Packing for a snowboard trip is not complicated but the consequences of forgetting something are more significant than most holidays. Arriving at Falls Creek without your goggles or with the wrong socks means either a terrible day or an expensive resort shop purchase. This checklist covers everything.
On-Snow Gear — The Non-Negotiables
Snowboard, bindings and boots — if you own them, bring them. If you are hiring, book ahead. Resort hire stock runs out during peak weekends and you want your size confirmed before you arrive. Our workshop does pre-season services — hot wax, edge tune, boot heat mould — in May and June before the season starts.
Helmet — non-negotiable. Australian resorts require helmets in lessons and strongly recommend them for all riders. Your own helmet fits better, is more comfortable, and has a known history. Hire helmets are generic fits that often do not seal properly with your goggles. If you do not own one, we stock Triple 8 and Pro-Tec across all sizes.
Goggles — Victorian mountain conditions include flat light days, snowfall and bright sun in the same week. A goggle with interchangeable lenses or a photochromic lens handles the full range. Do not rely on sunglasses — they do not seal against wind and snow and do not handle flat light well.
Gloves or mittens — waterproof outer, insulated liner. Mittens are warmer than gloves at the same price point because your fingers share heat. If your hands run cold, go mittens. If you need finger dexterity for your phone, camera or a BOA dial, gloves. Bring a spare pair — a wet glove with no dry backup ruins afternoons.
Clothing — Layer by Layer
Base layer top and bottom — merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking fabric. Le Bent merino is what our team wears. Cotton is not a base layer. One set minimum, two if you are staying multiple days without laundry access.
Mid layer — fleece or synthetic insulation jacket. Something you can pack into your bag when you are warm on the lifts and pull on for cold mornings. ThirtyTwo and Burton both make mid layers designed to work under a shell without bunching.
Snow jacket — 15,000mm waterproofing minimum for Victorian resorts, fully taped seams. If your jacket is older than three seasons and the DWR is worn off, run it through a warm tumble dry before the trip or treat it with Nikwax.
Snow pants — same waterproofing standard as the jacket. Check the cuffs and gaiters — worn gaiters let snow into your boots. Snow pants with proper boot gaiters keep the interface dry all day.
Snow socks — dedicated snowboard socks, mid-calf minimum. Do not use everyday ankle socks in snowboard boots. One pair per day minimum — wet socks in snowboard boots are cold and cause blisters. Burton, ThirtyTwo and Stance all make proper snowboard socks.
Beanie — for off-snow, chairlift rides and cold mornings before your helmet goes on. Under a helmet if the helmet does not have a built-in liner.
Neck gaiter or balaclava — covers the gap between your helmet and your jacket collar. On cold or windy days this gap is the coldest part of your body. A simple fleece neck tube weighs nothing and makes a significant difference.
Après boots or warm shoes — for the village, the lodge, the car park. Snow pants and ski boots or snowboard boots off the mountain are uncomfortable. A pair of warm, waterproof après boots or lined shoes makes the off-snow part of the trip significantly more comfortable.
Accessories and Sundries
Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV intensity at altitude is significantly higher than at sea level. Snow reflects UV upward, meaning you get exposure from below as well as above. Sunburn on the mountain is easy and fast. Apply before you leave accommodation and carry a small tube.
Lip balm with SPF — same reason. Chapped, sunburned lips are a consistent oversight on first trips.
Goggles anti-fog cloth — a micro-fibre cloth specifically for goggle lenses. Do not use regular fabric — it scratches anti-fog coatings. Goggle manufacturers include one with most goggles.
Rucksack or bum bag — for carrying water, snacks, a layer, your phone, sunscreen and lift pass during the day. A 10 to 15 litre day pack is enough for most resort days.
Water bottle — staying hydrated at altitude matters more than most people realise. A Hydro Flask keeps water cold all day regardless of conditions. Resort lift lines and runs are more enjoyable when you are properly hydrated.
Snacks — mountain food is expensive. A few snacks in your pack means you stay on the mountain longer and spend less at the lodge.
Wrist guards — particularly for beginners. The most common snowboard injury is a wrist fracture from catching a fall on an outstretched hand. Wrist guards significantly reduce this risk. We stock G-Form and 187 Killer Pads.
In Your Boot Bag
Skate tool or binding tool for adjusting bindings on the mountain if something works loose. Spare binding hardware — a single lost screw can take a binding off the board. Binding ratchet or lace replacement if you are on the last trip of their life. BOA repair kit if your boots use BOA — carry one in your bag.
What to Sort Before You Leave Melbourne
Board wax — bring your board in for a hot wax before the season rather than arriving at the mountain with a dry base. Frosty handles waxing, edge tunes and base repairs at our Richmond workshop year-round. Edge tune if your edges have not been touched since last season — Victorian morning conditions are often firm and dull edges show up immediately.
Boot heat mould — if you bought new boots this season, get them heat moulded before you go. It takes twenty minutes at our store and is included free with every boot purchase.
Workshop Services · Shop Outerwear · Shop Boots · Shop Goggles · Snowboard Buying Guide Hub
