Snow Essentials

How should you layer for Australian conditions?

Australian mountain weather is variable in a way that catches people out. A still, clear morning at Buller can turn into wet driving snow by 11am. A proper layering system lets you adapt across that without carrying a bag full of spares.

Three layers, and the rule that matters most is that none of them are cotton.

• Base layer sits against your skin and moves moisture away, so you do not end up cold and wet from the inside. Merino regulates temperature and resists odour. Synthetic dries faster and costs less. Either works.
• Mid layer traps warmth between base and shell. A fleece, a merino hoody or a light insulated jacket. This is the layer you add and remove through the day, and for most Australian resort riding anything under 400g is plenty.
• Outer layer is your waterproof jacket and pants, handling wind and water. See our outerwear range for the full breakdown.

What do riders most often forget?

Two things, consistently.

Gloves and mitts. Hands are the first thing to become a problem on a cold chairlift, and once they are cold they stay cold for the rest of the day. Waterproof insulated gloves cover most Australian conditions. Mitts are warmer for genuinely cold or wet days.

A neck warmer. It costs almost nothing in luggage space and makes a disproportionate difference when the wind comes up on an exposed run. Pack one every trip regardless of the forecast.

Do snowboard socks actually matter?

More than almost anything else on this list. A proper snowboard sock is boot-height, cushioned in the right places, moisture-wicking, and it does not compress, bunch or slip through the day.

Wearing regular socks in snowboard boots is one of the most common causes of foot pain, blisters and cold feet, and people rarely connect the two. One pair per day, and never double up. Two pairs create friction and pressure, and they tighten the boot in exactly the wrong way.

How do you choose goggles that work with your helmet?

The test is the gap. A goggle should sit flush against the helmet brim with nothing showing across your forehead. If there is a gap you get a cold stripe and snow works its way in.

Lens tint should match the light you actually ride in. Low-light tints such as rose, amber or high-contrast options are the ones that earn their keep on flat, overcast Australian days. Photochromic lenses adjust automatically and are the most versatile single-lens answer. Our goggle range covers all of it.

Buying snow essentials in Australia

Free shipping on orders over $90, with same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom in Melbourne. These are the items worth asking about rather than guessing at, so call us or come in and we will tell you what actually matters and what you can leave at home.

Snow Goggles · Mitts and Gloves · Snowboard Socks · Base Layers · Neck Warmers · Outerwear · How to Layer for Snowboarding