Snowboarding is not as accessible as football, soccer, and basketball.
You can’t simply drop $20 on a ball and then head to the local park for a few games.
But it’s not the most expensive sport, either.
It all depends on where you live, what your budget is, and how often you want to snowboard.
How Much Does Snowboarding Cost?
There are a few costs involved with snowboarding.
If you’re buying the equipment yourself, you’ll need to think about all of the following:
- A Snowboard
- Snowboard Boots
- Snowboard Bindings
- A Winter Jacket
- Snowboarding Goggles
- A Helmet
- Snowboarding lessons (important for first-timers)
Even if you opt for the most basic snowboard, it could cost you upwards of $1,000.
And that’s before you factor season passes into the equation.
It also assumes that you live near a ski resort because if you don’t, you’ll need to consider travel costs and accommodation.
Of course, you don’t need your own gear and if you’re a complete beginner snowboarding just a handful of days a year, buying your own snowboarding equipment doesn’t make much sense.
Most ski resorts and shops will charge you between $40 and $100 a day to rent snowboarding gear.
You’ll get all of the essentials and while you don’t get to keep the snowboard equipment, it’s a much cheaper and more preferable option for snowboarders on a budget.
Buying used gear is another good option and sits somewhere in the middle of buying new gear and renting everything.
Depending on the quality of the gear, you could save hundreds of bucks and still get something that will guarantee a good time on the slopes.
Why is Snowboarding So Expensive?
It’s expensive because you need much more than a snowboard.
You must protect yourself against the cold, the wind, and the snow. You’ll also need ski lift tickets and may incur travel costs and accommodation costs.
As noted at the outset of this guide, snowboarding is not the most expensive sport out there and when you consider that the snowboard boots, bindings, goggles, and the snowboard itself will last for years, it’s not even that expensive.
After all, you could get dozens and even hundreds of rides out of that equipment and if you treat it right, it’ll be just as capable 5 years from now.
Most resorts will charge you between $30 and $150, with the cost depending on the location and popularity of the slopes.
But we’re talking about a resort that provides you with a safe and fun experience, as well as one that contains many basic amenities.
$30 is nothing when you consider everything that you get for your money, and if you want to save even more cash, just grab a season pass.
The biggest expense is the accommodation and travel costs.
If you’re in the southern states and you’re traveling to a popular resort in Canada, you’ll have to think about plane tickets, baggage costs, hotels, and food, and if you’re traveling with a family, those costs can spiral out of control pretty quickly.
In such cases, though, you’re not just paying for a snowboarding session, you’re paying for a vacation and the lifetime of memories it will create.
Is it Cheaper to Ski or Snowboard?
Both snowboarding gear and ski gear can be expensive but snowboarding is usually a little cheaper.
You don’t need as much equipment with snowboarding and snowboard boots are usually a little cheaper than ski boots.
Ski lift tickets are also the same price, as skiing and snowboarding occur on the same slopes.
Summary: Is Snowboarding an Expensive Sport?
Snowboarding is expensive. There are no two ways about it.
Sure, it’s not as expensive as some other sports, but when compared to many basic ball sports and street sports, the expense is huge.
There are some ways to save money, though.
Look for closer ski resorts, purchase a season pass, and if you can save on travel and accommodation, do so! Stay with friends, check out Airbnb, take a train instead of a plane.
And before you drop by the local ski shops and buy brand new equipment, check used marketplaces, and look for cheap equipment.
Fortunately, a lot of beginners get excited when preparing for their first snowboard trip.
They splash the cash on a branded snowboard jacket, buy the best snowboard bindings and boots, and after a couple of hours on the slopes, they realize it’s not as easy as it looks and then give up.
When that happens, all of that snowboarding gear hits the market and you can negotiate a great price for it.
