Snowboard Equipment Information

If you have questions about equipment after reading this information, please visit one of our partner retailers, Joe’s Sporting Goods and Hi Tempo.

Label all clothing and equipment with the student’s name and a phone number!

There are three general types of snowboards on the market today: freeride (all-mountain), freestyle and alpine (carving/ race). Distinctive to each type are shape (sidecut), flex (longitudinal and torsion, or twist), construction materials and size ranges. The Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of freeride or freestyle snowboards for our students.

Freeride boards are the most popular and account for the majority of snowboard sales. This design allows riders to explore virtually all aspects of snowboarding (all-mountain, terrain park, half-pipe and powder). While freeride boards may not excel in any single riding category, they perform well in all conditions. Freeride boards are relatively soft flexing and maneuverable for beginners, yet are stiff enough to hold a carved, fast turn on hard snow as riding skills develop.

Freestyle boards bridge the gap between freestyle and alpine carving/race boards and are great for young riders developing riding skills.

Freestyle boards generally are wider, more stable (for balance) and, in some cases, more forgiving to ride. They tend to be shorter, lighter and softer in flex. These boards are designed primarily for performing tricks in terrain parks and half-pipes. As a result they have limited edge hold and stability at speed and are not ideal for carving turns or cruising fast.

Freeride and Freestyle boards are designed to be ridden with the dominant foot back: “regular” (right foot back) and “goofy” (left foot back).

• Board size is determined by rider weight. Each board size is designed to accommodate riders within a specific weight range. Most weight ranges span 30 lbs for junior riders. Board width depends on a rider’s shoe size. While a slight boot overhang is ideal (dictated by the rider’s angled stance), excessive overhang causes toe or heel drag in the snow and negatively affects balance. We recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s weight range and consult with specialty shop staff to determine stance angle options.
• Board flex (longitudinal and torsion, or twist) also depends on rider weight. The general rule is: softer flex is better for lighter riders; stiffer flex is better for heavier riders.
• Board shape (sidecut) determines the type of turn when a board is put on edge. Deeper sidecuts (hourglass shape) allow more aggressive turns. Boards with the same shape fore and aft are best for riding regular and switch.

The Otto Hollaus Ski & Ride School endorses the use of soft snowboard boots for our students. Comfort and performance are primary factors in choosing snowboard boots. Hard (rigid plastic) boots resemble ski boots and are primarily designed for racing and high speed carving. Soft boots are designed for all-around riding, freestyle and powder. These boots combine leathers and synthetics into a somewhat looser fitting boot (than a ski boot) and they flex (bend) with relative ease. Soft boots offer extended-use comfort and are preferred by most riders. The majority of children’s boots on the market are soft designs.

• Fit: To get the right combination of fit and performance in a snowboard boot, two layers of socks should be worn: the first layer a wicking polypropylene material and the second layer a cushioning material for insulation.
• Sizing: Junior boots should be snug to avoid foot movement and blisters. The closure system (laces) should be easy to tighten to avoid friction from a loose fit.
• Performance: Junior boots should be soft in flex to offer forgiveness in maintaining balance.

The Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of strap bindings for our snowboard students. Most snowboard bindings fall into two categories: strap and step-in. Strap bindings are preferred by most all-around (free) riders. They typically are a two-strap design with one strap going over the toe area of the boot and the other strap (padded) going around the ankle. Strap bindings feature an adjustable base plate that offers the rider the ability to change stance on their board. A high back spoiler - for support and performance - is an integral component in strap bindings. The majority of junior bindings on the market are strap bindings.

Step-in bindings offer convenience for entry and exit, however, they require a high back spoiler (not always included) for support and performance. Junior bindings are offered in one to three sizes with each size accommodating a range of junior boot sizes.

The use of aftermarket, snowboard boot footbeds increases comfort and help address alignment needs. Many children’s snowboard boots have no footbeds or defined arch support.

Two types of footbeds are available:

• Trim to Fit: A generic arch support footbed to improve comfort and fit.
• Custom molded: A custom-designed footbed that supports a rider’s foot in a neutral position when in a snowboard boot to provide comfort and optimum alignment and balance. Please label all equipment with name and phone number for easy identification. Colored tape helps younger children find their equipment.

