Goggles

Sunglasses or goggles protect against UV radiation and snowblindness. Goggles also help you to see better when it’s snowing. Special goggles and helmets with visors are available for people who wear prescription glasses. If your goggles aren’t a snug fit with your helmet, the gap could be at risk of frostbite in very cold weather.

Back protector

The risk of injuring your back is much higher in the terrain park than on the piste. A back protector offers protection against sharp objects and cushions falls onto hard edges, for example on boxes and rails. It should fit snugly against the back and extend from the coccyx to the shoulder blades. The length should be checked regularly for growing children. Bear in mind that a back protector isn’t very effective at preventing twisting or compression injuries, e.g. from tumbling.

Wrist protector

Snowboarders’ hands and forearms are especially exposed in a fall. Beginners in particular are advised to wear wrist protectors. These should be firmly fixed to the hand and forearm so that they protect the wrist against overextension and cushion any impact. The stabilising element should stretch from the middle of the hand to the middle of the forearm. Depending on the model, it covers either the front or the back of the hand.

Knee protector

The knees are more exposed to hard objects on the piste such as blocks of ice when telemarking, even if you don’t fall. Hardshell knee protectors offer the best protection.

Functional clothing

Winter sports clothing should withstand even the worst wind and rain and keep your body comfortably warm and dry. Layering is very effective.

First layer: underwear/base layer
Second layer: insulating garment/mid-layer
Third layer: weather protection/shell layer

• Wear goggles that fit the shape of your helmet.
• Choose goggles that fit over your prescription glasses.
• Wear a back protector in the terrain park.
• Wear a wrist protector if you’re learning to snowboard.
• Wear knee protectors if you’re telemarking.