These Items Are Essentials for Spring Snowboarding

I have two that I alternate between: the Arc’teryx Cormac Hoody, and the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody. Both offer UPF 50+ protection, both have thumbhole cuffs, and both wick moisture. The Arc’teryx offering is 100% polyester, and retails for around $90, while the Mountain Hardwear version is 88% polyester and 12% elastane, and costs around $70. Both are offered in men’s and women’s fits.

3. Sunglasses

Not sure if you’ve heard, but looking like a long-haul truck driver is in these days. Wraparound shades are all the way back, and I’m not just talking about the extra-wide ones we see cyclists riding around in. If you’re just lapping the terrain park and sliding on some slush, the goggles are probably overkill. 

With that being said, unless you’re superhuman, those eyes can get watery while ripping down the mountain with zero eye protection. The Oakley Eye Jacket Redux seems to be the go-to in the action sports world. Those are a great choice, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, your friends over at Dang Shades make the GLCR, which is pretty dang similar, if I do say so myself. They also cost about $40. If you’re looking for something in between, head over to Modest Eyewear and take a look at the Lucio and the Dealer. Both of those brands are rider-owned.

4. Lightweight Gloves or Mittens

Some of us, like Sam Klein or Jamie Lynn, are too good for gloves year round. An additional group of riders is elevated to that status when the temperatures rise. For everyone else, there are spring gloves. ThirtyTwo’s Corp Mitten is DWR treated, but extremely lightweight and without any insulation, for those who need a little extra protection from the ice chunks coming their way while laying down Euro carves in spring slush. They also feature zippers that can expose the fingers, which allows for some breathability.

The Dakine Crossfire short is offered in both mitten and glove form, designed with spring riding in mind. It’s DWR-coated, and features a silicone grip on the palms.

5. Beer Sleeve or Cooler Bag

Let’s just be honest with ourselves: they’re called party laps for a reason. If you’re looking to pack a few cold ones for the day and make sure they stay cold, you’re going to want one of these bad boys. Burton makes a 2-liter cooler bag called the Beeracuda that is meant to sling over your shoulder for days on the mountain when you don’t feel like running into the lodge. If you’re looking to up your core score, Goon Gear makes one as well.

6. Backpack

Sandwiches, beverages, water bottles, and a place to store your extra layers—you’re going to want something to carry all your stuff out there. I normally don’t condone resort riding with a backpack (unless it’s carrying avalanche gear, of course), but the springtime is the exception to that rule.

The Mountain Hardwear Lickety Split backpack is a 20-liter pack that is as light as they come. There are loops for trekking poles, bungee cords on the side to store jackets or sit-pads, and two smaller zip pouches on the top of the pack to easily access smaller items like your phone or granola bars. The straps feature two mesh pockets, perfect for storing collapsible water bottles or more snacks. It’s a pack designed for hiking and trail running that works just as well on the slopes.

If you’re looking for a beefed up version that can be used year round, I run the Patagonia SnowDrifter pack in the winter time. It’s 30-liters of storage doesn’t feel too bulky when it’s not stuffed to the brim, and it has straps to carry your board when you’re messing around in the side country.