Why is Snowboarding So Expensive? & What You Can Do About It
Some sports are cheap to do, others aren’t. Sadly, snowboarding is the latter. It’s not a cheap hobby, and there are several reasons for that. So, why is it so expensive, and can you have a snowboarding trip without breaking the bank?
Snowboarding is expensive due to a mix of the amount of equipment you need, the clothing you require to keep warm, snowboarding passes, and also accommodation/travel costs. It all adds up to a lot of money.
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While that’s true, there are plenty of ways to make it affordable. Let’s take a look into a little more detail of why it’s expensive while also looking at ways you can save. Let’s go!
Why is Snowboarding So Expensive?
It is no secret that you can have an immense amount of fun during the snow season. Snowboarding offers an amazingly unique experience as the thrill you feel while sliding on the snow is impossible to put into words.
While many people appreciate and enjoy snowboarding, it can be especially daunting for newcomers. And it’s not just the actual fear of sliding at high speeds down a slope. It is the investment cost that you have to pay to even give it a try.
You can rack up quite a bill considering you have to buy the snowboard, equipment, and clothes. This is not even speaking about the price of actually going to a resort that provides the opportunity to snowboard and pay the bills of staying there. Accommodation and food is always at a premium near ski resorts.
These resorts are not known for their cheap cost of living, especially the more luxurious places. Unfortunately, not everyone has a large mountain in their yard with prepared snowboarding slopes together with a lift that can take you to the peak.
Because of that, for most, it simply isn’t an option to experience the sport without spending at least some money. So how can you spend as little as possible to go out and have fun?
What Do You Actually Need To Snowboard?
One of the main reasons why snowboarding is expensive is all the gear and clothing that you require. It won’t do to just slide down the snow on your bum if you don’t have an actual snowboard.
Besides the snowboard, you also need a bunch of other stuff, including bindings, boots, gloves, goggles, helmets, pants, jackets, socks, thermal shirts, and pants. A snowboard is good, but you won’t get far without appropriate winter clothing.
After all, you are going to be spending at least a couple of hours out in the cold snowy mountains. Before even thinking of getting a snowboard, you need to make sure you can actually handle the cold.
Now if you want to get all this equipment it can cost altogether around $1,000 at a minimum, probably more. This number can fluctuate depending on many factors which can include if you are buying brand new gear or used gear, where are you buying it, at what time of the year, inflation, etc.
This price tag can rise rapidly, especially if you are looking at professional snowboards which can cost up to $1,000 on their own.
How to Save on Snowboard Equipment?
The first thing you should consider if you are on a tight budget is buying used equipment. You can easily find used snowboards and everything you need with them on resale websites for a good price.
Naturally, there is the drawback of your gear already being used and perhaps a bit damaged or in a bad shape. You have to be careful to not get scammed and buy some flimsy board that will break in a second. If you are not willing to buy used equipment there are still options left.
First of all, you could just go ahead and buy what you need at a store. There are often discounts on stuff left over from the previous season and you might get lucky. It is also a good idea to buy your gear in your town or online before you go to a skiing resort.
While there are always plenty of stores selling all kinds of things you might need on the slopes at the resort, they will always be more expensive due to it being holiday destination. Of course, most things will be more expensive than usual there.
If you are just a beginner who wants to give snowboarding a try and not have to commit massive sums of money, you always have the option of renting it out from the skiing resort you are going to.
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This is a great idea if you are not planning on regularly going snowboarding as this allows you to make a very small investment. It also helps if you don’t want to haul around a massive and unwieldy snowboard with you as you travel.
Accommodations and the Resort
Getting your gear is one expenditure but unless you are planning to go snowboarding out in the wild you are also probably planning on going to a skiing resort where infrastructure for living is already in place.
This will naturally require extensive planning if you want to save money. Staying for a week in a 5-star hotel is probably something you should avoid. You should check through all the available accommodations and choose something that fits within your budget.
Furthermore, you should keep in mind that a lot of the dining options at resorts are restaurants which can be very expensive as well. Lastly, you will also have to get a ski pass to be able to use lifts that go up on the mountain.
These can also get quite expensive, costing hundreds of dollars. On top of that, you should be considering travel expenditures. Most people do not have the luxury of living next to a resort.
As such you have to plan your trip via some kind of transportation, be it a car, plane, or something else. These add on even more costs on top of an already expensive endeavor.
As with almost everything we buy, you are also likely to get savings by booking in advance. Don’t wait until the month before you go to book your snowboarding vacation.
It’s also a good idea to avoid booking at peak times. The times you want to avoid saving money are Christmas and the school holidays. Usually, early December (weather permitting), January (post-Christmas/New Year lull), and the end of the ski season (March/April) are the best times to find great deals.
Just remember to avoid these three resorts that ban snowboarders.
FAQs
Is Snowboarding More Expensive Than Skiing?
In general, snowboarding and skiing are not that different when it comes to price. On average snowboarding is slightly cheaper than skiing. This is because skiing requires more gear which naturally drives up the cost.
Do You Need Snowboard Lessons?
It is absolutely recommended to take snowboarding lessons if you are just starting out. If not, you will have a hard time learning. Even worse you could pick up bad habits that will lessen your enjoyment. Even if you have been snowboarding for a while you could still take lessons to learn new techniques.
Is Snowboarding for the Rich?
Snowboarding is definitely not light on the purse. Despite this, it is not only affordable for the rich. While most people probably can’t afford to go to a ski resort every other month, it is something you can save up for as a special holiday. Skiing resorts are always packed during the peak of the winter season with people eager to hit the slopes.
Planning Your Next Snowboarding Trip
It is true that going on snowboarding can be expensive. But despite this, there are plenty of things you can do to make it affordable such as planning out your trip during the low season when there are fewer people together with smaller prices.
You definitely do not want to miss out on the thrill you experience while snowboarding because it is unlike anything else you have tried in your life.
Besides snowboarding, just taking a break with your friends and family at a resort will leave you with unforgettable memories. All in all, snowboarding is definitely worth the price tag and you should check it out when you have the chance.