Snowboarding is so expensive because you have to have all the necessary equipment to go riding. Lift tickets and season passes also add to the cost. You can save money by buying used gear and looking for out-of-season discounts.
I’m a lifelong snowboarder who gets out in the snow as often as possible. I also like to save money and know how expensive snowboarding can be. I’ve learned a few good ways to cut down on riding costs over the years.
This post will explain some of the reasons why snowboarding is so expensive. Even though some of these are unavoidable, I’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you save money.
Let’s get riding and start saving.
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Why is Snowboarding So Expensive?
Just about every snowboarder I have ever been on the mountain with has complained about how expensive it is at some point. And the cost of riding keeps increasing just about every single year.
But why is this?
The main reasons snowboarding is so expensive are because of the equipment you need to ride and the cost of accessing the lifts at the resort.
You need a snowboard, boots, and bindings to ride. There is no way around this. And getting all of this equipment is not cheap. High-end gear can quickly run you $1000 or more, and even if you rent, you might pay $80 to $100 a day.
And then there’s the cost of actually getting on the mountain. Some of the top resorts I’ve been to now charge over $200 a day to get on the slopes!! That’s more than a season pass cost when I was a kid.
You also need to consider any travel costs if you don’t live near a resort. Plane tickets, gas, and lodging all factor into the equation and drive the price of snowboarding ever skyward.
How to Save Money on Snowboarding
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to save money on snowboarding. While there really isn’t a way to ride for free, you can cut down on costs with a bit of savvy.
First off, consider buying used equipment or gear from a previous season. You can find used snowboards and bindings on popular resale sites, and shops often sell previous season models at a discounted rate.
Also, you never want to wait until the day you go riding to buy a lift ticket. If you purchase a ticket ahead of time, you will pay a lot less than buying it at the counter right before you want to hit the slopes.
Buying a season pass is the way to save money if you plan on riding more than a few times a season. Passes can cost $500 to $1000, but you can see how much money can be saved with unlimited riding.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relating to the cost of snowboarding and how to save money.
Is snowboarding an expensive hobby?
Snowboarding can be an expensive hobby, especially if you don’t go very often. The main costs involved with the sport are getting equipment and access to the lifts on the resort. These two factors can easily be over $1000.
Is snowboarding more expensive than skiing?
This depends on the type of equipment you use. You can typically find snowboard gear for cheaper than skiing gear, but that’s not always the case. Snowboarding and skiing are both pretty expensive and have similar costs.
How much should a beginner spend on a snowboard?
You can get a pretty good beginner setup for around $500 or less. But if you only plan on riding a few times and don’t want to purchase a complete setup, rentals usually run about $50 to $80 a day. As a beginner, I wouldn’t spend more than $600 on a board, boots, and bindings.
Final Thoughts
The cost of snowboarding is one of my least favorite things about the sport. But there is so much to like that I don’t mind paying money to pursue one of the best winter activities you can do.
If you want to save some money, keep the tips and suggestions in this article in mind the next time you’re headed to the mountain.
About Lorraine