Journal

Just a decade or so ago, the only thing atop most skiers' heads was a beanie. But things have completely changed, and the only thing on top of most heads on the slopes are helmets. It's to the point where it makes you question if it's compulsory to wear ski helmets.

New snowboarders are often overwhelmed by the different pieces of equipment and knowledge they need to step on the slopes. It's not unusual to have questions about layering, styling, or gear specs - but perhaps the most important question is how do you know if your snowboard boots are too tight?

It doesn't take long to go from "first-time skier" to "fanatic." That was my experience at least, and I quickly went from renting to owning a pair of skis. After a fair amount of use, the time hit when they needed waxing, but I didn't know all the signs as I do now. So if you're wondering when your first pair of skis need a new coat of wax, you've come to the right place.

Putting on your ski boots is always a struggle, but it’s even worse when you have to do this for the first time. You're most likely new to skiing, and no matter how many videos you watch or people you observe in the wild, this part of the sport just isn't "clicking." So then, how do you put ski boots on?

Most people start asking about how to mount snowboard bindings after they've purchased a second snowboard. They've got a few seasons under their belts, but their first snowboard wore down and needed to be replaced. So now they're leveling up - board, bindings, and all. If this sounds like you, clearly you're not alone in asking how to mount bindings to a snowboard. But after reading this guide, you'll become one less person asking that question.

Waxing a snowboard is simple, even for those with little experience. And if you're new to snowboarding, this is good news, because you'll need to wax your snowboard regularly to keep it in excellent condition. It's a straightforward process and doesn't take up an extraordinary amount of time.

While it's great to know the average lifespan of a snowboard, it's unrealistic to think anyone would track their days riding as a way to gauge when they'd need a new snowboard. And with so many variables controlling its longevity, days become irrelevant. The better solution is to know the signs of when to replace your snowboard - here's what you need to look for.

Wax is a valuable addition to any snowboard, as a layer of wax adds shine, hydrates the board, and enhances its performance. If you're new to snowboarding you might have some questions about this, namely, can you just rub wax on a snowboard?

What kind of hiker are you? Do you like to blaze a trail, or do you prefer to stick to the beaten path? No matter what your preference, there's a type of hiking for you. Seriously - there are more ways to hike than throwing a pack on and hitting the trail.