Getting the best watch for snowboarding might not seem like the most important thing to do right away. However, once you’re on the ice, that’s when you realize just how benefitting it could be to have a smartwatch on you at all times. These devices are not just a means to tell time but also keep you updated about your whereabouts, track your activity, and get you connected with other skiers in your group.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Furthermore, it’s best not to forget that standard wristwatches can’t even guarantee to remain functional and tell time due to the harsh weather conditions. That’s another reason why it’s crucial to get a sports wristwatch with all the convenient features that provide accurate real-time data to you.
The 5 Best Watches for Snowboarding
However, if you aren’t sure which watch to get for your alpine adventures, we’ve got you covered with the following five Amazon recommendations, based on fantastic ratings and genuine reviews.
1. Garmin Fenix 5
Made specifically to last in frigid cold weather, the Garmin Fenix 5 is a premium and rugged multisport GPS watch that’s bound to last as your snowboarding partner for a long time to come. The performance widget tracks the progress of your workouts, while the heart monitor offers you precise data in real-time. Plus, this waterproof and weather-resistant device comes equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass so that you can guide yourself in the right direction in emergencies.
Pros
- GPS and GLONASS
- Bluetooth enabled
- Weather and water-resistant
- Heart rate monitor
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
- Relentless accuracy
- Full-color Garmin Chroma display
Cons
- Expensive
2. Suunto 9 Baro Sports Watch
Suunto 9 is the perfect snowboarding watch that’s manufactured with an intelligent battery mode to offer you precise performance analysis for a full day, even with GPS and satellite map functioning. Moreover, this waterproof smartwatch combines the altimeter, barometer, and compass functionality all in one place for delivering accurate data regarding where you’re heading on the mountain. The only thing that might put you in a tricky spot when making a final decision is its high cost.
Pros
- GPS
- Weather and water-resistant
- Heart rate monitor
- Bluetooth enabled
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
- Precise real-time data
Cons
- Very expensive
- Battery life may not last for 24 hours after a while
3. Fitbit Versa 3 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
The Fitbit Versa 3 has all those smartwatch features that a snowboarder looks for to make their snow mountain adventure safe. For example, it comes equipped with a weather forecast system that provides you alerts for storms in advance, while the altimeter, barometer, and compass functionality guide you in the right direction at all times. Other features include GPS, heart rate monitor, oxygen blood level monitor, calorie burnout monitor, voice assistant availability, and Bluetooth.
Pros
- Waterproof
- GPS
- Bluetooth enabled
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
- Long battery time
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- Calorie burnout monitor
- Weather monitor
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Heart rate accuracy is not perfect
4. AmazFit GTS 2 Mini Fitness Smartwatch
If you’re looking for the best watch for snowboarding under a limited budget, AmazFit GTS 2 might be the perfect choice for you. The smartwatch comes equipped with all the necessary features, including a GPS to keep track of your location, an altimeter, barometer, and compass for an accurate trail guide, and Bluetooth to keep yourself connected with your snowboarding partners. In addition to the 24/7 heart rate monitoring feature, the watch has seventy-plus sports modes to give you the best assistance under all circumstances.
Pros
- GPS
- Voice assistant availability
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
- Warning system for abnormal heart rate
- Bluetooth enabled
- Waterproof
- Pedometer
- Elegant design
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The heart rate monitor is not the most precise
5. Polar Ignite
Polar Ignite is one of the most-liked products on Amazon due to its sleek design and precise functionalities. It provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring, a calorie burnout counter, and a color-touch display, while the GPS keeps you on track when you find yourself losing direction. Moreover, the Bluetooth feature ensures you get important notifications directly onto your smartwatch at all times.
Pros
- GPS
- Bluetooth enabled
- Water-resistant
- Heart rate monitor
- Calorie counter
- Color display
Cons
- No altimeter, barometer, and compass
What to Consider When Buying a Watch for Snowboarding
According to studies, snowboarders show a significantly higher percentage of injuries than skiers when sporting under rough weather conditions. Moreover, this percentage only elevates when individuals get lost on the mountain due to lack of visibility and disconnection with other snowboarders. Therefore, it’s essential to get yourself a smart device that keeps you informed about your whereabouts, in addition to providing you a way to keep in contact with others.
Here are a few features that you must consider when buying a smartwatch designed to tolerate the rigors of snowboarding:
1. GPS
GPS prevents snowboarders from getting lost and keeps others informed of your exact location if an emergency strikes.
2. Bluetooth
Bluetooth is also a must-have feature, as it gives you a way to connect to other snowboarders in your group within a particular range.
3. Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC)
Watches that come equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass give you precise directions regarding where you are and the path you’re taking.
4. Weather Update System
A watch that keeps you updated with the weather conditions can keep you protected from heavy storms at times.
5. Waterproof
The watch that snowboarders use must be waterproof so that it functions adequately despite the wet conditions.
Our Final Thoughts
After reviewing the most highly rated and reviewed products on Amazon, we can safely say that Fitbit Versa 3 is one of the best choices you can strive for when precise functionality under a limited budget is your priority. Furthermore, if costly products do not deter you, you can also consider Suunto 9 as the best watch for snowboarding. However, no matter what choice you make among the five given recommendations, it’s essential to ensure that its features match your preferences and needs perfectly.
