• As you go higher, the temperature will become colder.  The sun may be out however that can be deceptive.  Additionally, the wind will become stronger as you ascend the mountain. The wind chill factor will lower temperatures even further.  It is advisable to find out what the actual temperature will be high up in the mountains as it will impact on whether you want to take the lifts to the top of the mountain.
• Dress appropriately and wear layers.  Ensure that you wear suitable skiing or snowboarding attire for the purpose of keeping you warm. The appropriate clothing will keep your body warm by trapping air.  Dressing in layers will also trap air and keep the body warm inside.  Wearing layers will allow you to adjust to the changing temperature of your body.   For example, you can take off layers if you feel too warm.
• Keeping active by constantly moving on your snowboard or skis will generate more body heat than just staying stationary.  The body can produce heat of up to six times more than just sitting.   Prior to going out on the mountains, do warm up exercises and stretches.   Whilst going up on a chairlift, wiggle your toes, and do some leg stretches to warm up your thighs.
• Food can assist as a coping mechanism with the cold.  Energy generated by fats and protein can boost the level of energy that you require for a day of snowboarding or skiing.  Food that is high in carbohydrates and foods with sugar will also give you energy as well.  It is advisable to keep away from smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol whilst at the snow. Smoking can restrict the circulation of blood by constricting the capillaries, and alcohol can give you the chills quickly even though it may temporarily make you warm at first by dilating your blood vessels.

If you have issues with keeping warm and are worried about the cold, follow the above steps and it will make your experience at the snow much more fun and enjoyable.

• Gloves or Mittens

Certain differences exist between gloves and mittens.  Mittens are made to cover your whole hand with a separate space for your thumb while gloves have separate openings for all five fingers to fit into.

In terms of water resistance, mittens are probably a better choice as they have fewer seams which will reduce the possibilities for water to penetrate.  In terms of warmth, mittens would keep the hands warmer with the fingers being in contact with each other.  For mobility, gloves are preferred as you can move your individual fingers for grasping your snowboard, clothing and accessories.

It all comes down to personal preference and what suits you.

• Waterproofing and Durability

Paying a decent amount of money on a good pair of gloves that provides a high level of waterproofing and durability is a good idea rather than buying cheap gloves that will fall apart less than a season of use.   It is advisable to purchase snowboard gloves that are made of highly waterproof fabric such as Gortex with double, triple-stitched or taped seams and palms and fingers that are reinforced.  Ensure that the cuffs of the gloves have been designed properly so that they cover the sleeves of the jacket keeping the snow out.

• Inner Liner

An inner liner that is removable can provide better insulation and prevent moisture building up inside gloves or mittens.  Taking them off when you are finished with snowboarding or even during extended breaks will ensure your mittens or gloves dry faster.  On warmer days, the liners can be taken off as well.

Generally, the snowboard gloves that you end up purchasing depend on personal preference.  Certain people prefer mittens as they provide more warmth at lower temperatures whereas gloves provide better mobility. Beginner snowboarders may favour mittens over gloves, whilst more advanced snowboarders may favour gloves as it is easier to grasp objects such as personal belongings.  When it all comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer if one chooses to buy mittens or gloves.  Snowboarders should experiment with both mittens and gloves so they find the best fit and protection.

• Pay

The pay can be pretty low so many instructors tend to have a couple of other jobs to make up for the lack of pay.  They may choose to do night jobs such as bar tending so it does not conflict with their day job.  Extra money can also be earnt from tips if you do a great job.

Due to the low level of pay, many resorts will provide benefits and perks to make up for the low wage.  These perks include free lift passes, discounts on food and accommodation, free training clinics and free ski and snowboard lessons.

• Why be an instructor

Snowboard instructing is fun and rewarding.  The lifestyle can be pretty good as well with invites to parties by student and being able to snowboard on a regular basis.  It’s great to be paid to do something that you love!

