It certainly isn't hyperbole to say that going on a snowboarding vacation is an experience like no other. There is an excitement, there is a thrill, and as one might expect, there’s a tinge of anxiety and confusion as well for a lot of us do not know what to take and what to leave. For people like me who have lived in cities, snow-capped mountains are nothing less than an unexplored land.

Safety comes first

The extent of protection snowboarders should have has always been a topic of debate. It all depends on the choice and preparedness. Whacking on a helmet is a really good idea, but I’d suggest you buy a new one as you don’t know the wear and tear that the older ones might have gone through. Wearing protection shorts will help one to avoid bruises in case one takes a tumble. They also help in breaking direct contact with snow while sitting. Similarly, wearing wrist guards can also help in a bid to protect your wrists from being bruised.

Taking a few preparatory lessons beforehand might come in handy

It’s always advisable to prepare for your trip well in advance. There's no use in showing up to the resort ready to go and ending up spending the first few days falling on your face because you don't know the first thing about snowboarding! A few lessons can be helpful in your bid to plan a nice snowboarding vacation. The snowy-cold surfaces can be extremely treacherous at times, so it’s better to go snowboarding after sorting everything out. There are professional snowboarding instructors who can teach you how to go about the art of snowboarding.

Take your sunscreen along

Now, it might sound a bit astounding to many of us, but sunscreen is needed even on the snow-clad mountain peaks covered with thick, white blankets. The sun’s strength can be quite formidable as sunlight reflects off the snow, and you will end up with some nasty sunburn unless you are prepared to face up to this challenge.

You don’t need to buy fresh equipment

It’s not a good idea to buy a brand new set of snowboarding equipment, as it comes in countless different sizes and shapes. Riders can choose from a wide variety of equipment and it completely depends on how they like to ride. A novice won’t understand much of it, as it is something that comes only with experience. Nothing, and I mean literally nothing in this world, can beat experience.

Keep your health and fitness at the back of your mind

One doesn’t need to be as fit as a professional footballer to undertake snowboarding exercises, but you still need to be alert and agile. Roping in a gym trainer is not the only option to bring your general fitness level a notch higher. What is immensely important is working on the fitness of your legs. A normal snowboarder tends to lose more than 300 calories in an hour. That is exactly why one needs to build endurance because lack of endurance would lead to fatigue and exhaustion.

What to wear?

Wearing 10, 12, or even 15 layers of clothing won’t be any good, as you'll end up sweating buckets while the sun beats down on you.. You certainly don’t want to cut your trip short because of sweat and cold. Just wear a good enough jacket and trousers while you go snowboarding. There are different jackets to choose from depending on the time of year you plan to go and snowboard. For instance, a combination of a shell jacket and an inner jacket, which is insulated, can be chosen if it gets unbearably cold. Make sure both your jacket as well as your trousers are breathable.

Prevention is always better than cure

While going out on a vacation of snowboarding, it’s always good to have your insurance in place. You won’t always need it, but it’s always good to go prepared. Lastly, don’t go for the cheapest option. Spend a bit more and choose a comprehensive insurance cover.

Snowboarding is an unforgettable experience that is sure to take you to an entirely new level of excitement. Lastly, don’t worry about falling because you can’t learn without a fall.