To ski or snowboard? It’s a choice for the ages. While adults can make the decision 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 of each sport may sway them eventually, even with today’s 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. Planning a family trip? See our picks for the best ski resorts for families and kids.
Should Your Kids Ski or Snowboard? How to Decide
The Balance Factor
Younger children, especially toddlers, have less balance than older children, since they’re proportioned differently and are 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, who has worked in coach development for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “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, and he’s 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 sports that build 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 a longtime snowboard coach, Boyd expects his kids will likely end up as snowboarders, though he says there’s nothing wrong with getting 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 they can always try the snowboard again when they’re older. They may decide they prefer skiing, or return to riding down the road.
Whatever they decide, 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 and Riders
In the past, parents learned to ski and then taught their kids. But with snowboarding’s rise in popularity 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 important 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 more than 20 years and marvels at the progression. “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.”
There have also been significant advancements in ski technology. Many children’s skis and boots are now made with lighter materials and softer flex patterns, making it easier for kids to carry and maneuver their gear. Shorter, rockered tips help them initiate turns more easily and can help them avoid developing bad habits.
Tip connectors like Edgie Wedgies can help, too. The rubber connectors clip onto the tips of both skis, helping beginners keep their tips in the proper position and maintain balance and control in the wedge (pizza) position. They can also help minimize falls, since they don’t allow the tips to cross or spread too far apart.
Why Ski and Snowboard School Is Important
Most resort ski schools aim to get kids into a sport they’ll love, and many instructors have a knack for breaking skills down into easily accomplished steps, helping children feel successful while keeping them interested. That’s important in the development process, whether your child is a skier or snowboarder, and it’s one of the reasons it’s always recommended to let the professionals teach your kids. Many ski schools follow standards from the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), which lay out benchmarks to help students develop their skills, regardless of age.
Are There Cost Differences?
We all know that skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, especially when you factor in new gear. Children outgrow equipment quickly and are likely to need a new snowboard or set of skis sooner than adults or teens. Generally, ski and snowboard equipment for kids costs about the same. A beginner board or pair of skis typically runs from about $120 to $300, boots from about $100 to $200, and bindings from about $80 to $150. In total, a brand-new ski or snowboard setup for your child could cost $700 or more.
To save money, consider a seasonal kids’ rental or lease program, which many ski shops offer, so your child gets properly sized gear for the whole winter without buying it outright. Buying used is another great option, especially considering how fast children grow. Much of our guide to buying used and discounted ski gear also applies to kids’ equipment. If you’ve got older kids, younger siblings may be able to use hand-me-down equipment, but make sure it’s in good condition and free of cracks or damage that could affect its safety. And don’t forget to look for kids ski free programs, which can cut the cost of lift tickets.