It can also be rewarding as you can see your students master the art of snowboarding even if it takes days of practice.  You will also becoming a more experienced snowboarder and have the opportunity to meet many advance snowboard instructor who can provide free advice and help hone your snowboarding technique.

• Characteristics needed to be a snowboard instructor

It is good to have at least six to ten weeks of riding experience before going out and getting a training certificate.  The emphasis however is more on your ability to teach than snowboard.  Being patient, outgoing and positive will go a long way.  You should like a challenge, not be afraid of talking to people and enjoy helping people.

• Developing certain skills

A variety of skills will be developed whilst you are a snowboard instructor.  These include people skills, conversational skills, presentation skills, leadership, confidence and patience.  The more skills you are equipped with, the more employable you are in any profession that you choose to follow.

Becoming a snowboard instructor is a fun job to have if you are looking to travel, make new friends and have a sense of adventure.  If you want to earn a good living out of being a snowboard instructor then this is probably not the job for you.  What it doesn’t make up in income makes up for good experience and enjoyment.

• Learning to snowboard on dry slopes

It can be a steep learning curve for those looking to learn snowboarding on dry slopes. Dry slopes tend to have shorter runs with most of your time spent going up on lifts.

Dry slopes are harder to snowboard on as the artificial nature of the snow is not comparable to real snow.  The terrain is vastly different than being on real mountains.  If the surface is extremely dry without much lubrication, it can be difficult to ride on and unpleasant to fall on.

The benefit of learning to snowboard on dry slopes is that they are a good platform to learn the basics and work on your snowboarding technique.  Once you master snowboarding on dry slopes then it will make it all that much easier riding on actual snow.

• Sustaining injuries

Injuries can be pretty nasty on dry slopes with all too many reports of dislocated fingers, thumbs and cuts and bruises sustained whilst snowboarding.  The injuries can be worse on dry slopes than on actual snow itself.  Dry slopes can lend themselves to you catching your fingers or limbs in the gaps on the metal base of the slope.

Wearing wrist guards, helmets and padding will reduce the chance of being injured seriously as well as ensuring your equipment is fitted and appropriately adjusted.

• Board damage

Board damage can occur easily due to the material that the dry slope is made of.  As the dry slopes are made of plastic, it can lend your board to gathering dirt and grease.  Additionally, the base of the board can produce marks and scratches frequently if you often board on dry slopes.  Consequently, if the snowboard is used regularly on dry slopes, it can make boarding on real snow slower and harder.  It is advisable to use a cheap board or even hire a board if you plan to snowboard on dry slopes.

If heading to the mountains is too far and expensive for you to travel to, dry slopes are an alternative for those who would like to hone their snowboarding abilities.  However, it is best to be aware that learning on dry slopes can be a little bit more difficult, that injuries can occur easily and it is advisable to rent snowboards if learning on dry slopes.

• Physical elements

Snowboarding has less pressure on the knees than skiing.  Many knee accidents and injuries occur due to skiing.  Wrist injuries are mostly sustained whilst snowboarding however compared to skiing.

Skiing comes with poles that will assist in you remaining upright and standing when you are stationary.  Snowboarders either have to sit or exert energy to remain on the board when not moving.

Pulling yourself together after a fall on skis can take longer as you have to put your skis back together rather than snowboarding where once you have gotten used to falling and getting yourself back up, it is only a matter of getting yourself standing upright again.

• Terrain

Flat areas are easier to cross on skis with poles a great assistance to you whereas with snowboarding, you have to try and push yourself along or unstrap and trudge across the flat areas armed with your board.  If you are planning to go cross country, definitely skis are the way to go as it would be difficult to snowboard cross country.

Snowboards work well in deep power whilst skis are better in bumps and ice. Moguls are particularly good for skiers whereas snowboarders tend to avoid them.

In terms of speed, skiing beats snowboarding every time for riders of equal ability.

