I'm going to Lake Tahoe next month (Feb 2-4) and want to snowboard.?

Question

I've never snow skied or snowboarded, so my first question is what do I wear? I know I need snow pants, but what about those gortex loose pants? What's the best thing to board in? Any helpful are greatly appreciated. I'm in Arkansas, we hardly get cold, much less need to dress for snow.

We are going to be at Heavenly, so any insider are greatly appreciated too!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You need a hat, goggles, a thin jacket (you can ask people in heavenly what would be the best fit for you), you also need boots, a snowboard but i would rent first to see if you like it. Get burton snowpants, they are the best for a boarder. Oh don't forget gloves or mittens! (i get the mittens with gloves built in because they are warmer than the gloves or mittens) You also need long john underwear because it is much colder there than you think! HAVE FUN!!!!! And i wish you the best of luck!!!!!

Answer 2

You can rent your board, boots, helmet and goggles at Heavenly. I would definately suggest long johns and extra socks, a beanie, mittens/gloves - preferably some that have double cuffs at the wrist to keep the snow from getting inside to your hands. We are going this weekend to Heavenly. It's soooo beautiful there and there is a lot to do in Tahoe. Make sure you ride the Gondola to the top! It's cool!

Answer 3

Generally you need need to wear a snowboard jacket, snowboard pants, a beanie (or a helmet), gloves, and goggles. Of course, you need to wear something under that. I suggest a t shirt or two. If your jacket comes with a lining, don't worry too much about it. You should cinsider wearing a pair or two of shorts under your snowboarding pants. You'll also want some long socks. I'll just make you a list.

Beanie:
-Any type of polyester or wool beanie should do
-Avoid cotton
-Helmets can be worn instead
-When using helmets, make sure your goggles are compatible with the helmet
-You may want to consider a ski mask (Trust me, you'll be warm and happy if you get a ski mask)
-You can wear a scarf if you want but chances are it'll get lost on the slopes after your third or fourth fall.

Goggles:
-Get REAL snowboarding goggles
-Don't wear sunglasses because they'll break, fall off, or won't protect your face from the cold
-Make sure it fits comfortably on your face (You can test this by pressing the goggles into your face, if they kinda suction on, they fit)
-If you have glasses then get some goggles designed for that (You may want some even if you don;t have glasses because they offer a wider view)
-Be sure to get a nice amber color
-Get clear goggles only if you're night snowboarding

Jacket
-So long as you get a jacket from a legit maker you should be fine (686, Burton, Bonfire, etc)
-Make sure it has a storm flap (Flap that covers up the zipper)
-Make sure it has a snow skirt (An elastic band that goes around your waist to prevent snow from getting to your base layer. To check for this, open up the jacket and look near the waistline)
-Be sure to have a hood
-Pockets can be useful
-Make absolutely sure it has wrist gaiters (This adjustable wrist cuffs)
-You may be able to get one on clearance for a very cheap price (I got a new 686 jacket for 35 bucks because it didn't get sold the year it came out)

Pants (I'm just getting used to snowboard pants, I've been using ski pants for 10 years)
-There's really no big difference between ski pants and snowboard pants
-Ski pants tend to be cheaper and have more cushioning
-Snowboard pants are looser and more comfortable depending on what type of clothes you wear
-Snowboard pants tend t have a wider pants leg to fit over the giant snowboarding boots
-Burton is the most common brand at the moment
-Get pants with fully tapered seams
-Gore-Tex is always a plus but it's not necesary
-The boot gaiters (the elastic cuffs under the actual cuffs of the pants) go OVER the boot, not inside (This is different with ski pants)
-There are many pants with adjustable waists
-Snowboard pants should be loose enough for you to comfortably wear a pair of jains under them
-Ski pants should hug your crotch
-I reccommend ski pants for your first time just because it's cheaper and will provide more cushion for your first timer falls

Gloves:
-Gloves will be the first piece of clothing you have to replace
-Make absolutely sure that they are water-proof
-When renting your snowboard, do not wear your gloves until after you have strapped yourself into your board (the sweat from your hands will make it difficult to put your gloves back on if you've been wearing them)
-Make sure you buy the right type of glove (there is a difference between the sleek, stylish, thin spring gloves and the thick, akward, heavy winter gloves)

Other than that, you should be set. I think it's a bad idea for you to go to heavenly on your first trip. It's not exactly begginer friendly. If you plan on having lunch during your snowboard session then try to bread bowl chile. Heavenly's one of the more advanced and expensive ski resorts but it's fun if you have a bit of experience. I'm not sure why but bad weather seems to haunt the place. It's altitude is a bit high so you'll want to cosider a ski mask and some hand warmers. Watch out for the black diamonds because they are all ice and powder (worse combination for beginners). Heavenly does have the advantage of being fairly empty. This is good because crowded ski resorts suck. It's also a big mountain and doesn't make you feel like you're in an arctic Disneyland. Remeber that your first time is about safety and fun, not performance. Have a safe trip and have fun. Message me if you want more information.

Tips:
-Always have a buddy or a group
-Make sure your buddy or group is at your skill level (Many a time I wasted a potentially fun snowboarding trip by spending 3 hours teaching first timers)
-Obey the snowboarder's code (You can probly find it on google)
-When you fall, don't try to stop your fall with your hands (Sprain wrists aren't fun)
-Practice getting off the lift thorroughly
-When you're resting, try to keep to a part of the hill that's out of the way and where oncoming skieers can see you.
-Watch out for trees and avoid snowboarding too close to the edges of the trails
-Don't be a dumb*** on the lifts (In heavenly, your first lift take about 20 minutes and takes you to the actual mountain. This ride is actually quite comfortable)

Have fun

Answer 4

bring your own chap stick and sunblock. also some dry socks and water proof jacket and pants.

If you buy your own boots, take your time tring them on. They should be snug. your toes should wiggle and your heal should not lift up more than 1/4 in.

Happy feet meand a good day.

Have fun