A frequently asked question we get from beginner to intermediate snowboarders is..
What are the essential and most effective protective/safety gear available for snowboarding?
When you’re learning to snowboard/ride, you will likely fall in the process of learning the skills required to become competent enough to ride and progress to steeper mountain slopes and terrain.
In addition, for those who would like ride and play in snowboard parks, protective gear will help protect you while doing park features.
For snowboarding, some common snowboarding injuries include knee, chest, elbow, wrist, hips and tail bone.
To protect yourself from snowboarding injuries, the following are ‘must-have’ protective gear since the cost of injury (surgery, medical costs, rehab, pain/suffering, etc) outweigh the cost of buying protective gear; here’s a list of gear you should consider using while learning to snowboard:
(1) Helmet
A helmet is essential to protect your head against injury and concussions. Helmets keep you safe especially when you are learning a new skill or fall/crash when you pick up speed going down the mountain. Always wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Smith Snowboarding Helmet on Sale at REI
(2) Wrist Guards
For beginners, during a fall, they tend to brace themselves/soften the fall with their hands. Wrist injuries are often problematic since even minor wrist injuries can take at minimum of eight weeks to heal since we use our wrists and hands daily so it’s difficult to heal. A good pair of wrist guards is essential when you’re learning to snowboard. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Wrist Guards on Sale at REI
(3) Pads
Knee pads, elbow pads, hip pads, and butt pads are all designed to help prevent you from injuring yourself especially when you have a hard impact with pact snow and icy surfaces. When learning new tricks in the parks, wearing pads not only protects you but also give you a boost in confidence. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Impact Shorts helps protect your hips and butt
Back protectors
Back injuries are not as common for snowboarders, however certain high risk movements in the parks can cause serious injury. However, wearing a back protector will likely restrict your upper-body movement. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
(4) Knee Pads
Knee pads can protect you from knee injuries. Try knee pads out to see how they fit, feel and explore the range of movements allowed by the knee pads. Make sure you get the right fit so that the knee pads won’t slide down your leg when you’re snowboarding. Knee pads restrict how much you can flex your knees on jumps, or bend down to get a low turn without feeling a pinch. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Snowboarding Knee Pads
When you are learning to ride and/or do park features, it’s wise to use the snowboarding protective gear to help prevent injuries. The protective snowboarding gear not only prevent injuries but also prevents both tangible (costly surgery, meds, etc) and intangible (personal rehab time, pain/suffering) setback. As you progressed and become more skilled, you can opt out of wearing most of the recommended protective gear, however, it’s best to always wear a helmet to protect your head from injuries.
This year’s most popular tech gadget is a GoPro Hero 7 Black. GoPro Hero 7 is definitively unmatched for action videography; key features..
✔ HyperSmooth stabilization achieves gimbal-like video—without the gimbal; it predicts your movements and corrects for camera shake to deliver insanely smooth footage
✔ Rugged design is waterproof down to 33 ft. (10m) without a housing, letting you capture and share experiences you can’t record with your phone
✔ Voice control lets you stay in the moment and control the camera hands-free with voice commands like “GoPro, take a photo” and “GoPro, start recording” – Read the specs and features.
GoPro Hero7 Black Camera YouTube Reviews
REI Member Benefits
10% back on full-price items! The REI Annual Dividend is a unique benefit of membership. It is your share of the co-op’s annual profit, and is comprised of your member dividend.
Member-only coupons and discounts
Access to in-store REI Garage Sales
Bike shop services and ski shop services; available in most REI stores.
Lift tickets and special offers at selected ski resorts.
Discounts on REI trips, classes, travel packages
REI members receive yearly 10% back in dividend cash back reward. Not a member? Join for a one-time $20 Lifetime membership fee during checkout.
Members get additional discount coupon every three months with REI’s quarterly sale.
For example, for the Fall season, members can use coupon code GEARUP2018 to get 20% off discount on one full price item at checkout.
REI is independently rated #1 in retail sporting goods for customer service satisfaction paired with high-quality outdoor products.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Why we love REI? At REI, unlike other retailers, they stand behind everything they sell. We love REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. REI’s promise is simply the best..
“If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase.”
REI’s guarantee doesn’t cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents.
If your item has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time with REI’s limited warranty.
Returning or Exchanging Items
You can return or exchange purchases from REI or REI Garage by mail or at any of our retail locations, regardless of whether you made your purchase online, by phone or in an REI store. – REI
Use promo code ‘snowpals’ to get 1/2 off discount on Powder Pass and VIP Beer Tasting Admission Tickets to SnowBomb’s NorCal 2019 Ski and Board Festival. A VIP ticket costs $20 using ‘ snowpals ‘ promo code which is 1/2 off $40 ..
Looking for a family fun filled weekend activity perfect for kids and adults?
Let the kids play in the game booths to win Tahoe lift tickets, season pass + prizes/swag and watch pro BMX bike & skateboard show while adults enjoy craft beer tastings, listen to music and shop for up to 75% off last season’s ski, snowboard, boots, snow-sports gear and winter clothing.