• Learning to ski or snowboard

Skiing can be technical as you have to have good coordination, body awareness and muscular control in order to control your feet with your skis.  Snowboarding can be easier to learn due to having less equipment to come to terms with.  Progress can be made much faster in the first few days when learning how to snowboard than with skiing within a similar time period.  Of course, this can differ between individuals and their ability to be proficient in either sport.

If you have been skiing for a number of years and have decided to give snowboarding a try, it can be easier to learn due to being familiar with the mountain terrain and being comfortable going downhill at a reasonable speed level.  It should not take too long to reach the intermediate stage when switching from skiing to snowboarding.

First-timers to the snow are often undecided between choosing skiing and snowboarding.  Certain elements need to be taken into consideration and of course you can elect to switch once you have mastered one of the sports.  Either way, both skiing and snowboarding are fun sports and once you have taken a sufficient number of lessons, you can go out there and enjoy the freedom of being on a ski or snowboard.

Poland
Poland is a country of exceptional taste and value. It is also a great place to vacation as the resorts and hotels are favorably priced. It helps to know that the services and people are also amazing! The city of Zakopane is a well-known place among the polish while Les Gets is favored by the French. Poland is a gorgeous and huge ski town raking in over 2 million guests a year. Zakopane has newly established high-end Spa Hotels, extravagant bowling alleys, movie theaters, hip nightclubs, amazing Ice rinks and parks, and restaurant experiences to send taste buds on a vacation of their own. By comparing the prices of Zakopane to that of other resorts, one would truly wonder if this was the best ski resort in the world.

The best ski lifts are comfortable and safe. The mountain-side refectories are known to dish up hot, fresh cuisines of locally raised lamb and pork, and the most succulent produce and bitter cheeses. With tables running about £10 per person for 3 courses and a drink, what more could someone ask for! For those beginning skiers/snowboarders out there, sessions go for about £15 per hour. Lift passes are estimated at £5-£16 for full days lasting until late.

Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a historic home front with an astounding legacy and the oldest existing State in Europe that has still kept its original name. This is a picturesque landscape with mountainous terrain and plenty of shrubbery. It is also fast becoming an ideally-priced ski destination. The Black Sea coastline provides countless resorts and spa locations for the entire family to enjoy. Borovets is one of Bulgaria’s main ski attractions, primarily for the discounted rates being offered. Cuisines here are as affordable as those in Poland, if not cheaper. More formal dishes including wine are no more than £14, respectively.
One con to Bulgaria is that the ski areas are smaller than some of the other resorts and parks. The chairlifts, gondolas and hotels are a tad outdated- but the experience speaks for itself. Skiers and snowboarders searching for a memorable time and finely priced resort will find that Bulgaria hosts quite a few Alpine resorts definitely worth checking out.

Andorra
Andorra does not come as high up on the roster as some of the other ski destinations- however, over the past 5 years this petite country has taken the time to invest over €50 million to update and enliven its resort to match that of a more established facility. Andorra sits between the nations of France and Spain. Some of the greatest skiing and snowboarding happens here, largely in the cities of Canillo, Soldeu, Arinsal & Pal. From mountain cafés to chairlifts and gondolas to car parks- everything is of the topmost quality.
The piste is deliciously coated in just the right amount of snow, making the skiing and snowboarding holiday an avid event. These changes have enabled Andorra to cater for all types of holiday. Andorra is the perfect place to shop for ski gear and simple souvenirs, as it is home to over 2000 shops. Discovering the scenery here is impossible for a tourist, as the environment seems so vast. As far as expenses go, Hotel Cervol, (located in the country’s capital) offers some of the cheapest rates which peak at around $51 USD. Recreational amenities include a sauna, spa services, an arcade/game room, and storage for ski equipment. This particular hotel even hosts a New Year’s Eve gala dinner on the 31st of December.

