How to Keep Toes Warm While Snowboarding

Wear high-quality wool socks. Avoid cotton blends, as these styles promote skin sweating and don't pull away moisture from the skin. Socks should be a thicker variety that still allow for proper boot fitting. Look for wool styles designed with thin, moisture-wicking materials, such as Burton's Forward Lean (see Resources). Additionally, try styles that offer a synthetic, temperature-balancing fabric called Outlast. These technologically savvy socks are made to keep feet insulated and warm. Avoid styles that are so thick and heavy in material that boots feel too tight. Ensure that socks are unwrinkled (especially at the ankle). Kinked, thick socks doubled with tight-fitting bindings can reduce circulation in the feet, causing them to be cold.

Ensure boots are properly fitted. When buying or renting boots, confirm that snowboarding boots allow wiggle room in the toe box, are fitted in the heel and are secure around the back of the foot. Boot should be snug, and the foot should be unpinched. Consult with a snowboarding sales professional to validate the correct fitting of the boot and to help alleviate future problems, such as closed circulation and chilled toes.

Allow time for loose bindings. Hours upon hours of tight bindings can cut off the circulation to the feet, causing them to be cold. On especially chilly days, release your boot from the binding after every few runs and walk around before restrapping. Additionally, unclick your bindings a little bit (while exerting extreme caution not to lose your board) while on the lift to rejuvenate the feet and warm the toes. Wiggle toes frequently and tighten bindings again before the next run.

Consider taking a break if cold toes persist. Replenish the body in the lodge, warm up by the fire and give your feet a break from tight boots and cold weather conditions. Warm up your toes by massaging them gently, changing socks and increasing circulation to the feet. Drink a warm beverage and allow a moment of rest before hitting the slopes again.

Try warming, air-activated packets. Foot warming packets, such as Toasti Toes, have time-release formulas that can circulate 100-degree temperatures in boots for a short period (usually 3 of 4 hours). However, although effective and inexpensive, ensure that packets don't alter the correct fitting of the snowboarding boots. Wiggle your toes and ensure toe circulation continues before going on the next run.