A few years ago, we were traveling to our favorite local mountain to take the kids snowboarding when I made a big mistake.
We were planning to help the boys learn the basics on the magic carpet.
Anyway, we get all the way to the mountain (2+ hrs away) and start unloading. We pull everyone’s gear out and realize Garrett’s outerwear is missing. Oops. 🤦♀️
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So, inside we go to find a replacement…there’s no way we’re turning around at this point! We find a one-piece Burton snowsuit (on sale – woohoo!), take the tags off, finish getting ready, and (FINALLY) get out on the mountain.
At the end of the day, we head back to the car and, lo and behold, what’s sticking out from under the front seat?!? Garrett’s outerwear. 😩 Thankfully, that “replacement” snowsuit quickly became our favorite and he ended up wearing it for at least 2 full seasons.
Needless to say, we realized that we needed a better system to make sure we didn’t have any repeats, requiring us to purchase unnecessary gear. It took us a little while, and some trial and error. But, over the last few years, we have been perfecting our packing process for snowboarding.
As the boys have gotten older, we have gone from boarding occasionally, to once or twice a month, to now at least every other weekend during the season. At first, we were always struggling to figure out what was essential and what was unnecessary bulk.
We have FINALLY gotten a system in place that we are happy with. Now, we have it set up so that we have what we need for a weekend AND once everything is dry, it’s pretty much ready to go for next time.
Must-Haves for Snowboarding with Kids
So, what is this magic we speak of?!?
Unfortunately, it’s not really magic..it boils down to having the right gear and being organized.
I know, I know – easier said than done, but stick with me. It will pay off. Just like working out with the kids to be ready for the season. I promise! Hopefully, our trial and error can help you choose the right gear from the start. Here are the things we consider essential for successful shred trips.
Individual Gear Bags for Every Family Member
We know there are a bunch of people in the “toss all the gloves and hats in a communal bin” community, but that just has not been a great solution for us. Communal bins mean digging through to find everyone’s stuff. In the PNW, this often also means more time standing around next to the car getting cold and wet – no beuno for keeping the kiddos (or mama) happy!
We are firm believers in having a separate gear bag for each person. You don’t have to have fancy bags for this…any duffle bag can totally fit the bill. However, we really like our Dakine Boot Bags!!
They are set up for being able to hold everything you need for a day on the slopes in a way that makes everything easy to access. They have a compartment lined with tarp-like material for boots on the back, a top zipper for helmets, goggles, and face masks and two side zipper pockets perfect for socks and gloves. There are also two front zipper pockets (one insulated) and a spot to label on the back. These bags are on the big side for the boys, but they have had no issue carrying them from 6 years old and up.
Waterproof and Breathable Outerwear
Outerwear is where we spend the bulk of our money on gear – well, if you aren’t counting boards, that is!
You’ll want to look for waterproof and breathable outerwear to keep everyone dry and comfortable – waterproof to stay dry and breathable to assist in regulating your temperature. This guide on finding snow pants and this one on finding the best winter jacket will help you know EXACTLY what to look for.
But, if you’re in a hurry, here are some options you might want to consider.
- Men – Quicksilver pants or Volcom Bibs
- Women – Burton Kimmy Bibs, Volcom Jacket
- Kids – This Burton set is awesome and like the set below.
Baselayers/Midlayers
If you’ve ever seen us at the mountain or talked with us about gear, you’ve probably realized that we LOVE our Airblaster Ninja Suits. They are the ultimate in base layer comfort and are a great, warm option. Plus, they come in super sweet designs. When it’s hovering around 28-32°F here in the PNW, it’s the only base layer we need. If it’s much colder than that, we will add a mid-layer – think fleece, wool, down jackets, or even sweatpants.
Gloves/Mittens
We’ve gone through several different types of gloves over the years – for the kids as well as ourselves. Ultimately, we discovered we all prefer mittens over gloves. When it’s cold, our hands stay warmer, it’s easier to pair with a liner for warmth, and they are easier to take on and off.
