Snowboard Protection Gear

Helmet: Mandatory, No Exceptions

The helmet is the most important piece of protection there is. It protects you from head injuries that can be serious or fatal. There’s no good excuse for not wearing one.

It’s also the law: in Italian ski areas a protective helmet is required at any age for alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, sledding and tobogganing (art. 17, Legislative Decree 40/2021, as amended by art. 10(1)(b-bis) of Decree-Law 96/2025, converted into Law 119/2025). Fine €100–150; repeat offenders can also have their lift ticket withdrawn or suspended for 1-3 days.

How to Choose a Helmet

• Fit: it should fit snugly without squeezing. It shouldn’t move when you shake your head. Try several models.
• Certifications: look for helmets certified to EN 1077 (alpine skiing and snowboarding) or ASTM F2040.
• Shell type: ABS (cheaper) or In-Mold (lighter, better ventilated).
• MIPS: technology that reduces rotational forces on your head in angled impacts. Recommended.
• Ventilation: important for staying comfortable all day.
• Goggle compatibility: make sure your goggles fit well with the helmet.

When to Replace Your Helmet

Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if you can’t see any damage. The EPS foam inside deforms on impact and doesn’t spring back.

Goggles

Goggles protect you from UV rays, wind, snow and glare. You need them in any weather, not just when it’s sunny.

How to Choose Goggles

• Interchangeable lenses: ideal for adapting to different light conditions.
• VLT (Visible Light Transmission, how much light the lens lets through): low (5-20%) for full sun, high (50-80%) for fog or flat light.
• Anti-fog: double lenses with an anti-fog coating. Avoid touching the inner lens.
• Field of view: cylindrical lenses give you a wide view; spherical or toric lenses reduce distortion.
• Helmet compatibility: make sure there’s no gap between your helmet and goggles.

Wrist Guards: Essential for Beginners

Wrist injuries are the most common snowboarding injury, especially for beginners. When you fall, your natural reflex is to put your hands out: wrist guards help prevent fractures and sprains.

Types of Wrist Guards

• External guards: worn over your gloves. Easier to put on and take off.
• Gloves with built-in guards: more comfortable, and you can’t leave them at home.
• Palm splint: the most effective protection. Found in both types.

Impact Shorts: A Smart Investment

Impact shorts protect your tailbone, hips and lower back. Falling backward on hard snow really hurts, and the tailbone is especially exposed.

How to Choose

• Snow pants with built-in padding: the most comfortable option, with good all-around protection.
• Separate impact shorts: worn under your snow pants. More discreet.
• Materials: EVA foam or D3O. D3O costs more but only hardens on impact, so it’s more comfortable while you ride.

Knee Pads

Recommended if you ride the park or ride freeride hard. They protect against direct impacts, but they don’t replace good technique for avoiding ligament injuries.

Back Protectors

Strongly recommended for freeride, backcountry and park riding. A fall onto your back or onto exposed rocks can cause serious spinal injuries.

Types

• Vest with built-in back protector: comfortable and lightweight.
• Separate back protector: more protection, worn under your jacket.
• CE certification: look for protectors certified to EN 1621-2 (Level 1 for riding on the slopes, Level 2 for freeride/park: it transmits less force, max 9 kN).

Recommended Protection by Level

Protection	Beginners	Intermediate	Park / Freeride
Helmet	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory
Goggles	Mandatory	Mandatory	Mandatory
Wrist guards	Strongly recommended	Recommended	Recommended
Impact shorts	Strongly recommended	Recommended	Recommended
Knee pads	Optional	Optional	Recommended
Back protector	Optional	Optional	Strongly recommended