Let's be real—snowboard gear isn't exactly known for being wallet-friendly. I remember the first time I hit the slopes on Rabbit Hill in Edmonton and realized I needed more than just my adorable wit and enthusiasm 😉

I needed to quickly find cheap snowboard gear that didn't look or feel like it came from a bargain bin. Sound familiar? If you're here, I bet you're looking for snowboard gear cheap enough to keep your budget intact but also durable enough to survive some serious shredding.

Lucky for you, I made this guide packed with tips and recommendations to help you get cheap snowboarding gear that's reliable, stylish, and doesn't leave you cringing at the price tag. From snowboard jackets to snowboards, bags, and bindings, I'll cover where and how to find the best gear deals. Let's goooo ✌🏼

Best Websites for Cheap Snowboard Gear

Pro Tip: Affordable boards are always popping up on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji which are awesome for second-hand steals. Just head to a marketplace site and type in cheap snowboard gear Canada to find the best deals around you. Just be sure to verify the weight and what it's made of.

There are some great cheap snowboard jackets and cheap snowboard pants on Amazon and Burton's sale page. I also tend to go for sites like Dopesnow and Freeride Boardshop for deals that give you a mix of trusted brands and good prices. Quality doesn't have to break the bank, I swear!

Check out Snowverb for some decent options that fit the snowboard gear cheap category. Nothing fancy, just functional and affordable. I also love the MARRITON Snowboard Bag and Boot Bag Combo if you're a beginner and just want something super affordable (yet has enough quality) to get you through the season.

Cheap Snowboard Gear Essentials

When you're gearing up, think about the cheap snowboarding gear essentials that will get you comfortably down the mountain without leaving you broke.

Here's my personal list of must-haves to get you on the hill:

• Snowboard: Of course, you can't hit the slopes without a board. Look for boards designed to match your riding style, whether you're into freestyle or freeride.
• Bindings: These need to be reliable and comfortable. Nothing's worse than poorly-fitted bindings, trust me. I'm speaking from personal experience. So, invest in ones that keep you strapped in without strain.
• Boots: A good pair of snowboard boots is everything! Look for a snug but comfortable fit to prevent blisters and to keep you dry and cozy.
• Jacket & Pants: Warmth and waterproofing are the key here. I'll go over some solid options in a bit. Just make sure to put these on your checklist.
• Helmet & Accessories: Safety first! Helmets, gloves, and goggles are needed for safety and comfort but can also be found for a good price if you know where to look.

PS: If you have little ones hitting the slopes alongside you, be sure to check out our list of Kids Snowboarding Essentials before you go.

Finding Affordable, Quality Snowboards

Landing a cheap snowboard that won't fall apart by mid-season is like trying to find a second-hand couch that doesn't smell like farts. But it's not impossible! You just have to know where you can and can't make sacrifices. To me, durability and weight play a big part but give you some room to play with budget.

1. Snowboard Durability

Look for boards with a sturdy core (wood cores tend to be reliable) and strong edges that won't peel right away. Ones made with foam or particle board will be your cheapest, but the quality isn't there. If you want something that will last a little while but not break the bank, look for ones with composite cores.  

2. Snowboard Weight

Lighter boards are easier to maneuver, but I know some riders prefer a heavier board for stability. 4-6 pounds is considered pretty lightweight and good for beginners because it's easy to carry around. A heavy board falls in the 8–10-pound range. Obviously, the price will follow this, so if you want a board that's not too heavy but also gives you some stability, go for one that weighs around 6-8 pounds.

Snowboard Jackets & Pants

Next up: your armour against the cold. Good snowboarding jackets and pants should keep you dry, warm, and able to move easily. Regular winter gear works just fine, but I find it to be a bit heavy and cumbersome at times, especially when maneuvering the slopes.

Snowboard jackets and pants are specially made to be lightweight and keep you warm and dry at the same time. Here's what to look for:

• Waterproofing: Go for gear with a high waterproof rating. One of my fav brands on Amazon for waterproof snowboard gear is GEMYSE because the quality is above par, and the prices are affordable.
• Insulation: Make sure your jacket and pants have enough insulation for your local weather. At the same time, you don't want something with too much insulation because you'll sweat to death on the hill! Polyester, low-density fleece, and nylon are on the cheaper side. High-density fleece, brushed tricot, and microfiber are in the middle of the road. Then, you have expensive options like real wool and patented brands like GORE-TEX and Primaloft.
• Flexibility: You gotta move with ease when making your way up and down the hill! The first time I attempted to use the ski lift, I immediately thanked myself for getting gear that was flexible!

