Everything to Know About the Cost of Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a fun and exciting sport, but it can cost you a fortune. So if you have decided to hit the slopes for the first time, it can be difficult for you to decide which things to buy and especially the costs.

The cost of snowboarding fluctuates and depends on your needs and skill level. The average total cost of basic snowboarding gear is around $1300, which buys you: A snowboard, bindings, boots, goggles, gloves, clothing, and underwear. A professional snowboard can cost between $400 and $1000.

Gear	Price
Snowboard	$300
Bindings	$150
Boots	$200
Gloves	$100
Goggles	$100
Pants	$120
Jacket	$250
Socks (x2)	$40
Thermal shirt + pants	$100
Total	$1360

Here is a guide to everything you should know about the cost of snowboarding, and how to save a few bucks. My main advice to beginners would be to buy used gear, it will save you a ton of money.

How Much Does The Average Snowboard Cost?

Snowboarding is a fun, exciting winter sport, but it can be an expensive sport as well, especially when you’re a beginner and you still have to buy all your stuff. There are a couple of things to consider before choosing a snowboard and snowboarding gear. These things include your body size, budget, performance level, physical characteristics, riding style, skill level (professional or beginner), and many more.

So, what is the price of an average snowboard? Well, the cost depends on several aspects:

• Material
• Design
• Riding level
• Length, etc

There are many options to choose from; finding a perfect snowboard that suits your needs and budget can be a bit of an overwhelming process.

Expect to pay $400 minimum for an average snowboard. Always go for a snowboard that offers a combination of stability and ease of turning with a nice medium-soft flex.

Why Is Snowboarding So Expensive?

Snowboarding is an incredibly thrilling and popular winter sport but also known for being an expensive activity. You can’t just go down the slope without the right gear that protects you from the cold, and let’s not forget, you’ll need a snowboard for snowboarding! 

Before you can even begin, you’ll need to buy the right equipment like boots, safety gear, a snowboard, and the right clothing. However, there’ll also be other expenses such as accommodation, traveling to the resort, food and drink prices during the stay, and ski lift passes. Let’s have a detailed look at these expenses:

Right Clothing and Equipment

One of the biggest expenses is the specialist equipment and the right clothing you’ll need for snowboarding. However, buying essential equipment is an excellent investment in the long run. Snowboard equipment for beginners include:

• Snowboard
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Bindings
• Helmet

Right clothing includes:

• Snowboard Jersey, Jacket or Top
• Snowboard Pants
• Under layers and Socks

Accommodation

Accommodation is also one of the factors that make snowboarding expensive. Staying for a multi-night trip adds expenses to your budget, whether it’s Airbnb or a five-star hotel. However, hotels’ cost fluctuates depending on the time of year you’re traveling and of course, if you book a two or four-star hotel or apartment.

Food and Drinks During Stay

Food and drinks during your stay also add expenses to your snowboarding trip. Keep in mind that everything will be more expensive in high-season than in low season, including food.

Snowboarding Lessons

If you’re a beginner, you may want to take a few lessons before actually going up a mountain by yourself. Actually, we recommend taking at least a couple of lessons if you are a newbie.

You can choose between group lessons or private lessons. Group lessons are mostly cheaper than private lessons. Most resorts offer group or private lessons as a package together with a rental and ski lift package. If you buy lessons separately, be prepared to pay $20 to $50 for a group lesson and anywhere between $70 and $ 500 (or even more) for a private lesson. 

Is It Worth It to Buy a Snowboard?

Snowboarding is an expensive winter sport, so most people end up renting a snowboard rather than buying one. If you are a beginner, then you might have doubts about buying or renting a snowboard. There are pros and cons to both options.

In our opinion, it is better to buy a snowboard instead of renting it. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of renting and buying a snowboard:

Pros of Buying a Snowboard

Following are the benefits of buying a snowboard rather than renting:

• You learn to snowboard more consistently because you have the same snowboard every time you ride.
• You don’t have to go to the rental shop every time you plan to go snowboarding.
• You have a better option to buy a snowboard that suits your ability.
• You can select a snowboard considering your style – freestyle or professional.
• You can research and get the proper size and shape according to your physique.

Cons of Buying a Snowboard

Following are the cons of buying a snowboard rather than renting:

• A good-quality snowboard is expensive, so if you have a low budget, a rental could be the better option for you.

Pros of Renting a Snowboard

Following are the benefits of renting a snowboard:

• You can try a different type of snowboard and find out which suits you best before buying one.
• A rental can be a cheaper option for you if you have a small budget.

Cons of Renting a Snowboard

Following are the cons of renting a snowboard:

• You always need to visit a rental shop before you go on your snowboarding trip.
• Renting a snowboard costs more in the long run.
• The choice of a good-quality snowboard is often limited.
• You may get the wrong sized snowboard or a board that doesn’t entirely fit your needs, affecting the boarding.

