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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.

While choosing the right board and binding is important, no one, beginner or expert, should consider a day on the slopes without planning accordingly.

You should avoid cotton like the plague because, unlike other synthetic materials or even wool, cotton absorbs water, a potentially dangerous trait for your clothing to have in the middle of a snowstorm when it’s freezing outside. Trekkers and professional skiers all know that cotton kills, and it’s no laughing matter! Don’t put it on.

As far as layering goes, it’s the best way to stay both warm and cool out on the slopes. For those snowboarders who are going to be out during spring season, sometimes it’s necessary to remove a layer to beat the heat of the mid-day sun. If, instead of one very thick winter coat and one long underwear shirt, you layer long underwear, a thin sweater, a thick sweater, and a coat with a shell, it will make staying as cool or as warm as you want to be a breeze.

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, or middle, layer is for staying warm and keeping that core heat locked in for a day out on the slopes. Snowboarding pants, snowboarding boots, and a sweater or pull-over of some sort make up the middle layer. Pants should fit into the boots for a minimum chance of getting a leg full of snow, and boots should lace up firmly without pinching the feet.

The most important layer of any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, because it is the first to meet the inclement weather. While the other two layers are all about keeping body heat in and water out, the outer layer can focus more on protection from the immediate elements. Outerwear consists of goggles, gloves, and the snowboarding jacket.

The outer layer of snowboarding clothing also consists of your goggles and gloves, which are equally important. Gloves are a must-have item because your hands will spend time touching the snow and the cold lift poles, and should be waterproof and easy to fasten tightly at the wrists to prevent any snow leakage. Sometimes in very cold conditions, riders wear additional wool gloves inside of their synthetic, waterproof gloves for insulation.

Snowboarding goggles are important because of many things. One, in the event of a sudden weather change and a big snow, you’re going to need something to block the snowflakes from getting in your eyes. Another is that a bright, white, reflective surface can do damage to your eyes after an hour or so, so the tinting in the goggles decreases the UV rays. Goggles also keep things like tree branches from doing any damage to your eyes.

The most crucial part of your snowboarding outfit is the snowboarding jacket. A water and wind repelling jacket is a must for riders, as well as an inner-shell that fits a little more snugly and keeps water out in case you fall down at any point during the day. Once you’re all suited up, it’s time to hit the slopes!

If you are thinking about visiting the Japan Snow, go the Niseko resort. The snow is outstanding for those who want to go snowboarding in Japan