Colorful Colorado · Getting ready
I already own a holographic snowsuit. Now I need to learn how to snowboard.
I’m starting from scratch in Colorado, and I’m keeping the whole adventure here: figuring out the gear, getting to that first lesson, and what actually happens once I’m on the mountain.
Right now, I’m still in the getting-ready part.
This is my Colorful Colorado snowboarding diary, in the order things happen. I’m putting the early prep notes in order now, then adding new entries as I go. The mountain dates aren’t booked yet.
The diary, from the beginning
Owned · Backstory
The backstory: the snowsuit I bought on January 17, 2024
I bought my holographic Club Exx snowsuit from Dolls Kill back in 2024, and I still have it. So the outfit has had quite a head start on the actual snowboarding.
I still need to check how it fits with my layers and what it can handle in mountain weather.
Planning
October 1, 2026: Starting from scratch
I started asking about beginner snowboarding lessons at Monarch and arranging a fitting for a helmet and goggles. I wanted help figuring out what I actually needed before anything shipped.
Offer accepted · Dates pending
October 16, 2026: I said yes to Monarch
Monarch offered me five complimentary single-day lift tickets, five complimentary rental days and two complimentary adult group lessons. I said yes.
I also had a moment of wanting someone to come with me because I was scared. Then I told them I was doing it myself. Excited and slightly terrified is a pretty accurate description.
Those are five mountain days and two lessons, not five lessons. The dates are still being worked out.
Actually happened
October 16, 2026: Jim helped me try on the gear
I went into Mountain Chalet in downtown Colorado Springs and told Jim I wasn’t buying anything that day. He still spent all that time helping me try on helmets and goggles.
The SMITH Liberty in Medium was so freaking comfortable, and the Squad S goggles felt great, too. That was an actual fitting. I haven’t tested that setup on the mountain.
Read the whole Mountain Chalet story and my thank-you to Jim.
Planning · Dates pending
October 19, 2026: Monarch introduced me to the Surf Hotel
I asked whether it made more sense to do the two lesson days back-to-back or split them up. They’re two half-day lessons, with room to practice afterward.
Monarch also introduced me to the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista. They’ve asked me for dates so they can check availability. I’d prefer weekdays, and I want time to explore while I’m there. I’ve now proposed flexible weekday options, and I’m waiting on availability and the hotel terms. Nothing is booked.
Requested · Not confirmed
October 22, 2026: Pink helmet, obviously
I picked the color I want: Matte Pink Frost. I asked SMITH about the Liberty Mips in Medium, the Squad S setup Jim recommended, and which goggle frame colors are available. I also asked for the Seirus mitts in Small.
SMITH and Seirus have offered to help with gear, and I’m grateful. The specific setup I’ve asked for and the shipment are still waiting on confirmation.
Considering · Not tested
October 22, 2026: Pink turtle pads have entered the chat
And now I’m looking at a pink Junkin set with one big turtle for my butt and two matching knee turtles. Of course this belongs in the diary.
I haven’t ordered or tried them. They’re on the considering list while I figure out the fit, how they work with the rest of my gear, and whether my instructor is okay with them. I’m not calling a cute plush turtle proven protection.
What I have, what’s offered, and what’s still a question
- Already mine: the holographic snowsuit. I still need to check its fit with my layers and its suitability for mountain weather.
- Monarch has offered: five lift days, five rental days and two adult group lessons. I still need dates and the exact rental/check-in details.
- Requested from SMITH and Seirus: the pink Liberty Mips helmet, Squad S goggles and Small mitts. The selected setup and shipping are not confirmed.
- Considering: the pink turtle pads. Not purchased, received or tested.
- Still checking: what layers, socks and other practical gear I already have, plus wrist guards that work with my mitts. I’m checking the gaps before turning this into a shopping spree.
The next real entry comes when something actually happens: the gear arrives, the dates get confirmed, or I finally show up for that first lesson.