FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

Snowboard and ski season will once again be upon us soon. In our area, the expected open date of the hills is usually the same week as Thanksgiving, which means snow is sometimes made by machines to get the hills prepared. While we have been known to have cold weather in the fall, we have warm temperatures just as often. This can lead to a variety of factors when my son hits the hills with his snowboard the first few weekends of season, including making sure he does not become overheated as much as keeping him warm.

Usually when thinking of snowboarding gear, we think of warmth. So sending him off in clothing that will keep him warm if he hits the snow, yet cool enough for numerous trips up and down the hill with temperatures in the high forties, maybe even a day or so warmer, can be a challenge. Our foremost way to deal with these early temperature differences, often within a single day, is to have him wear layers of clothing.

During these early weeks, snowboard pants are necessary to keep him dry, but he will oftentimes wear a pair of shorts beneath them, in place of sweatpants and long johns. The new Under Armour Body Wear, available in log sleeved and short sleeved tops, full legged length bottoms, and boxer style bottoms, is also ideal for this time of year, as it will help keep the sweat away from his skin. He will also bring a jacket, but usually leaves it in his locker, and hits the hills in a sweatshirt with a t-shirt or Under Armour Body Wear beneath. A pair of goggles is required, as the glare off the snow can be especially harsh this early in the season, and windburn is always a concern. Sun block is also necessary, right along with all of his clothing and gear. A warm cap is tucked in with his jacket, and usually left in his locker, but is there if he changes his mind. His boarding gloves are worn. He does have a thinner pair for these early weeks, and often will wear these throughout the season, more because he knows he needs something on his hands, and he is a very 'warm' child to begin with. Heavy gloves except for the most extreme cold days just are not comfortable for him to wear.

If the weather forecast for the day is more mixed than usual, he will bring along a few extra layers, sometimes wearing his Under Armour Body Wear along with a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. If he gets too warm, he can always lose the t-shirt or Under Armour Body Wear.

Keep in mind if you will be sending a teen, or even yourself, off to the slopes at a time when extra clothing may be needed, but oftentimes is not; be sure to get a secure locker to store anything not being worn. Snowboard gear is expensive, and sadly, not everyone on the slopes is as friendly and honest as one would hope they would be.