Getting ready for a day of snowboarding can be a daunting task for anyone who isn’t from a snowy wintery environment. But whether or not you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a newbie from Florida who’s never even seen snow, it’s easy to learn the right way to dress not just to impress, but to survive out on the slopes.

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

Cotton should be avoided at all costs because unlike synthetics, it actually holds water in instead of wicking it away. That matters when snow is melting on your boots and potentially getting into your socks. An excellent sock made of a materiel like SmartWool will keep you dry and healthy, while cotton will only lead to trouble. Don’t even put a layer of cotton over something synthetic: avoid it at all costs. Good winter gear won’t have cotton elements.

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.

Long underwear and non-cotton socks make up the first layer to any snowboarding outfit, known as the core or initial layer. The purpose of this layer is to wear material that clings closely, but comfortably, to your body, keeping the heat trapped in. The thinness also makes the layers that come afterwards feel and appear a lot less bulky.

The second layer, known as the middle or insulation layer, is all about providing an extra bit of warmth that will trap the pre-existing warmth provided by your base layer. This layer consists of either a wool or fleece sweater or jacket, apart from the lining of your actual outer layer jacket, snowboarding pants, and snowboarding boots. The pants should have extra padding in the knees and the rear for those high-impact falls, enough room for long underwear, and tapered bottoms for decreased chances of melted snow getting inside either your pants or your boots. The boots themselves should lace up firmly and securely and not have any leak room. Boots should never pinch your feet!

The outer layer of any snowboarding outfit is the stuff that actually keeps you from getting snow in your clothing. It is important to make sure that even something as simple as a cap is not made of cotton, as it is just important for your body to be able to “breathe” while bundled up as it is for the heat to stay locked in. Hats should cover your ears as well as the top of your head, and as people lose almost all of their body heat through their heads, it’s important to find one that fits securely and keeps the heat locked in.

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.

One of the most important elements of outerwear are the goggles, which protect against just about everything, from ice and water to tree branches and too much sun. Goggles should fit snugly around the face and be attached with a secure band so that they don’t go flying off during a particularly invigorating run.

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 considering visiting the Japan Snow, try the Niseko ski fields. The snow is outstanding for those who want to try snowboarding in Japan