Most snowboard clothing manufacturers offer youth outerwear in breathable waterproof and/or water-resistant fabrics. These fabrics offer comfort and protection in varying weather conditions. Riders of all abilities tend to make serious contact with the slope at times, which can load their clothing with snow. We often sit on the snow as we strap in and during lessons. We recommend a coat long enough to sit on as it provides an additional layer between the student and the snow. Snowboard outerwear needs to be not only cool and comfortable, but it has to keep riders dry. At the same time it should offer abrasion reinforcement in areas that take the most punishment, such as knees and butt.

With both of the rider’s feet connected to the snowboard, it is essential that outerwear have a more generous cut (baggy style) to provide maneuverability and comfort. We advise that you dress your children in layers: jacket/pants with moisture-wicking undergarments (polar fleece, T-neck, long underwear). Clothing layers provide flexibility on days when the temperature fluctuates. The Academy operates on some below zero mornings. When clothed appropriately (layered system with hat/helmet, goggles and neck warmer/ face mask), students are able to actively enjoy the day. 

Snowboarding is a sport where falls can be abrupt, hard, and can occur in many directions. Helmets, wrist guards and hip/butt pads help make the initial snowboard learning experience safer and more enjoyable. Proper accessories can make any snowboarding experience safer and more enjoyable. Our experience has shown that the following items help to keep your children safe, comfortable and organized.

• Helmet - The Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy requires the use of helmets for all participants. Helmets should have venting slots/plugs for heat regulation. Generally, helmets with soft (removable) ear flaps are more comfortable and allow the rider to hear better. NOTE: It is important that children are sized by specialty shop personnel. Resizing should be performed each season to account for growth. A helpful resource is the Ski Safety US website.
• Wrist guards offer protection of hands and wrists in falls. Be sure to check fit and comfort with rider’s mittens.
• Hip/Butt Pad for protection of hip and tailbone in falls, and should fit without restricting movement in snowboard pants.
• Snowboard bag - REQUIRED FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION
• Snowboard boot bag - REQUIRED FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION to hold boots and loose items
• Goggles for snow, sun and wind protection. Check for fit with helmet.
• Neck wallet to hold money
• Snowboard lock (primarily for teen riders)
• Sunscreen and lip balm for sun and wind protection (critical for children on both sunny and cloudy days).
• Handwarmers for colder days
• Socks - ski/snowboard specific socks are recommended. Socks should extend above the top of the boot and be of a wicking material such as wool or synthetic.

Please label all accessories with name and phone number for easy identification

☐ Snowboard Jacket: Should be long and large enough for mobility and to accommodate layers underneath.

☐ Snowboard pants or suit: Should be generous in cut for mobility. NOTE that one piece suits often pose difficulty for children during bathroom breaks.  

☐ Long underwear: Wicking fabric preferred.  

☐ Under-jacket layers: T-neck, sweatshirt, sweater or polar fleece - wicking fabric preferred.  

☐ Snowboard socks: For comfort and to avoid blisters, a single sock that is ski or snowboard specific works well. Some riders prefer two sock layers: a thin wicking inner sock under a cushioned outer sock for insulation NO ribbed socks (ribbing can cause irritation). NO cotton socks

☐ Mittens are preferred over gloves for warmth. We recommend mittens that include a durable outer layer and a warm inner layer. The best option is a deer skin “chopper” mitten with a Thermacell lining, this option has been proven to hold up to use on the tow ropes our students routinely use. Students can supplement these gloves with thin finger liner gloves for additional insulation. Mittens should have an extended cuff design to cover the jacket sleeve and keep snow out. Mitten size and design should allow for use of external or internal wrist guards if the student chooses to use guards.

☐ Helmet (required for all Academy participants)

☐ Neck warmer: Fleece (or face mask for cold days)

☐ Helmet liner: Made of wicking material for cold conditions

Please label all clothing with name and phone number for easy identification.