When winter rolls around, the jackets and layers-upon-layers do, too. Though at times you may feel like the abominable snowman with how big and puffed up you may seem, you can still look fashionable in snowboard season.

Whether you prefer snow skiing or snowboarding, a helmet is essential to both. Junior business major Dustin Snyder, member of the Ski and Snowboard Club, said he is now on the look out for a helmet.

“My friend just got a concussion, so I’m getting a helmet soon,” Snyder said. “Helmets are not the hottest look, but they keep you safe.”

It is typical to see women not wearing helmets on the slopes because many do not think it looks cute. Girls tend to wear beanies that coordinate with their outfits, Snyder said.

Senior public relations major Briana McGee said she likes to wear the wool headbands that cover the ears or beanies with the balls on top to keep her head warm.

REI has a selection of helmets and other accessories you will need. Snyder said to make sure to have some good snow pants and goggles.

“I have Burton’s because I like the way they fit,” Snyder said. “I try to wear slimmer pants while snowboarding. I wear slimmer pants in everyday life, so I prefer the same when I snowboard.”

Snyder said he has Grenade gloves that display deer as the design. Grenade is a popular brand with cool designs, he said.

McGee said she prefers to wear Dakine gloves and also likes Dakine for bags and backpacks.

Sophomore business marketing major Alex Jacobson is also in the club and on the Ski and Snowboard Team. Sac State’s team claims to accept any level and the team competes against other schools.

The team and club are separate, with separate fees.

Jacobson said his No. 1 item to have while snowboarding is music.

“You need the gear to keep you warm, but my essentials are music,” Jacobson said. “You need headphones and you need to bring your friends.”

Some helmets have speakers built into them or there are wireless systems that can be put into your helmet.

McGee said she likes to wear earmuffs and likes Juicy Couture’s selections.

Jacobson expressed importance for gloves, but said he prefers to wear mittens because they keep his hands warmer.

Goggles are another must-have for Jacobson.

“I’m down to wear whatever brand of goggles because I go through them all the time,” Jacobson said.

Of course to be completely ready for the slopes, you need to obtain either a snowboard or skis with ski bindings, ski boots and ski poles.

Ask an employee at your nearest REI or other sporting gear store for help in this department. The equipment one needs while in the snow depends solely on his or her level of skill. There are boards for beginners and boards that cater to the more advanced.

When picking out your main gear of a snowboard or ski boots, you want to look for more neutral colors so as to be able to wear more variety in the rest of your outfit. REI employees suggest trendy brands like GNU and Arbor.

Wearing or not wearing makeup can really affect ones outfit and appearance. For looking cute on the slopes, McGee said she only likes to rock eye makeup – no face makeup.

While you do want to look fashionable, staying warm is also necessary. When you go to the snow, wearing long underwear and an insulated jacket will ensure you stay toasty – though boarding or skiing on the slopes will warm you up quickly.

Looking fashionable out on the slopes is fairly easy but the hard part is not falling. At least you will be looking good zipping down the slopes – or even taking a tumble.

Courtney Owen can be reached at [email protected].