New Zealand
Skiing and Snowboarding in New Zealand is exclusive due to the open snowfields blanketing each resort. The lack of shrubbery leaves room for the limitless trails, glaciers and mountains waiting to be found. Tourists travel yearly to visit the many ski areas landscaping this regal country. The national park- Mt Aspiring, really stands up to its name. The city of Wanaka holds dearly to several boutique shops and cafes, as well as to the prestigious resorts of Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ. For those who grow bored of the average resort scenes, local skiers host club fields only found within the region of New Zealand. A famous club field worth visiting is Temple Basin, as the prices are admirable. Here one will discover towropes or surface lifts leading up to slope-side bunkhouses. Hotels, efficiencies and motels run for between $100-795 USD, some with options for breakfast and laundry services.

The wine and food of New Zealand is globally known for its tastefulness and originality. From the wines to the domestic beer, to the crayfish- the tangy and flavorful organic cuisines are an affair within themselves! The farmers’ markets and the festivals are also definitely worth attending.

There is an old quote which states that true beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In reference to these majestic countries, one could question if freedom is also in the hand of the one who grasps it?

1. Snowboarding conditions

The conditions that you will be snowboarding in will impact on the type of pants that you should purchase.  Boarding in heavy snow conditions will mean you will require a well insulated pair of pants whereas lighter snowboard pants would suit boarding in lighter and warmer conditions.  Take into consideration how cold or wet the conditions are where you spend the majority of your time boarding to assist in working out how much waterproofing and insulation you require.

2. Wind and waterproof

Going snowboarding means going out in the open where you are exposed to the wind, cold and snow.  Buy pants that are well protected from the elements to ensure you are warm and dry.  Having pants that have zippered pockets will allow your stored items to be protected as well.

3. Good fit

The right snowboard pants should fit properly according to your size, weight and height.  Consider the fact that you will most probably be wearing an item underneath the pants such as thermal underwear, so the pants should be loose enough to go over them.  The pants should have elastic inner cuffs at the bottom of the pants so they can cover the top of each boot and prevent snow entering the boots.

4. Nice design

As with other items of clothing, snowboarding pants can have a range of styles and colours.  Select one that you like the look of and suits your design sensibility.  It’s probably a good idea to match the snowboard pants with your snowboard jacket so it doesn’t clash when worn together.

5. Comfort

Feeling comfortable in your snowboard pants is important so you can enjoy snowboarding without feeling restricted.  You should be able to bend, stretch and move around freely in a good pair of snowboard pants.  Having vents in your pants will allow you to open them to cool yourself down should you become rather warm.  Having pants that allows breathability will also allow maximum comfort and as well as keeping water out, it will ensure your moisture is able to escape to keep you cool and dry.

Purchase snowboarding pants that fit you properly, are comfortable and suit the conditions that you will be boarding in.  Ensure that the wind and snow are prevented from entering and that the pants have a design that matches your own personal taste.

• Snowboard

If you intend to make snowboarding a regular leisure pursuit, it is worth buying your own snowboard.  Your height, weight, sex and skill level are important considerations when purchasing your snowboard.  Price and brand names are also elements to think about prior to the purchase.

• Snowboarding boots and bindings

Snowboarding boots should be comfortable and be appropriately sized for the board that you have.  The sole should provide a good grip and include a removable lightweight liner that can be washed.  The bindings that you buy will ensure that your feet, boots and snowboard are firmly attached together.  Bindings can be either step in or strap on with step in bindings not needing as much adjustment.

• Snowboarding jackets

When going out snowboarding, keeping warm and dry is important.  Select a snowboard jacket that is waterproof, windproof, breathable, has pockets to keep items in and has a design that you like.

• Snowboarding pants

Buy snowboarding pants that are warm, water resistant and contain zippered pockets to keep important items intact. The pants should be comfortable and somewhat loose so you are able to snowboard without feeling restricted.

• Snowboarding gloves

Snowboarding gloves will protect your hands from exposure to the cold and ensure that they are warm and dry.  You should purchase gloves that will cover the cuff of your jacket or be able to be worn under the jacket cuff to avoid snow entering in between the jacket and the glove.  The gloves should also be comfortable and ensure that you are able to move easily.