Two festival locations to choose from:
→ November 9-10, 2019 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds located at
344 Tully Rd San Jose, CA 95111, CA (map, get directions below)
Festival Show Hours:
Saturday, November 2nd, 10am-6pm
Sunday, November 3rd, 11am-5pm
Beer Tasting for VIP Ticket Holders Sat & Sun: Noon-4pm.
All 21+ VIP ticket holders are welcome to beer tasting experience with several local and popular micro-breweries from Noon to 4pm Saturday and Sunday at the festival.
Buy 1/2 off tickets at Eventbrite; once on Eventbrite page, click on ‘TICKETS’ then click on ‘Enter the Promotional Code’ link. Enter discount code: ‘ snowpals ’ then click apply to receive the 1/2 off ticket discount.
→ November 1-3, 2019 in San Francisco @ Pier 35 at
1454 Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133
(map, directions below)
Buy 1/2 off tickets at Eventbrite; to get 1/2 off tickets; once on Eventbrite page, click on ‘TICKETS’ then click on the ‘Enter the Promotional Code’ link; enter discount code: ‘ snowpals ‘ then click apply to receive the discount.
Enter to win a Snowbomb VIP Festival Ticket Giveaway
Here’s how to enter:
(1) Copy and paste to your Twitter post this:
SAN FRANCISCO ski & board festival this weekend; enjoy beer tastings, pro BMX shows, chat w/ ski resorts, buy ski/board gear; 1/2 off tickets @ http://www.snowpals.org/2019/half-off-snowbomb-festival-tickets/
In your post, tag us using our hashtag: #snowpalsdotorg on Twitter.
(2) Be sure to specify using our hashtag #snowpalsdotorg which Snowbomb festival location and date you’d like to be entered into for our VIP ticket giveaway.
(3) Giveaway winners will be announced on Twitter between 12pm-1 pm Saturday Nov 2, 2019.
One VIP ticket will be given away to each of the above festival location. The winners will have 2 hours to claim his/her VIP ticket prize.
with family and friends to invite them for a fun weekend activity that’ll get you stoked for the ski, ride season 😉
== SUMMARY OF WHY $20 VIP EVENT TICKETS ARE YOUR BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK ==
VIP event tickets include:
1) 3 hours of craft beer tastings
2) Lift ticket to Homewood – ($79 value)
3) Lift ticket to Bear Valley – ($79 value)
4) Lift ticket to China Peak – ($83 value)
5) BOGO (Buy One Get One) Squaw Alpine lift ticket – ($119 value)
6) Free Basic Ski/Board Rental ($35 value) or
Free Edge and Wax
Valid 7 Days a week, 11/1/19 – 4/10/20,
Non-HolidayRainbow Mountain Sports
South Lake Tahoe Only
Total value: $395 not including beer tasting + fun weekend activity for the entire family or group of friends = priceless
* For free lift tickets valid dates & blackout dates: scroll down page to read
HOW TO GET YOUR FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
Order your Free General Admission Tickets for free entry tickets to the Santa Clara Festival and SF Festival. Get free entrance to the Festivals, ski and snowboard sale, access to exhibitors and festival entertainment. Note that the FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET DOES NOT INCLUDE FREE LIFT TICKETS.
POWDER PASS + VIP PASS BENEFITS
** Powder Pass and VIP Pass (Discounted 1/2 off when ‘ snowpals ‘ promo code is used; discount available online only at Eventbrite, click on the links above for the desired festival location).
** POWDER PASS admission comes with THREE FREE LIFT TICKETS.
POWER PASS includes the following LIFT TICKETS TO:
Homewood Mountain Resort
1 Free All Day Lift Ticket ($79 value)
During the 2019/20 Ski Season
Valid Tues – Thurs, Non-Holiday.
VIP PASS includes 3 FREE LIFT TICKETS as described above and UNLIMITED BEER OR WINE TASTING PLUS a BONUS Free Squaw Valley/Alpine lift ticket($119 value) (buy one get one free(BOGO); Valid Sunday – Friday, non-holiday. Both lift tickets must be used on the same date.
*VIP admission includes beer unlimited tasting 1 PM – 4PM at both locations. In addition, to the three FREE LIFT TICKETS detailed above, you will also get a BONUS Free Squaw Valley/Alpine lift ticket BOGO (buy one get one free).
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
2-for-1 Weekday Lift Ticket ($119 value)
During the 2019/20 Ski Season
Valid Monday – Friday, Non-Holiday
Holiday Dates: 12/26/19 – 12/31/20, 1/18/20 – 1/19/20, 2/15/20 – 2/16/20
Buy One (1) adult lift ticket at the resort window and receive a second lift ticket for FREE. Complimentary ticket must be used on the same date as the purchased ticket.
Why it's best to ski, ride on weekdays?
(1) Powder days usually happened when we least expect it: on weekdays 🙂
(2) Tahoe resorts on weekdays: practically empty slopes – you have the entire mountain to yourself
(3) Services such as eateries and ski/snowboard lessons are more enjoyable/less rush/less crowded (which means you get a semi-private lesson for the cost of a group lesson since there are less sign-ups on weekdays) and quality of service is much better
(4) No waiting in line to get on the lifts and no waiting in line for lunch or drinks
(5) Resort parking is a breeze; no road traffic on weekdays
Bonus included in POWDER PASS + VIP PASS:
Rainbow Mountain Sports
South Lake Tahoe Only
Free Basic Ski/Board Rental ($35 value) or
Free Edge and Wax
Valid 7 Days a week, 11/1/19 – 4/10/20,
Non-Holiday
At San Jose and SF Festival locations: enjoy unlimited Beer Tasting Available with VIP Tickets.
Saturdays: Enjoy Some of the Best Beer in the World from California.
Tasting times are from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday + Sunday
SKI/SNOWBOARD SALE, SKI RESORTS REPS, VENDORS: Over $1 Million dollars in snow sporting goods from top brands such as Burton, K2, Atomic, Rossignol and many, many more… UP TO 75% OFF. Over 25 premier ski resorts from all over North America. Leading manufacturers in the ski and snowboard industry. Hoteliers and destination getaways. Featured auto show.
ENTERTAINMENT: Bounce House for Kids, Pro Athletes, BMX/Skate Ramp Show & Live Music. Get a chance to win lift tickets, season pass and prizes when you play games at most ski resort booths. Attend to get a chance to buy discount ski season pass to your favorite Tahoe ski resort and chat with resorts’ reps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Which Snowbomb Ski Festival location is more fun?
Answer: Hands down SF ski festival is typically more fun because: (1) it’s bigger (2) more ski resorts exhibitors (3) more vendors (4) more chances to win prizes and lift tickets and season pass giveaway when you play games at the resorts’ info booth (5) beer tasting.
Mark your calendar, gather family and friends together and make it a fun filled day together.
Question: How do I activate my Snowbomb Festival Free Lift Tickets included in the Powder Pass and VIP admission tickets?
Answer: Important, remember to redeem your 2019 Snowbomb Festival Activation Code to get your free lift tickets before December 1, 2019; enter your festival pack code at http://www.sfskifest.com/activation/
Video of Snowbomb’s first ski and snowboard festival event at Fort Mason in SF:
* New to SnowPals? Join us to expand your circle of ski and ride buddies and Tahoe ride-share contacts for powder trips to Tahoe and to powder resorts in Utah, Colorado, British Columbia, etc.
* What's it like to ski/ride Japan's famous dry champagne powder?
Snowshoeing is fun, easy and an inexpensive way to get out on the snow around Lake Tahoe to enjoy the great outdoors and partake in nature photography.
How to snowshoe?
Simply attach a pair of snowshoes to your waterproof hiking boots, and you are ready to go. It’s easy; if you can walk, you can snowshoe.
Where to rent or buy snowshoes?
For first timers, rent a pair of snowshoes at REI to try out snowshoeing. If you plan to go often, buy snowshoes at REI’s clearance deals (a quality pair of snowshoes will last you many years) or other sporting goods. Snowshoes are lightweight, easy to put on, and come with claws on the bottom for added hiking traction up and down hills.
Snowshoeing over packed snow is similar to hiking with large feet, but hiking through deep, fresh powder can be a good workout.
What to wear?
Dress in layers with the outer most layer being a waterproof jacket so you can peel off a layer when you warmed up; wear sweat wicking inner shirt, lightweight waterproof gloves, a hat/beanie, and also remember to pack sunglasses, sunblock lotion, water and a snack or lunch. Also bring ski poles to use which will help with stability/balance when trekking up and down hills.
Where to snowshoe in Tahoe? Flume Trail
My favorite spot for snowshoeing where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe is the Flume Trail. The Flume Trail is a 12.9 mile point-to-point trail located near Incline Village, Nevada. A great spot for picnicking is about 1 mile walk in where you can experienced beautiful panoramic views of the lake. Pack and enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. If you are taking your date or significant other, this is as romantic and scenic as you can get for a Tahoe outing. In the off season, mountain biking the Flume trail is a popular activity.
The Flume trailhead starts right behind the Tunnel Creek Cafe at 1115 Tunnel Creek Rd, Incline Village, NV 89451. Follow the blacktop road behind the cafe to the trailhead’s gate. If you eat or buy a drink at the cafe, you can ask to park at the cafe parking free of charge. Otherwise, park across the street for free.
Look for hotels and lodging deals in the vicinity of Incline Village, NV, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, or Crystal Bay. For first time booking, get $25 off Tahoe area hotels.
Good value breakfast deal can be had at the Tahoe Biltmore Lodge, Restaurant, Casino: Bilty’s breakfast goes for $6.25 (served 7 AM to 11 AM) is the best deal which includes three eggs any style with bacon, sausage or ham. Eggs cooked just the way you like, accompanied by hash brown potatoes and your choice of toast. Or stop by on Sundays for their $9.95 all you can eat brunch! After snowshoeing, enjoy Happy Hour 7 days a week 3pm-7pm with $1 Draft Beer $2 Well, $2 Jager shots, and $4 Patron Shots.
