mistakes here.

They will overpack clothing and not think about the smaller details that make a snowboarding trip fun.

First, the clothing issue.

Instead of focusing on 5 different jackets, snowboarders should consider a simple three-layer clothing system. Each of these layers has a specific purpose.

For example, the mid-layer is insulation and is not moisture wicking like the base layer.

Skiers and snowboarders should use 3 layers while on the mountain:

• Base Layer – The one closest to your skin. It’s usually moisture-wicking to pull sweat away from the body and can be anything but cotton.
• Mid Layer – Insulation to keep you warm.
• Outer Layer – Waterproof/breathable shell to protect against wind and snow.

So, which one do you need to focus on when packing for your trip?

It’s the base layer. Many people fail to bring enough base layers. I like to have one to wear and one in case I sweat so much my base layer is damp at the end of the day.

Once you have your clothing layers dialed in, you can focus on gear that will either make or break your trip.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Goggles – bring different lenses in different colors for varying light conditions
• Helmet – don’t ski without one!
• Neck warmer/balaclava – helps prevent windburn
• Waterproof gloves with grip – crucial for more difficult conditions

Finally, pack the little things. Chapstick, sunscreen, hand warmers, and extra socks are things I always take and often thank myself later when conditions deteriorate.

Smart Travel Decisions For Snowboarders

You have what to pack down to a science now. But should you rent your equipment or bring your own?

Here’s my thought on this debate…

Renting your gear works best for new snowboarders and those traveling internationally. You have access to the expertise of the shop’s staff in both of these cases and don’t have to worry about baggage fees from airlines.

However, if you are an experienced snowboarder with perfect fitting equipment, I suggest always taking your own gear. It’s usually worth it if you travel often.

Plus, 8.98 million snowboarders come to resorts each year, so rental shops fill up fast during peak times.

One more important decision…

How to protect your gear during travel?

The simple solution is a good snowboard bag. Here are the key things to look for:

• Fully Padded – It’s a rough world in airports and on airplanes.
• Wheeled – Bags without wheels suck.
• Large – Be sure you can fit boots and bindings in the bag.

Bonus Tip: Remove your bindings for the trip and pack separately. They take up less space and the board is less likely to get damaged by pressure.

Mountain Preparation Tips

You know how to pack. You even know how to protect your gear while traveling to the slopes. But have you arrived prepared to ride?

There are two things to think about in this situation.

Condition of the mountain

Check the weather obsessively in the week before your trip. Powder board? Bring your powder board. Are the conditions going to be icy? Be sure your edges are super sharp.

Temperature changes should also be considered. A Colorado setup won’t work in Vermont and vice versa.

Timing

Want a secret that a lot of experienced riders know?

Nearly half of all riders own season passes, which means they know when the mountain is busy and when it isn’t.

Generally, weekdays are much less busy than weekends. Plan your trip for Tuesday through Thursday for the best ride times and experience.

Last but not least, arrive prepared to ride.

Travel to the mountain, hit the slopes, and then come back immediately doesn’t work. Make sure you have plenty of time to rest before your trip so you have energy for the first day.

Some Extra Tips That Can Separate Good Trips from Great Ones

I will leave you with a few last things that don’t make it into other snowboarding travel tips:

• Stay hydrated. Altitude and exertion on the mountain can dehydrate you. Bring a water bottle and USE IT.
• Pack snacks. Mountain food is overpriced and you’ll be burning tons of calories.
• Bring a small first aid kit. Blisters and other injuries are a reality of snowboarding.

Here is one people always forget… bring an extra set of layers in your car. You’ll be soaked after a full day and want something dry for the drive home.

The Bottom Line

Snowboarding travel preparation doesn’t need to be stressful or time-consuming.

Preparing your gear, packing the essentials, and making some smart travel decisions can make or break a snowboarding trip. Follow the ideas in this article and you are sure to have a much better experience.

The difference between a good trip and an epic trip often lies in the details. Put in the time and attention to the right parts of planning and execution and you will get more time on the mountain and less time fixing issues.

Remember, with millions of snowboarders on the mountain each season, the conditions are more crowded than ever. Travel preparation is the key to making the most of your limited ride time.

So grab your gear and go shred!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rent or buy snowboarding gear for my trip?

Rent for beginners. Purchase for experienced riders who travel often.

What’s the most important item to pack for snowboarding?

Helmet for safety reasons. Base layers for comfort during long days.

How do I keep my snowboard safe during travel?

Fully padded, wheeled travel bag. Remove bindings and pack them separately.

When is the best time to go snowboarding?

January-March is the best season. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

What clothes should I wear snowboarding?

Three-layer system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulation mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer.