Dressing for success isn’t just for a first date or a job interview. It’s just as important out on the mountain, where the wrong outfit can mean a lot more than just looking silly. Whether you’ve been snowboarding forever or are just starting out, the most important thing to remember is that dressing for the elements is just as much a part of staying safe as having the right kind of board and staying off of runs that are too difficult for your skill level.

Planning for all possible conditions when getting dressed is an important part of snowboarding, and dressing in the right clothes also decreases the impact that a fall might have on you. Just remember to leave the cotton goods at home, and get ready to start layering.

Don’t even think about including cotton in your snowboarding outfits! It absorbs water rather than wicking it away and will generally cause at best discomfort and at worth death. There’s no exaggerating about how harmful cotton is. Avoid it at all costs.

The purpose of layering is to be prepared for any sort of weather at the drop of a hat (but please don’t drop yours). Sometimes, storms will creep up, and it will be important to have layers for maximum warmth. Other times, noon on the slopes, especially during the start or the end of a season on a sunny mountain, will require removing some layers as to not get too sweaty.

The first and most crucial part of any snowboarding outfit is that initial layer, the base layer. This is where it is really important to remember absolutely no cotton at all. Long underwear, or thermal underwear, should fit snugly but not too tightly, and should be made of a material that will wick sweat away. The same goes for socks, which should be made of wool or some other synthetic material that allows breathing while eliminating the risk of water.

The insulation layer of a snowboarding outfit goes on over the base layer, but does not need to protect from the elements like the outer layer. Also known as the middle layer, this is what provides extra warmth by keeping heat locked firmly in while allowing water to be wicked away. The middle layer consists of a sweater or zip-up, usually made of wool or fleece. Its purpose is to provide a little bit more warmth while not adding too much bulk to the outfit. Boots are also included in the middle layer.

The final touch for any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, where it’s the most important to look cool, too, if that’s something you have in mind. Thankfully, with a world of designers making snowboarding jackets for all styles, from vintage cool to contemporary chic, it’s simple to get something right up your alley. Just be sure that the jacket has a shell that will keep snow from getting in if you take a spill, and try to get one with a hood that folds out at a moment’s notice in case of a particularly bad dumping of snow while out on the mountain.

Gloves are another crucial part of snowboarding outerwear because of the amount of time that snowboarders spend getting up from the ground. The right pair of gloves should fit snugly, prevent snow or water from leaking in at the wrists, and be made of a waterproof material. Warm packs are a popular item to purchase at ski barns because they can be held in your palm inside the gloves on particularly freezing days on the slopes.

The finishing touch to the outfit? Why, goggles of course. With most snowy hills reflecting a whole lot of UV rays on sunny days, it’s important to protect one’s eyes from the sun. Goggles also help keep a clear line of vision during any snowfall that might occur while you’re on the slopes.

Once you’re all suited up properly, staying on the mountain for hours at a time is a piece of cake!

If you are considering visiting the Japan Snow, try the Niseko ski fields. It is amazing for those who want to try snowboarding in Japan