Clothing

It is important that you stay warm, dry and comfortable on the mountain. Your first layer should light and warm, and wickable (i.e. it will transfer your sweat away from the body). Winter sports shops stock these items but a cheaper alternative is to get thermal leggings and long sleeve vest from Marks & Spencer (£22). It is worth investing in a proper pair of snowboarding socks, as they have padding and are "forward lean" i.e. shaped around the foot in the riding position. These cost approximately £13. Alternatively M & S do ski socks for £7.

To keep your upper body warm your will need a fleece (except in very warm spring conditions). If you haven't already got one, you should be able to pick one up for £10-15. A second mid layer that you can carry with you is handy, in case of very cold weather high up the mountain or for when you are sitting outside during a break. I use a micro fleece.

For an outer layer you will need a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers. Snowboarding trousers are generally around £100 and jackets start around £150. M&S have recently started doing winter sports clothing in association with View From. They have an All Mountain Jacket for £85 and snowboarding pants of £59. I have had a look in store and they seem good quality and look fine. Get a jacket with a hood. You can hire your outerwear from Boardwise (www.boardwise.com) which has a store at Turnham Green, £25 each for a jacket or trousers.

Decent gloves are very important. Boarding gloves are more expensive than skiing gloves, as you will spend a lot of time with your hands touching the snow as you fall over or push yourself up. They need to be waterproof, tough (carrying a board, and doing up bindings can wear them quickly) and a fleece inner lining keeps you warm. If it is detachable all the better, makes them easier to dry overnight. Gloves generally cost £35-£55. However, M&S do a waterproof glove by View From for £16. This has a fleece lining and leather palm and looks like a boarding glove - worth a try if you are looking to shave costs. If you are buying wrist guards make sure the gloves fit over them.

You will need a pair of sunglasses - if they are likely to come off during a fall get one of those things that attach to the glasses and can be tightened around your head. Can't remember what they're called but all winters ports shops sell them. Goggles are needed on days when it is snowing otherwise you won't see anything. But snowy days aren't that common so you could buy them in the resort if you need them. They start at £20, and ones with holes for ventilation are best (stops them steaming up). The final piece of equipment you must have is a leash (this is used to secure the board to your lead leg, so that if you come out of the bindings your board does not slide off down the mountain (£5 or so).

These are the basics but there are other items that are useful. Topping the list are wrist guards. Wrist injuries are common in snowboarding because boarders fall a lot, and it is natural to put out your hands to break your fall. They cost £10-15. Knee pads can be useful to protect you when you fall or keep your knees warm (you will spend time sitting around on the slopes, either resting or waiting for other people, kneeling or sat) but are not essential. Impact shorts have padding to protect your coccyx, hips and the sides of your legs. They are expensive and hard to find but if you can, get some (you can get them for a bargain £45 at TMS a boarding/climbing shop which has a branch in Milton Keynes - possibly in the same building as the Snodome). While learning to snowboard you will fall over a lot and these babies can save you from severe bruising and pain. Snowboard Asylum in Covent Garden (www.snowboard-asylum.com) also have a good selection of protective gear.

Finally, a small rucksack to carry your spare top, hat, suncream, water bottle (a camelback bladder is better, enabling you to drink via a tube at any time - rather than having to stop and unpack your bottle), goggles and camera.

Boards, boots and bindings are easily hired in the resort for around £60 per week - don't forget to work out if you are regular (lead with your right foot) or goofy (left foot) so they can set up the board correctly.

Another shop to try is Snow and Rock (www.snowandrock.com) in Grays Inn Road, by Chancery Lane tube.