What should you plan to spend for your first time snowboarding?

Looking for a great new winter sport to take up this year? Snowboarding is an exhilarating and accessible activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. As with any sport, there are startup costs to consider before you can hit the powder. Let’s break down the equipment and clothing needed to get started with snowboarding, and how much you should plan to spend:

How much does it cost to start snowboarding?

The startup costs for snowboarding can be intimidating if you aren’t already engaging in winter recreational activities. Like all winter sports, snowboarding requires wearing weather appropriate clothing and gear for both comfort and safety. Additionally, you need a snowboard and specialized boots.

Clothing and equipment costs can add up, but when you’re just starting out, you don’t have to buy the most expensive gear. As a beginner, you can start off with an affordable item and then later upgrade once you’re more comfortable with the sport and become familiar with what works best for you. 

If you’re visiting a resort, you can rent equipment including the snowboard, bindings, and boots. However, if you know that you want to take up snowboarding as a hobby, it’s a great idea to purchase your own. By purchasing, you’ll ensure a correct fit and a more comfortable ride.

Keep in mind that you can always save by shopping sales. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you may already have some of the essential items like googles, gloves, and base and mid layer clothing. If you’re ready to get serious about snowboarding, what’s most important is having, comfortable, well-fitting gear that keeps you warm and well-protected out on the mountain.

Beginner Snowboard Gear

Beginner snowboarders may be intimidated by the gear that’s needed to get started in the sport, and the associated costs. However, once you break it down, you’ll end up with quality clothing and equipment that can be used outdoors all winter long. There’s no need to go with the most expensive options when you’re a beginner. Here are the essential items you need as an entry-level snowboarder:

• Snowboard
• Bindings
• Boots
• Pants
• Goggles
• Helmet
• Gloves

Read on to find out more about how much you should plan to spend on these items, as well as some of the best beginner options at affordable prices.

Good Beginner Snowboards

Choosing a snowboard is one of the most intimidating and painstaking parts of getting your gear together. With so many options out there today, you may feel pressure to pick the perfect board. The best beginner snowboard is one that is ideally suited for your ability level, so don’t simply settle for one based on design or price.

As a novice, you need an entry-level board that helps you feel stable, balanced, and capable of turning with ease. Getting the hang of controlling your board, making turns, and being playful in the park takes some time. Cheap beginner snowboards help you get comfortable riding without costing you a lot. 

There are 3 main types of snowboards:

• All-mountain – good performance anywhere on the mountain
• Freestyle – designed for tricks and jumps
• Alpine – race style board

Snowboards may look simple and similar in design, but there’s actually a lot to consider when choosing, beyond the type. Here are the features to keep in mind when shopping for the best beginner snowboard:

Camber Profile & Rocker Profile

The camber profile is the convex shape of the board when it’s on its side. It’s essentially like an arch in the board, with the rocker being a concave shape. Boards come in different camber & rocker profiles, which affects the way that a rider can move the board. These profiles are better suited for beginners:

• Hybrid Camber

A good choice for novice riders as the board is usually softer and allows turns to feel more intuitive. The only downside is that the lighter feel can give beginners less sense of control over the board.

• Flat/Rocker

This type offers more stability in the feel of the board for new riders. The camber section is underfoot while the rocker is on the tips, making turn initiation easier and reducing the likelihood of catching an edge.

Turn Initiation

For beginners, turning should be as easy as possible to help you progress and build confidence on the board. 

Board Size

As a beginner, you’ll likely want to go with a smaller board that’s about 3 to 5 centimeters shorter than a standard board. You also need the right size for your height and weight.

Recommended Beginner Snowboards

When purchasing a beginner snowboard, plan to spend anywhere from $200 to $400.

YES Basic Snowboard

The YES Basic is a versatile freestyle board. The softer flex makes it well suited to park riding but it performs well on the mountain, too. The turn initiation is quick and easy. It’s a forgiving board for beginners who are getting adjusted to making moves in all kinds of conditions.