• Goggles

Goggles are necessary for eye protection from the wind, sun, blowing snow and debris.  Choose goggles that are well sealed and fit your face and your helmet properly.  If you wear prescription glasses, some goggles will fit over them comfortably or some brands have the option to slip prescription eyeglass into the goggles.

•  Helmet

Helmets will protect your head from major injury should you have a big fall.  Buy one that fits your head properly, is comfortable, fits snugly and allows ventilation.

Many items of snowboarding equipment and apparel needs to be considered before you actually get up to the snow.  It can be a costly layout however necessary so that the equipment lasts you a good number of seasons and makes your snowboarding experience a wonderful one.

1. Get Fit

Being physically fit is important in any sport that you are participating in. Snowboarding is a sport that can be very tasking physically particularly on your upper leg muscles.  Spending time at the gym working on your core stability and leg muscles will be beneficial prior to heading to the snow.

2. Safety and protection gear

The most common snowboarding injury is breaking or fracturing wrists.  Instinctively, people will put their hands out in front of them to protect themselves when falling leading to wrist injuries.  Wrist guards will assist in limiting wrist injuries.

Helmets are essential so the head can be protected should you fall and hit your head.  Major head injuries and concussions can be minimised by the wearing of helmets. Many countries and ski resorts are now encouraging the wearing of helmets and even making it mandatory.

3. Warming up and down

Prepare your body for a day of physical activity by warming up before you go out snowboarding.  Stretch your muscles and warm them up to limit muscle pulls and tears.  After a day out on the snowboard, also ensure that you warm down by doing stretches.

4. Clothing

Wearing the correct clothing whilst snowboarding is an important aspect to consider when spending a day out in the snow.  You should have the ability to move freely in the clothes that you wear and to keep yourself warm and dry as it will enhance the snowboarding experience. It goes without saying that water proof clothing is a must as well as wearing a hat, neck warmer and gloves.

6. Boots and Bindings

Having boots and bindings that fit properly will ensure safety when snowboarding.  Your bindings should be tested every day prior to going out snowboarding so you know that they are working correctly.

7. The Board

Select a snowboard that suits your skill level and the activity that you intend to do.  If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to hire your snowboard first before going ahead with a purchasing your own.  Rental shops have the expertise to provide you with a snowboard and boots that are best suited to you.

Safety is important so it is a good idea to follow the above advice to ensure that your snowboarding season is enjoyable and injury free.  Be careful on the snow but most importantly have fun!

1. Contests

Participate in one of the contests held by ski resorts which they use as a technique to increase visitation numbers to the resort. These competitions may have snowboards available to be won depending on the entry requirements.  Meet the requirements and qualify to be the running to win a free snowboard.

2. Rental Stores

Promotions will often be run by rental stores so that people who require rental gear and equipment will be attracted to hire from that particular store rather than the many other rental stores available at the resort.  The opportunity to win your own snowboard sounds like a pretty deal especially if you have to rent your gear and equipment already.

3. Ski and Snowboarding Stores

Spend big and certain skiing and snowboarding stores will offer you a free snowboard.  Find out the stores that offer you this incentive and make it worth your while especially if you have to purchase many other snow related items as well.

4. Free Classified Ads

The classified section of the local paper and online may have free snowboarding equipment that may be giving away for a variety of reasons.  Check every so often and you never know what freebies you may be able to score like a free snowboard. GumTree is a good place to start.

5. Website give-aways

Have a look online and find out the websites dedicated to snowboarding as chances are they may have free snowboards that they are giving away.  Sign up to the mailing list and be in the running to win a free snowboard. 

6. Promotions

Manufacturers may hold promotions as a way of pushing their product out in the marketplace.  The condition requirements to enter the promotions are dependent on the company however may include simply completing a survey or just entering your name to enter the draw.

Getting a free snowboard may sound like a pretty impossible task however it can be achieved if you persevere and follow the above advice.  Try a variety of methods to ensure that you have the best probability of winning a free snowboard.  A bit of luck doesn’t go astray either so good luck with your quest!