Snowboarding
Downhill riding on a board.
How to start
Take a beginner lesson on a gentle slope. Wrist guards help with the many falls you will have.
How to progress
Take lessons, then learn linked turns.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
A 2026 pooled analysis of 82 studies found that amateur skiers had about 3.8 injuries per 1,000 skier-days and snowboarders about 1.4, though the estimates varied widely between studies. Limb injuries were most common, and fractures and sprains were the main types among amateurs, mostly caused by falls.
Take care: Falls cause wrist and ankle injuries. Wear a helmet and wrist guards and take lessons.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Build leg strength and balance before a trip.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 5.3 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Wear wrist guards.
- Take lessons.
- Learn to fall.
Common mistakes
- Skipping wrist guards.
- Putting your hand out in a fall.
- Skipping fitness prep.
Kit and cost
High Approximate UK prices.
- Board and boots (hire about £30 to £60 a day)
- Helmet and wrist guards
- Lift pass and lessons
Frequently asked questions
Is snowboarding harder?
Many find it harder in the first days and easier after.
Is it risky?
Falls often injure wrists. Wear guards.
How can I prepare?
Leg strength and balance.
Good for: Balance Fun & social Power & speed
Compare with similar options
| Snowboarding | Skiing (Alpine) | Ice Skating | Snowshoeing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 240 min × 1/wk | 240 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ |
| Cost | High cost | High cost | Low cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Specialist kit | Specialist kit | Some equipment | Some equipment |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Some fitness | Some fitness | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |