The perfect children's snowboard ensures rapid progress, safety and fun on the slopes. But at what age can the youngest ones actually start this winter sport? Are there different requirements for kids’ snowboards than for adult models? What really matters when it comes to bindings, boots and clothing? Find out what parents should look out for when their little riders take their first turns.
At what age can children start snowboarding?
Most kids are ready to gain their first experiences between the ages of six and nine. However, there is no universal age at which children can start snowboarding. The decisive factors are motor development and enjoyment of movement.
These points may help you decide if your child is ready to enjoy snowboarding:
- Early starters: Some kids can get on a snowboard as early as three to four years old. However, this is rather the exception and only works in a playful way with a lot of support.
- Body awareness counts: Balance, leg muscles and coordination should be developed enough for your child to be able to maintain their balance.
- Courses help: Many ski schools offer special snowboard courses for youngsters with small groups and experienced instructors.
It pays to start practising early, but only if the child really wants to. Coercion and excessive demands will spoil the fun of winter sports, even with the perfect kids’ snowboard.
What characteristics make a perfect children's snowboard?
The perfect kids’ snowboard is light, manoeuvrable and forgiving. Pay particular attention to these characteristics:
- Board type: Freestyle or all-mountain boards with a twin shape are ideal. They can be ridden in both directions and are easy to handle.
- Weight: The lighter the board, the easier it is for your little one to handle.
- Flex: A soft flex forgives riding mistakes and makes turning easier.
How do I find the right length and size for a kids’ snowboard?
The perfect children's snowboard should ideally reach up to the shoulders, but no higher than the kids’ chin. In general, models for youngsters and beginners can be shorter than those for advanced boarders.
The advantage: Shorter snowboards are easier to control. This is particularly desirable for children, as they often do not yet have the strength to handle longer boards.
The following values will help you choose the right children's snowboard:
| Child's height | Weight | Recommended snowboard length |
|---|---|---|
| approx. 80–125 cm | up to approx. 25 kg | up to approx. 80 cm |
| approx. 126–155 cm | approx. 26–45 kg | approx. 80–90 cm |
| from approx. 155 cm | over 45 kg | from 90 cm |
What happens if the snowboard is too long or too short?
The right board length is crucial for your child to feel comfortable on the snowboard.
- Too long: The board reacts sluggishly, your child needs more strength to steer, gets tired more quickly and their feet are more likely to burn.
- Too short: If your young athlete already has experience and is a bit faster, a board that is too short will react nervously, tip over more easily and offer less stability.
If the length of the children's snowboard is not right, the little ones will feel insecure, lose their balance more quickly and often lose motivation as a result. Our RENTertainers at over 800 INTERSPORT Rent locations worldwide will be happy to help you find the right length and check it again and again. Because your kids grow, but unfortunately their snowboards don't.
What equipment and clothing do children need for snowboarding?
Pour compléter le snowboard parfait, rien ne vaut un bon équipement. Les premières aventures sur les pistes et dans la poudreuse n’en seront pas seulement plus sûres, mais aussi plus confortables.
This is what you need:
- Helmet: A helmet is mandatory. It should fit well but not be too tight.
- Gloves & protectors: Good gloves not only keep the hands warm, they also provide grip and protection in the event of a fall. Models with reinforced wrists or integrated splints are ideal for children. Wrist and back protectors provide additional protection during their first attempts at snowboarding.
- Snowboard boots: They should be warm and comfortable, fit well and provide a secure hold.
- Functional underwear: This wicks away moisture, keeps warm and prevents from cooling down during breaks.
- Snowboard clothing: Jackets and trousers with snow guards are ideal. They should be waterproof, breathable and robust.
Family-friendly ski resorts: Where are the best conditions for kids to practise?
Many family-friendly ski resorts offer flat practice slopes, kids’ areas and snowboard schools. There, your children can try out their perfect kids’ snowboard in optimal conditions. Some resorts have their own "family fun parks" with mini kickers and soft-landing areas.
Kids snowboard: Test or rent?
Still not quite sure which is the perfect children's snowboard for your kids? INTERSPORT Rent offers first-class advice at over 800 locations. But that's not all. Your little ones can test their snowboard extensively before buying. If you rent ski or snowboard equipment yourself, in some shops children's snowboards for children up to 10 years old are free to rent!
Frequently asked questions about the perfect kids’ snowboard
At what age can children learn to snowboard?
Most kids learn to snowboard from the age of six. The decisive factors are body awareness, balance and motivation. Many ski schools offer special children's courses with playful learning methods.
How often should you check the size of your snowboard?
At least once per season and after growth spurts, you should check if the length is still suitable. The experts in our INTERSPORT Rent locations can help you determine the ideal length based on height and weight.
Do kids need special bindings?
Yes, children's bindings are softer, lighter and easier to use. They can usually be adjusted to fit small hands and growing feet, which makes them easier to put on and take off.
What is important when it comes to snowboard clothing for children?
Snowboard clothing should be warm, breathable and waterproof. The onion principle fulfils these criteria perfectly: functional underwear (baselayer) wicks away moisture, the middle layer (midlayer) keeps you warm, and the jacket and trousers (outer layer) protect against wind and cold. This keeps your kid warm without overheating.
When is it time to switch from a kids’ snowboard to an adult board?
As soon as your child can control the board confidently, becomes stronger and "outgrows" their current model, the next one can be slightly larger and stiffer. From shoe size 38 or 45 kg body weight, you should consider a youth or adult board, especially if your little ones are already advanced boarders.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Why renting is often the smart choice
Children grow so fast! To avoid having to buy a new snowboard with each growth spurt, we recommend taking advantage of the INTERSPORT Rent snowboard rental option! You can rent equipment at over 800 locations in 14 countries.
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