Req 5 — Clothing & Equipment

For this requirement you need to show up dressed and geared for your chosen snow sport, then explain to your counselor why each layer and piece of equipment you are wearing keeps you safe and warm. This is a “show and tell” — come ready to present.

The Layering System

Snow sports clothing is built around three layers that work together. Wearing a single thick jacket is not as effective as three thin layers, because layers trap warm air and can be adjusted as you heat up or cool down.

Layer 1 — Base Layer (Next to Your Skin)

Purpose: Pull moisture away from your skin (wicking). Wet skin loses heat up to 25 times faster than dry skin.

What to wear: Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) or wool. Avoid cotton — it absorbs moisture and stays wet.

Look for: Snug fit, labeled “moisture-wicking” or “merino wool.”

Layer 2 — Mid Layer (Insulation)

Purpose: Trap warm air close to your body to retain heat.

What to wear: Fleece jacket, insulated vest, or a down or synthetic puffy jacket.

Look for: Weight appropriate to the temperature. Lighter mid-layers for active sports; heavier for colder or less active use.

Layer 3 — Shell (Outer Layer)

Purpose: Block wind, snow, and rain while allowing some moisture to escape (breathability).

What to wear: A waterproof-breathable ski or snowboard jacket and pants (look for Gore-Tex or similar). Seam-sealed is best.

Look for: Adjustable hood, powder skirt (inside the jacket to keep snow out), and underarm zips for ventilation.

Essential Accessories

Helmet — Required for all skiing and snowboarding. A properly fitting helmet must sit level on your head with the front edge just above your eyebrows. Shake your head — it should not shift. Replace any helmet after a significant impact, even if there is no visible damage.

Goggles — Protect your eyes from UV radiation, wind, and blowing snow. Different lens tints are optimized for different light conditions: darker lenses for bright sun, lighter or amber/rose lenses for flat light and cloudy days.

Gloves or mittens — Mittens are generally warmer because fingers share heat. Gloves offer more dexterity. Either should be waterproof. Carry a hand warmer for extreme cold days.

Boots — Properly fitted ski boots should feel snug (not painful) with your heel locked down. Snowboard boots should feel comfortable when flexed forward. Boots that are too large cause poor control; boots that are too small cause pain and cold feet.

Neck gaiter or balaclava — Covers exposed neck, chin, and face. More effective than a scarf, which can snag on equipment.

Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+) — UV radiation is stronger at altitude and doubles when it reflects off snow. Apply before you go out, not after.

Equipment Overview by Option

Alpine skiing: Skis, poles, alpine ski boots, release bindings (properly set by a technician).

Cross-country skiing: Nordic skis appropriate to your style (classic or skate), poles (slightly longer than for alpine), low-cut Nordic boots, bindings.

Snowboarding: Snowboard, step-in or strap bindings, snowboard boots, leash.

Snowshoeing: Snowshoes (sized for your weight and terrain), trekking poles (optional but helpful), waterproof hiking boots or pac boots.

Official Resources

You are dressed for the mountain. Now learn the safety codes that govern everyone’s behavior on the slope.