Don’t let gear problems spoil your next winter sports trip!
The best winter sports trips begin long before you even reach the resort. Your preparation determines whether you have the best day on the mountain… or the worst.
Here’s the reality:
Throwing your gear in the car the night before and hoping for the best is a great way to end up injured or disappointed on the mountain. According to CPSC data, there were nearly 124,700 winter sports-related injuries treated in US emergency rooms in 2022 alone. Most of these injuries happen because the equipment doesn’t fit correctly or fails during use.
The solution?
Performing a thorough gear check before your trip is free, only takes 30 minutes, and can prevent major headaches in the backcountry.
In this article:
- Why Do Winter Sports Gear Checks Matter?
- Boots & Boots Liners
- Helmets, Goggles & Other Protective Gear
- Layering Up For Winter Sports
- Winter Sports Trip Gear Checklist
Why Do Winter Sports Gear Checks Matter?
Think of a gear check as a pilot performing a pre-flight inspection. If they roll out without double-checking systems… neither should you when travelling to the mountains.
Mountains can be rough on gear. Boots lose their shape. Helmets compress after taking hits. Goggles get scratched. Bindings work loose. All these problems occur gradually so it’s easy to miss them during day-to-day use.
Here’s the scary part…
Broken gear doesn’t just cause frustration; it causes injury. In fact, over 1 million people suffered winter sport-related injuries in the last decade, with skiing and snowboarding accidents accounting for over half of those injuries.
Performing a gear check before travelling ensures these injuries aren’t happening on your watch. Not only does it cost nothing, but it’s also highly effective at preventing gear failure.
Boots & Boots Liners
A good set of boots is the single most important piece of gear you can own. Boots are literally the foundation upon which everything else is built. If they don’t fit properly, your entire day is going to be terrible.
Keep these things in mind:
Ill-fitting boots cause blisters, cold feet, pressure points, and poor edge control. Also, loose boots slide around in the boot shell and put unnecessary stress on your knees and ankles. That’s a direct line to injury right there.
That’s why heat-moldable boot liners are such a game-changer. You boil them and wear them as they mold to your foot. The result is custom comfort and support that’s made just for you.
Heat-moldable liners wear out eventually, too. Boots should be checked prior to each trip to make sure liners haven’t compressed too much. Cracked shells, worn soles, and buckles that won’t hold tension are all issues that can’t be fixed. Find out when to upgrade your snowboard boots to avoid these problems.
Here’s what you should look for with boots before travelling:
- Compression in boot liners and cushioning
- Shell damage
- Buckle and boa strength
- Sole wear
- Overall fit when in a skiing or riding stance
Nobody likes sliding around in boots that don’t fit properly. Taking the time to ensure boots are dialed before your trip saves headaches and missed days at the resort.
Helmets, Goggles & Other Protective Gear
You know the saying “helmets are not optional”? It applies here.
Helmets should sit level on your head. They shouldn’t rock side to side and should not slide up and down. If your helmet does either, it won’t protect you in a crash.
Something else to consider…
Helmet tech isn’t like it used to be. Helmets should be replaced every few years, even if they take no major hits. The foam liner inside breaks down over time and reduces its effectiveness at absorbing impact. Once a helmet suffers a significant impact, it should be replaced immediately.
Snow goggles are just as important. Nothing ruins a day like limited visibility because of scratched lenses. Anti-fog coatings wear out too. Check that vents are clear to allow air flow through the lenses.
If you’re a snowboarder with wrist injuries or a skier who’s had previous knee injuries, don’t forget wrist guards and knee braces. They can be the difference between getting hurt and staying healthy.
Layering Up For Winter Sports
Sitting on the chair lift, freezing or sweating through your clothes halfway down the mountain, is no fun. Staying comfortable is as simple as bringing the right layers. Unless you’re sporting a high-end suit with heating elements and moisture-wicking fabrics, three-layer systems are the norm for good reason.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Base layer: This first layer keeps you dry by wicking sweat away from your body. Do not bring anything made of cotton! Cotton absorbs sweat and makes you cold quickly.
Mid-layer: The insulation layer. Its job is to trap your body heat to keep you warm. Fleece mid-layers and merino wool are fantastic.
Outer layer: This is your waterproof, breathable shell. It should block wind and snow but allow moisture to escape.
Quickly inspect each layer prior to packing. Repair broken seams, apply a waterproofing spray to older jackets, and wash all layers. It only takes a little time and attention to ensure your layers will work when you need them to.
Pro tip: Always bring an extra base layer. Changing into a dry base layer at lunch will improve your afternoon sessions tremendously.
Winter Sports Trip Gear Checklist
Don’t want to read everything? Here’s a quick gear checklist to print out and use before your next trip. It covers all the major categories and takes less than 30-minutes to complete.
Boots
- Boot liners
- Shell integrity
- Buckles
- Sole wear
Helmet
- Helmet integrity
- Strap function
- Fit
Goggles
- Lens cleanliness
- Anti-fog coating
- Vent functionality
Bindings
- Loose screws
- All adjustments work
Layers
- Base
- Mid
- Outer
Protective
- Wrist guards
- Knee braces/back protector
Extras
- Sunscreen
- Hand warmers
- Replacement goggles lenses
- Repair kit
Doing this gear check before every single trip is highly recommended. It’s a great way to ensure nothing gets left behind, and your gear will function properly.
Conclusion
Performing a pre-trip gear check is one of the simplest ways to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the mountain. It doesn’t cost anything and can prevent common issues that may arise while travelling to the mountains.
Here’s your takeaway:
- Check boots and make sure heat-moldable liners fit well
- Inspect helmets and goggles for damage
- Make sure bindings, buckles, zippers, and adjustments work
- Inspect your layering systems and verify waterproofing still works
- Print out the gear checklist and start doing pre-trip checks before traveling to the mountains
