How Long Do Snowboards Last? Lifespan + When To Replace
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If you’re thinking about buying your first snowboard, you might be wondering if it’s worth the cost and how long it will last. Or maybe you already have a snowboard and are curious if it’s time for a replacement.
Fortunately, I’ve asked these questions before and have replaced many snowboards over the years, so I know the typical lifespan and when to replace your board. Read on as I dive into all the details.
How Long Do Snowboards Last?
Snowboards generally last around 150 days of riding. For frequent snowboarders, this might mean one or two seasons. For occasional riders, it could last up to ten seasons!
Factors To Help Your Snowboard Last Longer
There are a handful of key factors that will influence how long you are able to use your snowboard. Below I have highlighted each one so you can spend more time on your board.
1. Store Your Snowboard Properly
One of the main reasons snowboards age quickly is improper storage during and after the winter season. To store your board properly, ensure it is dry, waxed, and tuned.
Store it upright with nothing placed on top of it or leaning against it. Also, make sure the storage area is neither too hot nor too cold.
2. Tune Your Board Frequently
You should tune your snowboard every 3-5 sessions. While you can do this at home using a ski wax iron, I prefer having a professional handle it. My go-to spot is REI because they keep me informed about their procedures and recommendations.
3. The Skiing Terrain You Typically Ride
Snowboards used extensively on expert terrains like moguls, steep chutes, back bowls, and tree glades wear out faster than those primarily used on smoother, groomed runs. If you are frequently hitting challenging terrain, you can typically expect your snowboard to age quicker than it would on easy slopes.
4. The Brand Of Board You Purchase
The brand of snowboard you choose greatly influences its longevity. Cheaper brands often mean lower quality and a shorter lifespan. Personally, I’ve always favored Jones boards due to their incredible quality; each one I’ve owned has lasted several seasons.
In contrast, lesser-known or cheaper brands generally have lower overall quality compared to well-established brands like Jones, Burton, and Salomon, resulting in shorter lifespans.
👉🏼 Click here to get your very own Jones board!
5. Your Skill Level
One of the main reasons I’ve upgraded my snowboard over time is due to my advancing skills. As I improve, I need a snowboard that matches my evolving abilities. Initially, I rented a snowboard when I was learning to fall and ride and then invested in a quality board that did well on groomers once I had gained snowboarding basics.
When I started tackling more challenging terrains like intense powder days and back bowls, I needed a snowboard that could handle my progressing skills and the more challenging terrain.
If you expect your skills to keep improving, you’ll likely outgrow your snowboard faster than if you remain at a beginner or intermediate skill level.
6. How Often You Shred
Using your snowboard daily throughout the winter season will naturally shorten its lifespan. Like most things, the more frequently you use them, the faster they wear out.
When To Replace Your Snowboard
There are a handful of key characteristics that point to it being time to replace your board, check them out below.
✅ When You Notice Countless Dings, Scratches, And Chunks Missing
This has been a significant indicator for me. I’ve developed a love for tree skiing, which involves navigating over tree limbs, rocks, and other obstacles.
As a result, my board accumulates more dings, scratches, and missing chunks. While I usually get my board tuned, waxed, sharpened, and filled in, over time, it starts to look thin or uneven in places, signaling that it’s time for an upgrade.
✅ When Riding Doesn’t Feel The Same Anymore
If you’re feeling frustrated and sensing something off while boarding, it might not be your skills—it could be your snowboard.
If this feeling continues, I suggest visiting REI or a local snowboard shop. Describe your experience, mention how long you’ve had your snowboard for, and they’ll likely examine it to decide if it’s time for a replacement or provide guidance if the problem isn’t related to the board.
✅ When You Think You Could Benefit From New Technology
Snowboard technology typically undergoes updates every five years, although with the current pace of advancements, it can feel like upgrades happen yearly!
If you sense that your gear is falling behind, consider upgrading to a snowboard with the latest technology to enhance your shredding experience.
✅ When You Have Outgrown Your Snowboard (Either Physically Or Skill Wise)
If you’ve experienced growth in height, weight changes, or significant improvements in your snowboarding skills, it could be a good moment to consider a new board that better suits your current needs!
FAQs About How Long Do Snowboards Last?
Continue diving in below as I answer a handful of frequently asked questions about when to replace your snowboard and how long they typically last for.
How many years are snowboards good for?
Snowboards are typically good for 3 to 5 years but it depends on how frequently you use your board, what type of terrain you hit, the brand of board your purchase, and several other factors.
How to tell if a snowboard is worn out?
You can tell if a snowboard is worn out by looking at its edges, seeing visual scratches or chunks of your board missing, or even noticing rust.
How many times can you use a snowboard?
You can use a snowboard up to 150 days on the slopes.
How often should you replace snowboard bindings?
Snowboard bindings last about 100 to 150 days. However, bindings can last longer or shorter depending on how well you take care of them and several other characteristics.
How many times a year should you wax your snowboard?
You should wax your snowboard every 3 to 5 snowboarding sessions.
Final Thoughts On How Long Do Snowboards Last?
Snowboarding is an expensive hobby, but boards generally have a long lifespan. Typically lasting about 150 days, this can vary depending on how good you are at taking care of them along with several other key factors. Proper care can extend a snowboard’s life for years, while neglecting your board can shorten it significantly.