We’ve also learned that until the kids are at least 8 or 9, it’s not worth it to waste your money on expensive, ultra-fancy gloves. Waterproof, warm, and cost-effective is your goal. They will get lost, torn from digging in the snow, or a hole bit in them while riding the lift (yup! This has happened….more. than. once.) You should be able to find decent kids gloves for no more than $20-25. Check out Dakine or Burton (watch for sales!), and Costco. The Dakine and Burton tend to hold up better, but are also a little more pricey to replace.
John and I will typically spend more on a pair for ourselves. Usually, we choose a leather option (at least the palms, but preferably all over) like these. They tend to hold up much better.
Snowboard Socks
Think warm, wool or wool-blend, thick (but not too chunky), well-fitting socks. For the kids, we typically go with Smartwool, but they seem to like just about any of the wool blends. John and I prefer a snowboard-specific sock wool sock with a true right and left fit. We’ve used and love both Burton and Stance!
Balaclava, Face Mask, Buff, Etc.
Our ninja suits have hoods, so if you go that route, a head sock isn’t necessary. However, you may still want to grab a face mask or buff to shield you from the wind and cold. All of us have a thin lightweight version (polyester or merino wool) and then a warmer version (fleece is most common) for the colder days. We’ve had good luck specifically with Blackstrap, Airhole, and Evo.
Helmets
Before kids, we took the risk and rode without helmets – probably not our smartest move. However, now we all ride with them – the risk just isn’t worth it. Protect your brains! Below, we’ve included our recommendations based on our experience. Usually, we choose helmets with MIPS. There’s a lot of technology behind the system, but suffice it to say, if you take a big spill, it decreases your chance of brain injury – always a good thing! Pro-tip: Buy the kids bright, fun colors. They love it and it makes them so much easier to spot from a distance!
- Great options for kids: Smith Zoom Jr. or Giro Neo Jr. MIPS
- Women: Giro Avera MIPS or Giro Stellar MIPS
- Johnny B: Smith Quantum MIPS
Goggles
One of the most important things when it comes to goggles is helmet fit. You want minimal to no gap between the top of your goggles and your helmet. We recommend finding a helmet that works for you first, then taking it to your local shop and trying them on together to find the perfect fit. However, if that’s not possible for you, stick to the same brand of helmet and goggles. You will be more likely to get a seamless (or close to it) fit. Again, for the kids – functional and inexpensive is your goal. They will roll around in the snow, smack into things and scratch the heck out of them…you can upgrade when they are a little older. Tiffany, in particular, is in love with her current pair. They are the Giro Ella and you can find them here. They are even available in a bundle with the Giro Avera MIPS Helmet.
Pocket Snacks (Or Trail Snacks)
Put kids in an environment with lots of physical exertion and at least a 15-minute trek to food and a bathroom (thank goodness we have boys!) and you’re sure to have at least one “I’m STARVING and I CAN’T wait” meltdown.
We learned early on to bring pocket snacks, which are essentially the same things you would take on a hike. At first, we would carry granola bars and a pack of skittles and slip them a few when they were starting to melt. Now, we load them each up at the beginning of the day with 2-3 high-energy snacks.
Some of our favorites are Mighty Meat Bars, FBomb Macadamia Nut Butters, Enjoy Life Bars (top-8 allergen free) or Larabars. If you want more ideas, check out our post on Allergy Friendly Pocket Snacks.
Patience
Last, but most definitely not least. Bring all the patience you have!!
And, then remind yourself – it’s probably still not enough.
You will not be getting in tons of hot laps. The terrain will not be all the same terrain you used to ride.
You WILL take more breaks…probably way more than you want to. You will get frustrated and just want to RIDE, already!!
There will be meltdowns and whining – yes, even from the kids!
But, it’s not about what you are missing out on. It’s not about getting in the most vertical or a new trick. It’s about sharing the love of snowboarding and passing on the stoke to the next generation. 🏂🤙
So, go get your gear ready and get out there!
Must Haves for Snowboarding with Kids
Related Snowboarding with Kids Posts
- The Snowboard Gear You Need
- The Best Ski (and Snowboard) Resorts in the PNW
- Find the Best Snow Pants for You
- How to Buy the Perfect Winter Jacket
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