top of page
Search

Toddler Snowboarding: Gear Checklist and Tips

Updated: Jan 6, 2020



We took Lionetta snowboarding a couple days before she turned 16 months and she had SO MUCH fun!


I did a ton of research prior to our ski trip on what gear to purchase for toddler snowboarding and had trouble actually finding a parent's guide. So I'm typing up a gear guide checklist and tips on taking your baby/toddler snowboarding for the first time!



Gear



Snowboard

While searching the internet, I saw a lot of toddlers were using the Burton After School Special Snowboard Package (which is essentially a snowboard and bindings set), but I was nervous that it was going to be too big for our 15 month old toddler. Nonetheless, we ordered the 80 cm size and it fit her! (It seems like the absolute smallest snowboard size you can find anywhere is a 70 cm, FYI.) The Burton After School Special 80 cm snowboard size worked well for our toddler, was definitely not too long, and you can tell Burton put a lot of thought into designing it for first time snowboarders.


Bindings + Boots

The bindings come with the board and are pre-set up for a beginner's stance, so you don't have to worry about any set up. And the bindings work with regular snowboots, so you don't have to purchase expensive snowboarding boots that you're toddler will quickly grow out of. We used a pair of toddler Sorel snowboots that worked great. There was definitely room in the length of her bindings, but that didn't cause any issues for her.


The Burton After School Special snowboard with bindings has a bit of a heavy price tag, but we are happy that we are able to use the snowboard and bindings now, and she can still use it as she grows! (And if you keep reading, you'll find that Epic Passes are free for children under 5 years old, so we also save on Vail Resorts lift tickets for the next few years. Phew!)


Helmet + Goggles

We ordered a helmet and goggle set from Burton, that ended up being out of stock. Because we had everything shipped to Colorado, we didn't realize this until we arrived to Colorado. We decided we would just take it very easy and be within arm's reach as she learned to snowboard. However, I would definitely recommend purchasing a helmet for your little one, and we will be certain to have one for next time!


Snowsuit, Hat, Gloves + Base Layers

We used a snowsuit/bunting that was passed down to us from my sister. Checkout stores like H&M, Patagonia, REI, and Backcountry for toddler snowsuits and other snow accessories. Definitely pick up a knit hat and waterproof mittens. For base layers, we used Lionetta's warmest tight-fitting leggings, a bodysuit, and a knit sweater. From my own experience dressing for snowboarding, having your first layer tight-fitted to your body is the best first step in layering for the cold. I also linked a toddler base layer set from H&M in the checklist above.



Getting Ready


Skiing @ Vail Resorts


Ski Passes

Specifically at Vail Resorts, ski passes are FREE for children under 5 years old. Yes, this means you can take your little one on the mountain with you for free until they turn 5. Just walk up to the ticket counter when you get to your ski mountain destination and ask them for a pass for your toddler. When we did this at Vail, they entered Lionetta's information into their system as they would anyone purchasing (or in our case not actually purchasing) a ski/season pass, took her picture and gave us the most adorable ski pass with her photo on it. For more information on Epic Passes for children, scroll down to the "Family Questions" section on the Epic Pass website or give their ticketing department a call at 970.754.005 or 970.SKI.VAIL.


Quick hack; despite having a toddler pass for Lionetta, we actually didn't need to use it as we found a spot next to the ski school bunny hill at the base of Beaver Creek. When purchasing ski passes/tickets, you're actually paying to use the ski lifts and gondolas. So if you don't need to use the lifts or gondolas, you obviously won't need a ticket! But marking the moment with a photo ski pass might be worth the wait in the ticket line!



Ski School

Ski school starts at age 3 (children must be "potty trained and willing"). I talked to someone in person at Vail, and also recently called their ticketing department, and it sounds like if your toddler is potty trained and willing before they turn 3, they will most likely allow them into ski school. Everyone I spoke with was clear that the "potty trained and willing" piece was the most important factor, above the child's actual age. The ski instructors aren't big fans of "Code Brown" (which is apparently code for when a kid in ski school poops their pants)!



Practicing Balance Activities at Home

Obviously, you want to make sure your little one is physically ready to try out snowboarding before going through the process of gearing up and getting ready. Lionetta has been stable on her feet, even trying to run and climbing on blocks and furniture for a few months now. She's a fearless little girl who loves the outdoors and trying new things, so we thought she would be into trying out snowboarding. If you think your child is ready to try out snowboarding, and you want to do some extra preparation at home, I recommend trying out "balancing" games. We have foam blocks that Lionetta loves to climb on (linked below); and she loves flipping the dome-shaped block upside down and balancing herself on it. She started initiating this activity on her own with us, and we soon realized it's a great balancing activity that can translate to snowboarding.



Lionetta loves to flip the green and purple dome-shaped block (pictured above) upside down and practice balancing (we hold her hands). This balancing activity ended up being great preparation for trying out snowboarding!




Here are a couple photos of Lionetta on the mountain, and scroll all the way to the bottom for a video of her snowboarding:






Follow me on Instagram for more on motherhood, fashion, and travel: @thelionsmama


xx Lauren

Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page