How Much Does a Used Snowboard Cost?

If you are not willing to buy a brand new snowboard, then you can always go for a used snowboard. A used snowboard can cost half of the original price of a new snowboard. For instance, if a new snowboard costs $600, you can buy the same used snowboard for $300 or maybe less if you’re lucky.

But before buying a used snowboard, there are some tips on buying a used snowboard.

If you are looking to save money, buying a used snowboard is a good option. But before making the final decision, we recommend you always check the board for any damage or even damage beyond repair. Here’s what to look for when buying a used snowboard:

1. Damaged or Cracked Sidewalls

Always check the board along the sidewalls and check that there are no vertical cracks on them. If a snowboard has many vertical cracks along the sidewalls, it isn’t easy to repair.

2. Sidewalls separating from the top sheet

Do check that there is no gap between the sidewalls and the edge. Don’t forget this, as this is an important check to see that there are no small holes for water to get in and start soaking in the core of the snowboard.

3. Damaged Core  

A damaged core can be tricky to find in a used snowboard. Take a good look at the board in the light, preferably daylight, and look for tiny bumps or cracks, especially outside the bindings on the nose and tail. An easy way to check if a core is damaged is either to look at the board at an angle in bright (day)light or run your hand over the top sheet and feel for any inconsistencies.

4. Damaged or Cracked Edges

If you are buying a used snowboard, then have a good look at the edges. Check if they have vertical cracks, especially in the middle of the board, where it would have taken the most impact on rails. Feel with your fingers if any cracks are raised.

If you can feel the cracks but are not visible, use them as a negotiation point for a lower price.

5. Damaged base, scratches, and core shots

Scratches and core shots in the boards’ base can be easily fixed, so if a used snowboard has these minor damages, you don’t need to worry about it.

6. Spit top sheets

A spilled top sheet is also minor damage that can be easily repaired at home or a repair shop.

The Hidden Costs of Snowboarding

The cost of snowboarding depends upon various variables, as we discussed above. Most people only consider the cost of snowboard and gear. They have no idea about snowboarding’s hidden costs like accommodation, food and travel, clothing, ski pass/lift fees, and other essential equipment. Let’s find out the hidden costs of snowboarding;

Snowboard Bindings

Snowboarding bindings add cost to your snowboarding experience. Find snowboard bindings that fit your boots and are also compatible with your snowboard.

Snowboard Boots

Snowboard boots are an important part of your snowboarding gear. Find out the just-right fit for you to prevent painful feet, bad grip, or cold feet.

Mitten or Gloves

Always look for mittens or gloves with waterproof material. When your hands are in the snow, please treat them with some warmth. The snow fun will last much longer with warm hands!

Snowboard base and layers

Snowboard base and layers are worn underneath the jacket and pants. While being in the snow, proper layering is essential to keep your body warm. Try to avoid cotton fabric clothing because they are neither waterproof nor breathable.

Why Is Snowboarding Gear So Expensive?

Snowboarding gear is so expensive because of its high quality and durability for extreme outdoor temperatures and activities. Trust me, in these cold weather conditions, you don’t want to compromise quality over warmth and protection.

You want durability, dependability, and comfortable material that keeps you warm in the snow. Snowboarding gear is made up of specialized technology and materials designed to protect you and keep you having full all day or night long. 

For instance, let’s talk about snowboard jackets. Snowboard jackets have four basic materials:

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Microfibers
• Gore-Tex

These materials altogether provide various features like waterproof rating, breathability rating, and are windproof. All these qualities make snowboard jackets expensive but necessary items.

How Much Does Snowboarding Gear Cost?

For beginners, here’s a range of suitable snowboards and gear depending upon the protection they provide. The cost of a good-quality snowboard from a good, reliable snowboarding brand will be anywhere from $400 to $1000.

Snowboarding Boots

After you’ve bought a snowboard, you will need snowboarding boots. You can find a decent pair of snowboarding boots for as little as $50 to $60. More high-end boots will be in the $200 $300 range. Snowboard boots are an essential part of your gear. Find out the right fit for you.

Snowboard Base and Layers

Don’t forget the clothing to wear underneath your snowboarding pants and jacket. While being outside in the snow, even if you’re riding down the mountain, proper layering is essential to keep your body warm. Especially when you’re not riding, you can cool down fast. Just avoid cotton fabric because they are neither waterproof nor breathable. The base layer clothing will cost you around $150.

Helmet, Goggles, and Gloves

Another important thing you need is a helmet. We recommend not to save money on a helmet because safety and your health is the most important thing. So be prepared to spend at least $200 for a good-quality helmet.

