How to Dress for Snow Tubing to Stay Warm and Comfortable

While the allure of sipping hot cocoa indoors during the winter is strong, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of gliding down a snowy slope. But before you embark on your snow tubing adventure, it’s crucial to understand what to wear for this frosty activity.

Getting dressed for snow tubing involves more than just donning a warm hat and cozy gloves. Since snow tubing involves continuous contact with the snow, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout your tubing session is paramount.

From donning a base layer to wrapping up in a neck gaiter, your choice of clothing can significantly reduce the risk of hypothermia. If you’re eager to make the most of your snowy day, continue reading to discover how to dress appropriately for an enjoyable snow tubing experience.

Base Layer

The base layer encompasses all the clothing that comes into direct contact with your skin. These garments should not be excessively heavy or thick; instead, they should be lightweight and possess the ability to efficiently wick moisture away from your skin.

Physical activity, even in snowy surroundings, can induce sweating. Just picture yourself hauling a snow tube (or perhaps multiple tubes if you’re with kids) up and down a tubing hill. It’s quite the workout!

To create an effective thermal base layer, opt for underwear, leggings, socks, and a long-sleeved shirt crafted from materials like polyester, polypropylene, or wool. Even synthetic blends can serve the purpose admirably. Avoid cotton, as it tends to retain moisture and leave you feeling damp.

A well-chosen base layer will ensure you stay insulated and moisture-free, enhancing your overall comfort during your snow tubing adventure.

Warming or Mid-Layer

While the base layer is designed to provide warmth, the warming layer takes it a step further by ensuring you stay extra cozy. You’re likely already familiar with “warming layer” clothing, which often comes in handy even on non-snowy days. Think of thick materials like fleece, down, and wool.

To add an effective warming layer, consider wearing a fleece sweater over your polypropylene long-sleeved shirt or even just draping a down vest over your thermal base. It may seem like a bit of a hassle indoors, but it’s a crucial step to ensure you don’t underestimate the biting cold when you’re out enjoying your snow tubing adventure.

Don’t neglect your lower half – it also requires additional warmth. Consider addressing this need with the addition of thermal leggings to your snow tubing attire.

Waterproof or Outer Layer

Since snow is essentially frozen water, ensuring you have a waterproof layer is absolutely essential for enjoyable winter activities. This layer serves as a vital barrier, preventing moisture from seeping through to your skin and acts as your body’s primary defense against the cold.

To create this protective layer, consider wearing a waterproof or snow jacket in combination with snow pants. Even these waterproof outerwear pieces can be lined with cozy fleece, offering you not only the benefit of staying dry but also providing exceptional warmth during your winter adventures.

When selecting snow pants, opt for a pair that features ankle cinches to safeguard your feet and the lower parts of your legs from the cold and snow. If you don’t have access to stores selling snow pants in your vicinity, you can layer your pants for added warmth. Start with leggings as the base layer, followed by jeans or sweatpants, and then add nylon exercise pants to complete the ensemble. This layering approach will help you stay warm and comfortable during your winter activities.

Hats, Shades, and Scarves

While waterproof jackets are effective at shielding your head from the wind, it’s essential to complement them with a winter hat to keep your head warm. Additionally, don’t forget to protect your neck, but exercise caution with long scarves as they can pose injury risks. A safer alternative is a neck gaiter, which not only covers your neck but can also snugly wrap around the lower half of your face, including your ears.

Ensuring the upper half of your face remains protected is equally important. Invest in a pair of sunglasses that offer defense not only against UVA and UVB light but also shield your eyes from dirt and snow. For added security against potential falls, consider using goggles as an alternative option. This comprehensive approach will help keep you comfortable and safe during your winter activities.

Are helmets necessary when snow tubing?

While it’s common practice for parents to ensure their kids wear helmets while tubing, it’s essential to underscore that helmets should be used by individuals of all ages. Helmets serve as a crucial safeguard against head trauma, and their use can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries by approximately 50%. In fact, many snow parks enforce mandatory helmet usage for guests due to their effectiveness.

While a helmet may not keep your head warm, it unquestionably provides vital protection. It’s advisable to invest in your own helmet or obtain one from a tubing rental facility. In situations where this isn’t feasible, as a last resort, you can use any available helmet to prioritize your safety during your tubing adventures.

Gloves, Socks, and Shoes

When engaging in snowy activities, it’s crucial to pay special attention to safeguarding your hands and feet, as these are among the body parts most susceptible to frostbite.

Investing in waterproof mittens or gloves is a wise choice, and their utility extends beyond your tubing session – they come in handy for impromptu snowball fights too! When purchasing gloves, prioritize waterproof options and then consider their breathability for added comfort.

Snow boots are an absolute must for snow tubing adventures. Opt for high snow boots if you desire robust protection, although low boots can also provide adequate coverage.

While waterproof shoes are an option, they may offer less traction. The top choice for winter activities remains shoes with high-quality wool lining, ensuring your feet remain warm and comfortable throughout your snowy escapades. If your footwear lacks insulation, wool or thermal socks can serve as effective alternatives to keep your feet cozy and snug.

Bring a bag of extra clothes

Whether you’re snow tubing with kids or without, it’s a smart idea to pack some extra clothes for both you and your family. Snow has a knack for finding its way under your waterproof jacket and melting, or your base layer might become damp due to sweat.

Following a thrilling tubing run or spending an hour or so at the snow tubing park, having the option to change into dry thermals can make a world of difference. This is particularly essential if your tubing adventure takes you far from home. Having a fresh set of clothes on hand might even inspire the whole family to embark on another exhilarating tubing session!

Why wear layers

Wearing three layers on a snowy hill won’t make you appear clunky; instead, it will ensure you remain warm, comfortable, and well-protected from the elements and potential injuries. The beauty of layering is that you can easily adjust to your comfort level – shed one layer if you start feeling too warm or add more if the cold sets in.

Snow tubing is a delightful winter activity, and we trust that this guide will help keep you and your family cozy, dry, and able to savor the experience for a longer duration!