Snow Gear Bags & Backpacks

That's right. Your gear needs gear. Protect your board with a nice bag or covering and prolong its life. You can get a cheap snowboard bag that's durable enough for a few knocks and bumps. Here's what to look for in a snowboard bag.

• Padding: Protect your board with a padded bag.
• Extra Pockets: These come in handy for gloves, tools, and snacks.
• Waterproofing: A waterproof bag is worth the few extra dollars.

Bindings & Boots

You can't wear regular boots to go snowboarding. You need special boots with bindings that help you lock onto your board.

Here's the lowdown on finding quality boots and bindings without overspending…too much.

• Bindings: They need to fit well with your board and boots. Check out the Rude Boys' sale on bindings or Burton's sales page for options that don't skimp on quality. There are two main options here: bindings that allow you to just "click" your boot into place (usually more costly) and bindings that require you to fiddle with your boot a bit to get it locked in place.
• Boots: These should feel snug but not tight. My own personal rule of thumb when it comes to saving money on snowboard gear is to invest most of my money into a good pair of boots. It can honestly make or break your whole experience on the hill.

The Burton Mint BOA Womens Elderberry Snowboard Boots or the Burton Photon Step On Mens Black Snowboard Boots on Amazon are high-end choices, but you'll get some of the best quality out there. For something more affordable without sacrificing too much on quality, take a look at the System APX Men's Snowboard Boots or the Symbolic Ultra Light Black Snowboard Boots for Women, which are both good options.

Accessories That Won't Break the Bank

Helmets, gloves, goggles—these accessories add up fast but don't have to drain your wallet. You can skip on these items, but if you want to have the best time possible out on the slopes, I highly recommend them. The good thing is that these three pieces of snowboard gear are easy to frugal with.

1. Sunglasses/Goggles: Protect your eyes from glare and UV rays. FINDAWAY has awesome snowboard glasses and goggles for less than $50!
2. Gloves: Insulated, waterproof gloves are a must. Just trust me on that. I'd recommend you go with gloves over mittens and look for ones that tighten around your wrist. I'm a big fan of 3M Thinsulate for snowboarding gloves, and they're super affordable. An extra tip from me? Get ones that have a little rubber squeegee built into the thumb to wipe your glasses!
3. Thermal Layers: Don't forget your base layers; they're the unsung heroes of warmth.

Tips for Scoring the Best Deals on Snowboard Gear

I know that shopping for the cheapest snowboard gear sometimes requires patience and a bit of research. Even then, you might not find what you're looking for. So, here are some of my tips that have saved me money over the years.

• Shop Off-Season: Sales are best after winter ends, so plan ahead for next season!
• Check Discount Sites: Sites like Freeride Boardshop and Source Boards usually have great deals during seasonal sales.
• Look for Second-hand Deals: Don't shy away from second-hand options; you can find lightly used gear for a fraction of the price in online marketplaces. I actually snagged a sweet second-hand pair of bindings for less than $20 once. I swear, they didn't even look like they were used once.

Other Things to Consider

If you're a fresh newbie to snowboarding or just dipped your toes in and want to practice at home, I can't recommend Snowboard Addiction enough. They offer snowboard training boards and mats so you can practice balance, stance, and boarding without the snow! Just use code soph_explores to get a deal!

If you've got little ones wanting to learn the ropes of the slopes, then WeeDo FunWear offers adorable, kid-friendly options for boards and gear. Be sure to use code rockytales to get a discount at checkout.

Don't Let Price Hold You Back Too Much

Snowboarding on a budget is totally possible if you know when and where to look and also what to look for. I covered great tips on finding cheap snowboard gear, scooping up the best online deals, and what to look for in terms of quality.

I hope this guide helped you feel more confident. I love snowboarding so much. It brings me so much joy and has even helped my mental health over the years. I encourage everyone I meet to get out on the hill and find some fun!

Ready to hit the slopes with your newfound snowboard gear knowledge? Explore Rocky Tales for more tips and tricks to make your mountain adventures memorable (and affordable!).