If you're considering taking up snowboarding, one of the questions you might be asking is: How do people afford it? Is snowboarding an expensive sport? There are several options, including buying new gear or renting on-resort. In this article, we'll cover a few ways to save money while still enjoying the sport.
Renting Off-resort
If you're planning a snowboarding vacation away from the mountains or just want to learn snowboarding itself, you may want to consider renting snowboarding equipment. Most ski resorts have large rental fleets and can provide you with the proper equipment for your trip. Rental equipment is convenient and will eliminate the need to carry bulky equipment. It will also allow you to return the equipment if necessary. Just make sure to book early because rental departments can get very busy, especially during the weekends.
Buying a Snowboard
When buying a snowboard, you need to look for a shop that specializes in snowboarding. This type of store has a wide selection and sells reputable brands. Avoid big sporting goods stores, which tend to carry unknown brands and uninformed salespeople. In addition, it's best to buy from a store where you can try out the board before buying.
If you're new to snowboarding, you might want to buy a softer board that is suited to beginner riders. On the other hand, if you're heavier and want a stiffer board, you'll want to buy a more rigid board that offers more stability and edge control. Also, the mounting system on a snowboard will vary depending on brand and model. Some snowboards have proprietary mounting systems, while others have universal plates.
Earning Turns
Earning turns when snowboarding requires control over the toe and heel edges of your snowboard. Practicing the skill requires falling many times before you can successfully link turns. In order to achieve this, practice pressing your weight on your front foot and rear foot while rotating your knee. Once you get the hang of it, you can convince your friends to push you to link turns.
Saving Money on Lift Tickets
Buying lift tickets in advance and online can save you a ton of money. Some resorts offer discounts as late as midnight on the day before. You can also look for a bundle deal and discounts for students, seniors, and military members. These savings will help you spend less on your trip while enjoying the sport you love.
Discount season passes can save you as much as 30% on your lift ticket. You can even save up to 25 percent on 10 lift tickets with one Epic or Ikon season pass. These passes are great if you are traveling with a large group. Whether you want to take the entire family or just a couple of friends to the mountain, these passes are a great way to save money on lift tickets.
Renting a Vehicle
It is best to rent a vehicle that is equipped for driving on snow. It is also important to make sure that the vehicle has winter tires for safe travel. Some credit cards may cover rental costs. However, you should make sure that you have a good insurance policy. Snowy roads require a bit of patience. However, the reward is worth it once you've had a chance to enjoy the fun winter activities.