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To ski or snowboard? It’s a choice for the ages. While adults can make the decision all on their own, kids may need a little help. Sure, toddlers may confidently choose one, based solely on what they’re intuitively drawn to, but the challenges associated with each mode of movement may sway them eventually, even with new advances in equipment.
Ultimately, you know your kids best. However, we hope this guide can help you and your child decide whether skiing or snowboarding is right for them.
Should Your Kids Ski or Snowboard? How To Decide
The Balance Factor
Younger children (especially toddlers) have less balance than older children, since they are proportioned differently and are therefore top-heavy. Some experts recommend starting them out on skis, as they likely don’t have the fine motor skills for snowboarding yet. One of those experts is Jon Casson, the coach development manager for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. “Depending on a kid’s physical development, I would say generally between the ages of 6 and 8 is the best time to start snowboarding,” he told OnTheSnow.
While motor skills may play a factor, some small kids may just really want to try snowboarding, and in that case, Casson says to let them. “If I get really little kids and they’re just riding down the hill, I’ll ride in front of them and catch them. They’re not really learning the proper way to turn. But if they’re smiling at the end of the day, who really cares if they turned or not?”
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Ben Boyd has held many positions in snowboard instruction and coaching throughout his career. He is a father of twins. “I had them skiing the first two years. It’s hard for them to ride sideways on the snowboard as they don’t have the balance yet. They have a massive big head which tips them over easily.”
On the topic of balance, Boyd also noted that participating in other sports, specifically activities that require balance like gymnastics, skateboarding, and ballet, can help develop skills on the snow, too. “[Sports] that help with their coordination, [sometimes mean] they can get snowboarding easier because it’s a lot of balance.” As one of the top snowboard coaches in the country, Boyd’s kids will more than likely be snowboarders, though he says it’s not bad to get them on skis when they’re really little.
If your child tries snowboarding and seems frustrated, it might be a sign to suggest they try skis instead. Remind them that they can always try the snowboard again when they’re older. They may decide they prefer skiing, or return to riding when they’re a little older.
Regardless of their decision to ski or snowboard, Casson said to remember this: “You’re on vacation. Let them do what they feel like. But understand that with real little kids, they’re not going to be ripping down blue runs in one hour. Talk to the instructors and see what they will be capable of. Set the expectations right at the beginning.”
Technology Advancements Help Young Skiers, Riders
In the past, parents learned how to ski and then taught their kids. But with the rise in popularity of snowboarding over the past few decades, that’s changing—more and more parents are snowboarders, and they’re likely to get their children into the sport.
Snowboard school supervisor Mark Markowitz said he can start kids on a snowboard as young as three years old, thanks to technological advancements. However, it’s imperative that they’re in a private lesson with one-on-one attention. After all, snowsports can be dangerous, even on the bunny hill. Markowitz says:
“In the past, these kids were using adult equipment. Now, Burton makes incredible stuff for these little kids that is truly tailored for them to help them learn. As the industry evolves, the ability to have gear for these little guys has increased. These smaller snowboards make it easier for a kid to roll from edge to edge. You don’t have to be a full-sized person.”
Markowitz has been snowboarding for over 20 years and marvels at the progression, calling it amazing and incredibly fun to see. “It’s much easier to walk around in the boots and not carry poles. Kids don’t have to worry about crossing their [ski] tips. Sometimes for little bodies, it’s hard to keep the tips from crossing and they want to go where they want to go. In snowboarding, we don’t have to worry about that.”
Similarly, there have also been significant advancements in ski technology. Many children’s skis and boots are now designed with lighter materials and softer flex patterns, making it easier for kids to carry and maneuver their gear. Shorter, rockered tips also contribute, helping them initiate turns with more ease and potentially avoid developing bad habits.
Edgie Wedgies have also been invented. The rubber tubes clip onto the tips of both skis, helping beginners keep their tips in the proper position, aiding in maintaining balance and control when they’re in the wedge (pizza) position. They can also help minimize falls, as they don’t allow the tips to cross or spread too far apart.
Why Ski And Snowboard School Is Important
Most resort ski schools have a goal of getting kids into a sport they enjoy, and many instructors have a knack for breaking down skills into steps that are easily accomplished, helping children feel successful while also maintaining interest. This is imperative in the development process, regardless of whether your child is a snowboarder or skier. This is one of the reasons that it’s always recommended to let the professionals teach your kids. Additionally, many ski schools follow Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA) standards, which lay out benchmarks aimed at helping students successfully develop their skills, regardless of age.
Are There Cost Differences?
We all know that skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, especially when factoring in the cost of new gear. Children outgrow equipment and they’re likely to need a new snowboard or set of skis sooner than adults or teens. Generally, ski and snowboard equipment for kids is around the same price. On average, a beginner board or skis can range from $120 to $300. Boots often range from $100 to $200, and bindings typically cost between $80 and $150. In total, if purchased brand new, a ski or snowboard setup for your child could cost as much as $700. Buying used may be a great way to save money, especially when considering how fast children grow.
Much of our guide on buying used and discounted ski gear can also apply to children’s equipment. If you’ve got older kids, their younger siblings may also be able to use hand-me-down equipment, but be sure it’s still in good condition and free from cracks and damage that may impact the safety of using it.
February 18, 2026