Capita Horrorscope

This board is sturdy, easy to maintain, and great for park riding, jibbing, and performing tricks. Fast turn initiation with a wide platform, provides stability. It’s also at an affordable price point for beginners.

Roxy Sugar Rocker

A women’s snowboard with a hybrid camber profile, the Roxy Sugar Rocker is beginner-friendly. It’s great for freestyle or big terrain. It makes for easy riding, helping give newbies a confidence boost on any terrain.

To read more about how much a snowboard should cost read our deep dive.

Best Beginner Snowboard Bindings

Bindings are what fasten your boots to your board. There are a few different types, including the most common, strap in bindings, as well as rear entry bindings, and Burton step on bindings. The best snowboard bindings for beginners should have a soft flex, easy entry and exit, and provide good boot support with comfort.

Plan on spending anywhere from $150 to $250 for snowboard bindings.

Burton Custom

The Burton Custom bindings are great for riding on any terrain and offer a soft flex. The lightweight and bomb-proof baseplate features ergonomically canted zero-lean hi-back with MicroFLAD. The performance quality is excellent for the lower price point.

Burton Freestyle

These smooth flexing bindings have universal compatibility with all current snowboard mounting systems. They’re lightweight with soft straps and cushioning for comfort and flexibility.

Burton Citizen Women’s

The learning-friendly flex of these bindings make them an affordable option for beginners. With the Flex FullBED cushioning system provides maximum comfort to help keep you from feeling fatigued. Enjoy consistent response and comfort on any terrain.

Best Beginner Snowboard Boots

Your snowboard boots will connect to your board with the bindings. For a comfortable fit, it’s best to buy your own boots rather than rent, especially if you’re taking up snowboarding as a recreational sport. When choosing boots, consider:

• Flexibility
• Style of laces 
• Your riding style
• Boot liners
• Overall comfort and fit

Plan on spending anywhere from $100 to $200 for a pair of beginner snowboard boots.

Burton Invader

With a soft flex tongue and traditional lacing, the Burton Invader offers total comfort. Traditional laces allow you to get a custom fit and feel. Avoid the break-in period with these snow-proof boots at an affordable price.

Burton Ruler Boa

Combining tech, performance, and comfort, the Burton Ruler Boa boot offers a broken-in feel from the first wear. Feet stay warm and dry with the snow-proof internal gusset. It’s a perfect all-mountain boot for beginners, intermediates, and experts.

DC Phase

These boots have a simple design with a traditional lace closure, providing excellent support and hold. The lightweight outsole offers durability and cushioning, while the memory foam liner made from thermal-regulating fleece gives warmth and comfort.

Beginner Snowboard Package

A smart and affordable option for new snowboarders is to buy a beginner snowboard package. Packages come with a snowboard and bindings, and some also include boots and other accessories. A package with boots will cost more, but you can always buy them separately.

The advantages to buying a snowboard package include less time and hassle finding precisely what you need, in terms of bindings that will fit a board and boots. It can also save you money, since you’re bundling the items together and getting a discount.

Cheap beginner snowboard packages vary in price, but plan to spend at least $200 to $400. 

STAUBER Summit Snowboard & Binding Package

This all-mountain style snowboard set has unique handling qualities, making it well-suited for all levels of riders. It has a twin-directional shape and a camber rocker camber profile. It comes with light-weight STAUBER Dyna snowboard bindings.

Camp Seven Drifter and APX Men’s Complete Snowboard Package

This all-mountain package comes with stylish, durable bindings, a newly designed board, and APX boots with Thermofit heat moldable liners that provide a customized fit. The Drifter snowboard is an all-hybrid design, ensuring that you don’t catch an edge. It comes with a 3 year warranty.

Symbolic Knotty Women’s Complete Snowboard Package

An affordable complete package for women that includes a Symbolic Arctic snowboard, bindings, boots, as well as a face mask, leash, and stomp board. ABS sidewall construction gives this board good edge hold on hard pack and makes it easy to turn. The Flexrite wood core gives the board good response with low vibration. 

