Body protection

Buyer’s guide for ski and snowboard protective gear

If you’re heading to the mountains for some on-piste skiing or snowboarding, a ski helmet is usually sufficient. However, you’ll need to step up your protection when venturing off-piste or racing against the clock in slalom. At Glisshop, we provide protective equipment suited for all activities, even the most extreme. While it won’t completely prevent falls, this gear significantly reduces the risk of injury.

What protection do you need for freeriding?

Once you leave the groomed trails, a new world of untouched runs, endless powder, and incredible freedom opens up. However, freeriding also comes with inherent risks, such as avalanches, which require serious preparation and gear like an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, all available in our mountain safety section. Off-piste skiing can also lead to rocky or forested areas, presenting hazards much greater than standard slopes. Rocks and tree trunks aren’t padded like pylons or snow cannons, and a moment’s inattention can lead to an unexpected impact. That’s why we offer a variety of protective gear designed to withstand serious impacts. Equipped with a quality L'Armure Française back protector, Dainese shorts, and possibly knee pads and elbow pads from POC, you can confidently tackle cornice drops. Just aim for the powder fields rather than the rocks below. Ski protection is tough, but not invincible!

Looking for protective gear for park sessions?

If your focus is on massive jumps, rails, and kickers, you’ll need protection because mistakes are unforgiving, especially when trying out new tricks for the first time. Opt for a back protector, well-padded impact shorts, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. This gear lets you spend hours in the terrain park perfecting your technique without worrying about injuries.

What protective equipment is needed for racing?

When it comes to breaking records, there’s no room for half-measures—you’ll need to go full throttle and take calculated risks. To confidently charge through the gates at high speed, you’ll find dedicated racing protective gear in our racing section, including shin guards and closed pole guards that let you tackle slalom gates without hesitation.

Overview of the different types of protection available for adults and kids:

Ski or snowboard helmets

Whether skiing or snowboarding, protecting your head is essential. Helmets help prevent injuries from collisions with other skiers and minimize impact on hard snow or ice in case of a fall.

Vest and back protectors

Protecting your spine is crucial for jumps and tricks. Landing on hard snow, an obstacle, or even the coping of a halfpipe can cause severe injuries. It’s better to be proactive and choose a high-quality back protector.

Impact shorts for the coccyx and hips

Impact shorts are perfect for cushioning backward falls on your hips. These are must-have gear for snowboarding beginners to prevent injuries from heel-edge falls during backside turns.

Snowboard wrist guards

Less relevant for skiing, wrist guards are essential for snowboarding, especially for beginners. They help protect against forward falls caused by toe-edge mistakes during frontside turns.

Knee pads

Knee pads slide easily under your pants and provide excellent protection against falls in the terrain park or when jibbing. Ideal for freestyle enthusiasts.

For a safe skiing and snowboarding season, choose the right protective gear from our extensive selection of ski equipment.