How to Snowboard at Night

How to Snowboard at Night
Photo Credit Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

While certain snowboarders prefer to ride in the confines of a designated resort, others prefer to explore the vast slopes of a backwoods terrain. The majority of snowboarding resorts have installed a series of stadium lights to illuminate the slopes during night time hours. Riding in the backcountry at night can be extremely dangerous due to low light conditions. To avoid serious injuries during a twilight filming mission, take a few precautions to increase your visibility. The outdoor experts at REI recommend wearing goggles with a clear lens when riding at night.

Step 1

Wear a snowboarding helmet that features a rigid outer shell made from carbon fiber to stay protected during slide outs and falls. Choose a pair of snowboarding goggles with an interchangeable lens to adapt to numerous light conditions. Insert a clear lens into your goggles when riding at night.

Step 2

Stretch the elastic strap of the snowboard goggles around the back of your helmet. Align the goggles over your eyes to test the fit. Tighten the elastic strap if necessary to prevent the goggles from sliding off.

Step 3

Wear a snowboarding jacket that features a layer of insulation when riding at night to maintain your core temperature. Choose a snowboarding resort that features stadium lights going down the length of the slopes. Avoid riding at breakneck speeds to prevent collisions with fellow riders.

Step 4

Ride a snowmobile that features a headlight when searching for new snowboarding slopes on an off-piste terrain. Bring along a compact generator and painter lights. Connect the painter lights into the outlet of the generator to illuminate the mountain slope.

Step 5

Examine the terrain to identify any hazards such as fallen trees or boulders. Carry a first-aid kit when snowboarding at night to treat any minor cuts or lacerations. Utilize a GPS or map to avoid getting lost during nighttime rides.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowboard helmet
  • Snowboard goggles
  • Snowboard jacket
  • Snowmobile
  • Portable generator
  • Painter lights
  • First aid kit
  • GPS or map

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Jun 15, 2011

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