There’s nothing like a day of snowboarding with friends. The beautiful views, the adrenaline rush, and the simple fun to be had all combine to keep you coming back for more. Before you hit the slopes, though, there are some important items to consider to ensure you stay warm and dry all day long. While it may be tempting to simply throw on a coat and some warm pants, and get going as soon as possible, rushing your preparation will only result in you having to cut your day short because you are too cold to continue. Here are the essential clothing items you need to keep you going until you run out of light.

Snowboard, Snowboard Boots, and Bindings

The most obvious piece of gear you’ll need to snowboard is the snowboard itself. Be aware that, although they may look similar, there are actually different sizes and styles depending on your skill level and the experience you want to have. If you’re planning on renting a snowboard at the resort, instructors can assist you in choosing the right board to ensure you have the best experience. Bindings and snowboard boots need to be properly fitted to ensure your feet stay comfortable and safe.

Helmet and Goggles

If you’ve ever seen a picture of someone snowboarding, it can almost look more like they’re going to space instead of the slopes. Despite their appearances, a helmet and goggles are two of the most vital pieces of safety equipment you will need to have while snowboarding.

If there’s one thing that’s true about snowboarding, especially if you’re a beginner, is that you will fall: sometimes quite hard. The rest of your body will be padded by your warm clothing layers, but your head will not. A quality, right-sized helmet will ensure you don’t have any lasting consequences from your day of fun. Goggles keep snow out of your eyes, and help you keep them open in windy conditions, to ensure you steer clear of any obstacles, including other snowboarders.

Warmth and Comfort

Everything else you will need to go snowboarding is essentially to keep you warm and comfortable. Snowboard socks, snowboard jacket and pants, and snowboard gloves should, if possible, be made of synthetic materials to keep weight down, as well as being breathable, to wick sweat away from your body, keeping you warm. You can also add a base layer that should also be made of synthetic or wool, and if it’s absolutely frigid, you can also add a mid-layer, typically using a more traditional jacket or sweatshirt.

While it can seem like a lot of gear when you’re going to the trouble of putting it all on, acquiring and wearing all of this gear will ensure you’re able to enjoy a great day of snowboarding, with none of the potential problems. Who knows, with the right success, you may become the next snowboarding professional.