What You Need to Know About Your Ski & Snowboard Safety Gear

Stay Safe on the Slopes While Riding in the Right Gear

Freshly fallen snow makes for great skiing and snowboarding. And we've seen our fair share of snow this winter. So if you plan to take to the hills and enjoy the final weeks of winter on the slopes, make sure you have the right gear to keep you safe.

Since it's getting close to the end of the season, now might be the perfect time to start looking for those deals on great safety gear for next year.

We've put together a comprehensive list for all the snow-bunnies and hillside heroes. Make sure you've got yourself covered, protected, and ready for anything that the slopes can throw at you – this year or next.

Cover That Noggin – Get the Right Helmet

Wearing a helmet has become a no-brainer in most contact sports these days. While you might not immediately think that snowboarding and skiing are, in fact, contact sports, every so often your body will make contact with that packed snow or ice on the slopes. It's important to be protected.

Make sure you find a helmet that has an ASTM certificate on the inside. Most major retailers will sell certified helmets. It signifies that the helmet you're purchasing has met the U.S.-based standard for recreational snow sports.

Gloves and Wrist Protection

Generally when falling, you'll try to brace yourself with your hands. This can lead to some pretty serious wrist injuries. That's why it's important to consider wrist protectors or gloves with wrist protection included.

Nothing will hamper your day in the snow faster than a broken wrist. So make sure you commit to a little extra fortification of your forearms.

Pad Up for the Powder

There's no skier or snowboarder alive that hasn't fallen at least once in his or her snow-bound existence. That being said, wearing the right padding can help keep you safe, especially if you're the type who likes to try out new tricks.

Many base-layers can be purchased with hip, knee, elbow, chest, and back pads attached. Adding this protective layer can also save you from hidden rocks, ice, or debris covered by freshly fallen snow.

Sunny-Side Up? Grab Those Goggles

The right pair of goggles can make all the difference while you're navigating the slopes. Protecting your eyes and sight lines can be just as important as protecting against broken bones. If you can't see, you can't stay away from danger.

Make sure you find the right goggles to go with your helmet. The brim of your helmet should meet flush with the top of your goggles. Many skiing and snowboarding helmets also offer attachments that will hold on to your goggles in case you take a spill or need to take them off.

Winter Weather is Fun – Unless You Get Injured

While there are always challenges to snow and ice – namely slippery properties and bad road conditions – there is a lot of fun to be had in the winter weather. You just have to protect yourself and look out for any hazards along the way.

The last thing you want is your snow fun to become no fun. Take these safety steps, and you'll be protected until the spring thaw. As always, if you're ever injured, our legal professionals are standing by to help. Call us anytime.