Ready to hit the slopes this winter and save some cash?
Snowboarding is an amazing sport. It’s why millions of people enjoy hitting the slopes each winter. But here’s the problem…
The upfront cost of all the gear can easily run $700 to $1,500 and more. And that’s before you even know if snowboarding is your thing.
Leasing snowboard equipment is the solution.
Seasonal leasing allows beginners to dip their toes into the sport without a massive financial commitment. You get quality gear and the flexibility to upgrade if you want. Plus, the peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with equipment that doesn’t suit your style.
But wait, there’s more…
Parents with kids who grow faster than weeds can thank their lucky stars for junior seasonal lease for ski and snowboard gear. No more buying new boots every season or dealing with boards that are too small.
Equipment Leasing Explained:
- Leasing options
- Real costs
- Pros and cons
- Gear you need
- Best lease programs
What Is Equipment Leasing?
Leasing snowboard equipment is NOT the same as renting…
Renting gear for the day means exactly what it sounds like – equipment that you use on a single day and return. Leasing (aka seasonal leasing) is reserving snowboard equipment for an entire season.
Rentals have become a huge business. The ski rental industry will reach $310.6 million in 2024.
Leasing is no joke either. The increasing demand for equipment leasing services for snow sports is a testament to the sport’s popularity.
Here’s how it works:
You pay one upfront fee (usually between $99-$400) and own the gear for the entire season. Most seasonal lease programs include free exchanges and maintenance coverage.
Pretty sweet, huh?
Costs Explained
The costs for snowboarding equipment can add up quickly. So here’s the real talk on numbers.
Renting equipment by the day typically costs $30-100 per day. That works out if you plan on hitting the slopes just 3-5 times in a season. But what if you go a 6th time?
Watch the numbers flip-flop.
If you pay $50 per day to rent equipment and snowboard 10 days in a season, that’s $500 of your hard-earned cash gone. A seasonal lease for the same period can be $200-300. That’s a few hundred bucks saved.
And when it comes to kids’ equipment? The savings are even more dramatic. Most junior leases start at $99 for the entire season.
Seasonal Leasing vs Renting vs Buying
If you’re a beginner, this part can be super confusing.
Each option has a time and place, but knowing when to use each can save you money and a headache.
Leasing Equipment
Ideal for: 6+ times a season riders and families with kids
Seasonal leasing is where you pay up front for equipment that you keep for the entire season. Gear changes from day to day are hard on muscle memory.
The big perk? No maintenance headaches. You won’t need to worry about sharpening, waxing, or dings. Most lease programs include all of this.
Renting
Ideal for: Testing the waters and 1-5 days per year
Rentals are great for first-timers not sure they like the sport. There’s no big commitment, no storage hassle, and you can try different gear each day.
Rental quality can be a gamble though.
Buying
Ideal for: Experienced snowboarders who know their style and ride 10+ days per season.
Buying is a no-brainer if you know your style and plan on hitting the slopes regularly for years to come. Over multiple seasons the cost per day of your gear drops significantly. But, that initial outlay is steep.
Snowboard Equipment Checklist
Don’t overthink it.
As a beginner, you need these five things:
- Snowboard – Sized correctly for your height and weight
- Bindings – Connect your boots to the board
- Boots – The single most important piece of equipment
- Helmet – Safety first, people
- Goggles – Shields eyes from snow and sun glare
All the above is typically included in a lease program.
Here’s the important part: Your boots are everything. Mediocre board but great boots beats high-end board and awful boots every time. The best lease programs spend time fitting your boots.
Best Lease Programs For Beginners
It’s rare to find two snowboard lease programs that are identical.
The best lease programs provide some standard benefits.
Free exchanges during the season – Kids grow. Adults change their minds. Free exchange allows you to swap out gear during the season.
Maintenance included – Waxing, edge care, and minor repairs should be part of the program. Service costs can be $50-100 per season.
Upgrade options – As you improve, you’ll want to upgrade your equipment. Leasing programs that allow for mid-season upgrades help you progress.
Try local ski shops first. They often run better programs than resort rental shops and have more knowledgeable staff. Independent snowboard shops typically provide more personalized service and may have demo programs available.
Deciding Which Is Right For You
So what’s the right choice?
Complete beginners should rent for a few days to ensure they enjoy the sport, ideally pairing their first days on the slopes with professional instruction from established ski schools such as Skischule Arlberg to build confidence and proper technique from the start.
Once you’re hooked (and you will be), switch to a seasonal lease for season two.
Families with kids make sense in just about all scenarios. While young snowboarder participation has declined to 34% in recent years, those who remain with the sport find leasing solves many of the logistical and financial obstacles.
Be honest about your likely usage. If you live within 1 hour of a mountain, you’ll likely ride 10+ times. A single week-long trip makes daily rentals more attractive.
Buying your own gear involves maintenance, storage, transportation, and risk of damage. Leasing all but eliminates that headache.
Final Thoughts
Leasing snowboard equipment takes away the biggest hurdle for beginners, the large up-front cost.
You get quality equipment that’s been maintained and waxed properly. The ability to change things up if you find you don’t like a piece of equipment. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re not gambling hundreds of dollars on a sport you may not continue with.
For the cost of 3-5 rental days you can lease for an entire season.
Winter is just around the corner. Take the time to find a good lease program, get fitted properly, and get ready to try one of the most exhilarating sports around.
The mountains are calling.
