The Ultimate Guide to Snowboarding Protective Gear

We all love snowboarding, but let's be honest—falling is just part of the deal. Sometimes it's a harmless slide, other times it’s a full-body slam that leaves you aching for days. That’s where good protective gear comes in. This guide covers everything you need to know to stay protected without feeling weighed down.

Do I Need Protective Equipment?

If you’re asking the question, the answer is probably yes.

Snowboarding is unpredictable. Even if you’re careful, there’s always a chance of catching an edge, hitting unexpected ice, or colliding with someone else. Protective gear isn’t just for beginners—plenty of experienced riders wear helmets, wrist guards, and impact protection because they know how quickly things can go wrong.

Think about where and how you ride. If you’re learning, you’re going to fall—a lot. If you’re riding park, slamming is inevitable. If you’re out in the backcountry, the stakes are even higher. Gear like helmets, wrist guards, and impact shorts won’t stop you from falling, but they will make sure you can get back up and keep riding instead of dealing with a concussion, broken wrist, or bruised tailbone.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you. But if wearing a bit of extra protection means you get to ride longer and push yourself without worrying as much about the consequences of a fall, it’s probably worth it.

 

 

Helmets: The Most Important Piece of Protection Gear

Helmet Construction & Safety Standards

Choosing the right helmet construction is about balancing safety, durability, and how often you're willing to replace your gear. To put it into perspective, if you're an occasional rider sticking to groomed runs, an in-mold helmet might suit you well—lightweight and breathable, but only effective for one solid impact. However, if you’re regularly hitting the park, learning tricks, or riding unpredictable terrain, a multi-impact helmet with EPP foam will give you better longevity, saving you from replacing your helmet after every fall.

A quality snowboard helmet isn’t just about preventing bumps and bruises—it’s a non-negotiable if you want to keep riding long-term. Head injuries are no joke, and most snowboarders know at least one person who’s taken a bad hit—some shake it off, but others aren’t so lucky. Concussions can mess you up for weeks, and serious brain injuries can change everything. A solid, well-fitted helmet takes the brunt of the impact so your brain doesn’t have to. Here’s a rundown on helmets:

  • Construction Types:
    • In-Mold Helmets: Lightweight with great ventilation, in-mold helmets fuse an EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam liner to a thin polycarbonate shell. They’re comfortable and low-profile but designed for single-impact use—once the foam compresses, it won’t protect you again.
    • Hard Shell (ABS) Helmets: These have a durable ABS outer shell with an EPS liner, offering better resistance to minor dings and dents. However, like in-mold helmets, the EPS liner is single-use, meaning a major crash requires replacement.
    • Hybrid Helmets: A combination of in-mold and ABS construction, hybrids aim to provide both durability and lightweight comfort. While they offer improved impact resistance, they still rely on EPS foam, so they need replacing after a hard hit.
    • Multi-Impact Helmets: Built with EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam, these helmets can withstand multiple impacts without permanently deforming, making them ideal for riders who fall frequently. However, they still need replacing after severe impacts.

 

  • Certification Standards:
    • AS/NZS 2063:2008 (Australia/New Zealand) – The primary safety standard for helmets in Australia, ensuring impact protection and structural integrity.
    • CE EN 1077 (Europe) – Divided into Class A (more coverage, used for racing) and Class B (lighter and more breathable), commonly accepted in Australia.
    • ASTM F2040 (North America) – Sometimes found in imported helmets, but not always required under Australian regulations.

While AS/NZS 2063:2008 is the most relevant standard for Australian riders, helmets meeting CE EN 1077 or ASTM F2040 can still provide excellent protection if they fit well and are designed for snow sports.

Helmet Fit: Round Fit, Asian Fit, and Regular Fit

A properly fitting helmet should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. It should sit level on your head, covering most of your forehead without tilting forward or backward. When you shake your head, the helmet should stay in place without wobbling. The chin strap should be snug enough that only one or two fingers can fit between it and your chin, ensuring the helmet stays secure in a fall. Padding should evenly distribute pressure without creating pressure points or gaps.

Helmet fit isn’t just about size—it’s about shape. Different brands and models cater to different head profiles, and finding the right match can mean the difference between a comfortable, safe ride and constant discomfort. Some helmets are designed for more oval-shaped heads, while others are made for rounder profiles. Understanding these shape paradigms will help you pick the best fit for your head, reducing pressure points and ensuring the helmet stays secure during a fall.

  • Regular Fit: Designed for a standard head shape, slightly oval in profile.
  • Round Fit/Asian Fit: Created for riders with a rounder head shape, reducing pressure points at the sides. Some brands also lower the inner liner depth for a better fit.
  • Fit Adjustment Systems: Most helmets feature dial-fit adjusters, BOA systems, or adjustable pads for a snug, secure fit. Helmets without dial-fit adjusters typically use an internal harness system, where the position of the padding or straps can be adjusted to fine-tune the fit. 

Helmet Technologies: What’s on the Market?

Helmet tech has evolved significantly, with advanced impact protection systems and convenience technology designed to reduce rotational and direct impact forces.

  • Fidlock Magnetic Buckles: A secure, easy-to-use magnetic buckle system that allows riders to fasten or unfasten their helmet even with gloves on, making it a game-changer for convenience and safety.
  • MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): A low-friction liner inside the helmet that allows slight rotation upon impact, reducing rotational forces on the brain.
  • Koroyd: A honeycomb-like material that crushes on impact, absorbing energy more effectively than standard EPS foam.
  • SPIN: Shearing Pad INside is Pioneered by POC, using silicone-injected pads to absorb rotational forces.
  • WaveCel: A collapsible cellular structure that disperses impact energy more efficiently than traditional foam.
  • RECCO Reflectors: Passive reflectors built into some helmets to help ski patrol locate lost riders in avalanche terrain.

 

 

Other Essential Protective Gear

Falling is inevitable in snowboarding, and sometimes it’s part of the fun—until it’s not. A hard slam can leave you with bruises, sprains, or worse, making it impossible to keep riding the way you want. Protective gear isn’t just about comfort; it’s about keeping you on your feet (or your board) after a bad fall. No one likes gearing up in extra padding, but it’s a lot better than sitting out while your friends keep shredding.

  • Impact Shorts: Designed to protect your hips, thighs, and tailbone, these shorts come with padded or gel inserts to absorb impact from falls. They’re especially useful for park riders, beginners, and anyone prone to taking hard slams. Some models also use D3O technology, which remains flexible until impact, offering added protection without bulk.
  • Knee Pads: Great for freestyle riders and those learning in icy or hardpack conditions, knee pads help reduce bruising and impact-related injuries. Options range from soft foam slip-ons for mobility to hard-shell knee guards for more serious protection.
  • Wrist Guards: Wrist injuries are among the most common snowboarding mishaps, particularly for beginners who instinctively break falls with their hands. Standalone wrist guards often provide better security and less bulk compared to built-in wrist guard gloves, making them a popular choice for added protection.
  • Back Protectors & Neck Braces: For high-speed riders, Boartder X Racers and backcountry explorers, added spine and neck protection can help prevent severe injuries in case of a fall or collision.

 

 

Ride Safe, Ride Smart

At the end of the day, snowboarding is about having fun, pushing yourself, and enjoying the ride. But part of that is knowing you’re protected when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re learning your first turns or a multi-decade OG gnar dog, taking a few precautions can mean the difference between a minor tumble and a season-ending injury.

Good protective gear isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence. It lets you ride harder, progress faster, and focus on what matters: having a great time on the mountain. Find what works for you, wear it properly, and keep riding for years to come.