Best Beginner Snowboard Goggles

Snowboarding goggles are an important piece of equipment that offer you protection and help you to see well in various conditions. They protect your eyes from UV light, wind, and snow, and they should fit comfortable on your face and with your helmet. When shopping for googles, consider:

• Conditions you typically ride in
• Fit on your face & helmet
• UV protection
• Anti-Fogging

Plan on spending anywhere from $20-$50 for a pair of beginner snowboard goggles.

Alkai Ski & Snowboard Goggles

These performance ski goggles offer 100% UV protection and are anti-fog. The double layer spherical lenses are anti-scratch and impact resistant. A non-slip strap makes it easy to loosen and tighten for ideal adjustment.

Hubo Sports Snow Goggles

Anti-fog and anti-glare, these high performance goggles offer comfort and durability. The interchangeable lens system makes it easy to find the right option for various weather conditions. They offer 100% UV protection.

Disuppo Snowboard Goggles

Compatible with any helmet and designed to be worn over glasses, these anti-fog goggles provide a comfortable fit. A superior ventilation system and ergonomic design balances comfort, warmth, and ventilation.

Best Beginner Snowboard Pants

With so many colors and styles to choose from, it can be easy to pick a pair based on looks. However, snowboard pants are essential for keeping you dry, warm, and comfortable. As a beginner you’ll likely be spending a lot of time on the snow, so staying dry really matters. When it comes to choosing snowboard pants, there are 3 key things to look for:

• Waterproof
• Warmth
• Breathable

Plan on spending anywhere from $50- $200 for a pair of snowboard pants.

Arctix Cargo Pants for Women

Flexible cargo pants with a wind and water resistant outer layer, a breathable moisture wicking layer, and lightweight ThermaTech insulation. Leg pockets make it easy to carry keys, snacks, and other essentials. Reinforced seams at the ankles keeps wind and water out.

Quiksilver Men’s Porter Shell 10k

Made from 100% polyester, these pants have critically tapes seams for dryness and warmth. They’re designed with 10k Quicksilver dry flight waterproofing technology and warm flight insulation.

The North Face Men’s Seymore Pant

These pants have a relaxed fit for flexibility and comfort. Made with ShellDryVent™ 2L fabric that provides a waterproof outer layer and breathable inner layer. Zippered pockets for hand warming.

More Snowboard Gear & Accessories

Helmet

A helmet not only keeps your head warm, it also provides critical protection. Look for a snug fit that’s not too tight. Plan to spend as little as $35 to as much as $300 for a helmet.

Stomp Pad

When getting on and off the lift you need a grippy place to put your foot and maintain control when you are not strapped in. That is where stomp pads come in. Stomp pads attach to the snowboard next to the bindings and give you the control you need to snowboard unstrapped. They also are a fun place for you to customize and express yourself through your snowboard. Check out our list of the best snowboard stomp pads here.

Beanie

Wearing a hat underneath your helmet gives your head an extra layer of warmth that benefits your whole body. Plan to spend around $20 for a quality beanie.

Face Mask

A face mask, neck gaiter/balaclava will help keep the cold wind off of your face and neck while you ride. Plan to spend anywhere from $10-$25. Check out our list of the best neck gaiters/balaclavas for skiing and snowboarding here.

Socks

Snowboard socks need to keep your feet warm and dry. With your feet in boots for hours at a time, it’s important to choose a moisture wicking sock made out of a material like wool or acrylic. A single thin pair is better than wearing thick or multiple socks. Plan to spend $15- $25 for a good pair of snowboard socks.

Wrapping Up

Snowboarding can be an expensive sport to take up, but there are plenty of affordable options for beginners on a budget. As you build your skills, confidence, and comfort level on the board, you can upgrade any of your equipment as needed. Snowboarding costs don’t have to keep you from getting out on the mountain this winter.