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Beyond a helmet, a few inexpensive pads make the first days — especially of snowboarding — far less painful. Here’s what’s worth it.
Wrist guards (snowboarders: yes!)
Wrist injuries are the most common snowboarding injury, especially for beginners who fall forwards or backwards onto outstretched hands. Wrist guards with a rigid splint reduce this risk significantly.
- Wear them under or integrated into your gloves.
- They should support the wrist without cutting off circulation.
- Some gloves have built-in wrist protection.
Impact shorts (padded shorts)
Thin shorts with foam pads on the tailbone and hips, worn under your ski trousers. Snowboard beginners sit down hard many times — impact shorts turn painful falls into minor ones. Useful for park beginners too.
Knee pads
Snowboarders spend a lot of time on their knees in the first days (toe-edge falls, getting up). Soft knee pads help. For skiers, knee pads don’t protect against twisting injuries — that’s the job of correctly set bindings.
Back protector (the “turtle”)
A back protector covers the spine, either as a vest or a harness. Popular with park riders, freeriders and fast skiers. Not essential for beginners on gentle slopes, but some nervous learners feel more confident with one. Look for EN 1621-2 certification.
Other protection
- Helmet — the most important. See helmet guide.
- Goggles — protect eyes from branches, UV and wind.
- Mouthguard — for park and competitive riders.
- Avalanche airbag — only for off-piste. See avalanche safety.
| Item | Beginner skier | Beginner snowboarder |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Essential | Essential |
| Wrist guards | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Impact shorts | Optional | Recommended |
| Knee pads | Not needed | Useful |
| Back protector | Optional | Optional (park: recommended) |
