Whizzing down the slopes on your snowboard becomes less enjoyable with cold extremities. In addition to your comfort, keeping your hands warm while snowboarding is essential to preventing frostbite. The covering you choose to put on your hands and your actions while snowboarding affect the warmth of your hands. Because you don't need to grip poles for snowboarding, hand movement is less of an issue, allowing you to choose warmer, thicker gloves or mittens for your slope time.
Step 1
Train your hands to be more tolerant to the cold so you are able to handle colder temperatures on the slopes. Spend time outside without gloves on or handle snow for a few minutes at home on days when you're not planning to snowboard.
Step 2
Warm your hands indoors just before hitting the slopes. Dry any sweat or moisture from your hands before putting on your gloves or mittens. Moisture against the skin makes it feel colder.
Step 3
Wear a pair of warm gloves or mittens that are insulated and waterproof. The waterproofing effect keeps your hands dry to prevent a feeling of coldness while the insulation layer protects the skin from the cold temperatures and wind. Look for gloves made with special sweat-wicking material as the liner, so the moisture your hands generate is drawn away.
Step 4
Slip hand warmers inside your gloves for added warmth. These warming pouches are often air-activated and generate heat to warm the skin. Some gloves and mittens come with a pouch to hold the hand warmers.
Step 5
Wear your gloves for the entire time you are outdoors to prevent your hands from getting cold.
Step 6
Pack a backup pair of gloves in case your first pair gets wet. If possible, remove the wet gloves indoors and dry off your hands before putting a new pair on your hands.
Step 7
Stand with your arms down to your sides while waiting, or swing your arms rapidly to encourage warm blood flow to the hands. This may help you warm your hands internally to prevent cold hands and fingers.
Step 8
Head indoors to let your hands warm up if they become cold. Warm your hands and gloves under an automatic hand dryer.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Mittens
- Hand warmers
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