When going snowboarding, you’ll need goggles as well. Decent goggles are on the market for around $100. Gloves are also essential when snowboarding in the cold. Gloves or mittens will costs you about $100. Always look for mittens or gloves with waterproof material. You really don’t want wet gloves in freezing snowboarding conditions.

So, if you want to invest in good-quality snowboarding equipment that will last years, you’ll probably be spending at least $800 to get a new snowboard with bindings, boots, and a helmet.

What Snowboard Gear Should You Buy First?

Your first snowboarding experience can be exciting and daunting at the same time, so good preparation is key. A checklist of gear will help you out to ensure that you are ready to hit the slopes. But what to buy first?

Here is a list of equipment that you should purchase before your snowboarding trip, make sure to cheak out different snowboard brands and learn what they offer.

1. Snowboard and Bindings

Snowboard and Bindings are essential to buy first for your snowboarding experience. There are three different types of boards available on the market:

1. All Mountain Snowboard
2. Freestyle Snowboard
3. Alpine Snowboard

We can’t tell you which board is right for you. Each type of board has its own unique features. You can buy depending on what style you want to try your weight, length, and preference. Usually, beginners prefer Freestyle boards, as they are shorter and easier to control for the first time.

Snowboard bindings come with the snowboard. The bindings help in fastening your boots to the board. These bindings have different sizes, so choose one that fits your snowboard and boots.

2. Snowboard Boots

After buying your board and bindings, the second thing to choose is boots. Snowboard boots connect you to your board through the bindings. Snowboard boots come in regular shoe sizes, but sizes may vary among different companies, so if you intent to buy online, make sure you’ve tried them on in a shop first. The snowboard boots must be a perfect fit for you, not too tight, so they can cause any restriction or too loose. 

3. Snowboard Socks

Third on your list of what to buy first is socks. Snowboard socks are essential because cold feet will quickly ruin your day. Thin, synthetic socks work best since your boots are already insulated. Please don’t use too thick socks as they will warm up your feet too much, making them sweaty. However, snowboarders prefer long socks so that their skin does not rub against the boosts. If you wear shorter socks, they could irritate you.

4. Snowboard Helmet

Protecting your head from the cold breeze or getting hurt when you fall is most important when planning to go snowboarding. We recommend you always protect your head by wearing a snowboard helmet. Safety first!

5. Snowboard Jacket and Pants

No snowboarding adventure without a warm jacket and pants. A good-quality snowboard jacket and pants have wind and waterproof outer shell. Choose a breathable snowboard jacket.

You will sweat during your snowboard ride, and while in the mountains, the weather and temperature might change quickly, so having a snowboard jacket that can control temperature is highly recommended. A good jacket also helps in feeling comfortable all day, which allows you to have more fun for a longer time.

Like a snowboard jacket, the pants also need to be weather-proof and breathable. If your body touches the snow, waterproof snowboard pants prevent you from getting wet and cold due to their waterproof technology.

6. Base and Mid Layers

Next on your list of essential gear should be base layer clothing. Base and mid-layers are what you wear underneath your snowboard jacket and pants. These base layers are really important to keep your body warm as they directly contact the skin.

Avoid base and mid-layers made up of cotton products because they are not breathable neither waterproof. We recommend choosing synthetic materials or wool – both are effective with absorbing moisture and maintain a moderate body temperature.

Add mid-layers on the top of the base if the weather is too cold. This will give your body extra warmth.

7. Snowboard Gloves

Snowboard gloves are also an essential part of snowboarding gear. The gloves must be insulated and waterproof so that your hands don’t get wet and freeze off when being outside in the snow or cold.

8. Snowboard Goggles

Last but not least, goggles. When riding down the slope, you’ll feel cold, icy wind hitting your face. Therefore, goggles are an essential part of your snowboarding gear. They protect your eyes and a big part of your face from the cold wind while riding your snowboard. Also, when you’re riding down the mountain, it might be possible that snow or small particles fly against your face, so snowboard goggles also protect you against these particles.

Is It Cheaper to Ski or Snowboard?

There’s hardly any difference in terms of costs between skiing and snowboarding. Both skiing and snowboarding require almost the same costs for lessons (lift)tickets.

However, snowboarding is somewhat cheaper than skiing because snowboarding does not require poles and skies to rent or buy, only a snowboard, bindings, and boots.

Skiers have to rent or buy skis, poles, boots, bindings, and, on top of that, ski equipment is a bit more complicated than snowboarding equipment, so, therefore, a bit more expensive. But again, the difference in costs between the two sports is minimal.

Conclusion

Snowboarding is an awesome, fun, and exciting sport. However, if you’re a newcomer to this sport, you can’t avoid spending some money before you can hit the slopes. Whether you have a big budget or a small budget, you can buy, borrow, or rent the essential gear to begin your boarding adventure. Go out there, have fun, and be safe!