Updated August 4, 2025
Let’s be honest. No one wants to pay full price.
Even if you’ve got cash to burn, it stings dropping top dollar for something that’ll be half off in a few months.
So when’s the right time to buy a snowboard?
Short version: when it’s cheapest.
Real version: depends what matters more to you — price, selection, or getting to ride ASAP.
Best Time to Buy (If You Want a Deal)
If you’re in the northern hemisphere, March through June is prime time. Shops start clearing out snow gear to make room for bikes, boards, and summer stuff. This is when the big discounts hit.
We’re talking 30% off at minimum. Sometimes 60–80% if they’re desperate to dump stock.
The tradeoff? You’ll be buying for next season. But if you can handle the wait, it’s the move.
Sweet spot: March, April, May.
By July or August, sizes are picked over and the good boards vanish.
Mid-Season Deals Exist Too
If you want to ride this season, you can still score discounts.
Look for last season’s models — same shape, maybe different graphics, lower price. Many shops carry leftover inventory into the new year and quietly discount it mid-season.
Just check the “previous season” filters online and you might land a fresh board without paying full retail.
Sales Worth Watching
There are a few times of year when even current-year gear gets slashed:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Big savings, and you can still ride it this season
Boxing Day (Dec 26): Hit or miss, but worth checking
End-of-season clearance (March–June): Best prices, less selection
If You Want the Latest Gear
September to November is when shops drop the newest lineups.
You’ll pay full price, but you’ll have every size, shape, and color to choose from. If you’re picky or just hyped to ride something new on opening day, this is your window.
Used Boards? Still About Timing
Buying used can save you a chunk of cash, but the timing game still applies:
Buying used? Shop late season when people start offloading gear
Selling used? List it early season when demand spikes
Best platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local gear swaps, sideline sites like Snowboarding Forum.
Bonus tip: if someone’s quitting snowboarding, they’ll sell the board and bindings for less than either is worth.
Riding Down South?
If you’re in Australia, NZ, or South America, your buying window flips. Best time for deals is October to December — after the southern winter ends.
You can also shop off-season from northern hemisphere stores around April–August, but keep an eye on shipping limits. Some brands don’t export.
Are You Even Ready to Buy a Board Yet?
If you’re brand new to snowboarding, it might not be about sales at all. You might be wondering whether it’s even worth buying a board yet. Here’s the deal:
First-timer? Rent at first. Ride a few different setups. Learn what kind of board you actually like before dropping hundreds on the wrong one.
Riding 3–5 days a season? Keep renting — or grab a used board. You’ll save money and still have something that works.
Hooked and riding more each winter? Now’s the time. You’ll progress way faster on your own gear, especially once you get boots that fit right and a board that feels like yours.
Been borrowing gear or riding old hand-me-downs? If snowboarding’s clearly your thing, stop messing around and get a proper setup.
If you’re asking “when should I buy a snowboard?” because you’re wondering if you’ve earned it yet… you probably have.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink it.
If you want the best deal, wait until spring and summer.
If you want the best selection, buy early season.
If you want to ride right now, see if last year’s models are still around.
Most of us just want a solid board at a fair price. Time it right and you’ll save yourself a bunch of cash — maybe enough to snag better bindings or boots too.
Got your board? Good. Now go ride.
