What is a snowboard leash and why do I need one?

A snowboard leash is a simple but essential piece of safety equipment that keeps your snowboard securely attached to you at all times. It connects your board to your leg or boot, helping prevent it from sliding away if it becomes detached from your bindings. You can explore the full range of options in our Snowboard Leashes collection.

Snowboard leashes come in a variety of designs, colours and attachment styles, but they all serve the same purpose: stopping your board from becoming a runaway missile on the mountain. It is surprisingly easy to lose a snowboard in deep powder, a tree well, or on a steep slope, and once it starts sliding, it is gone. Even Usain Bolt would struggle to catch a free-running snowboard. More importantly, an uncontrolled board can pose a serious risk to other riders below you.

Because of this safety factor, snowboard leashes are compulsory in some ski and snowboard resorts, particularly when using certain binding systems. They are especially important if you ride step-in systems like Burton Step On bindings, which do not use traditional straps. With Step On setups, a leash provides an extra layer of security when getting on and off lifts or if you need to step out of your board on steep terrain.

Most snowboard leashes attach to your binding at one end and loop around your boot or ankle at the other, working in much the same way as a surfboard leash to keep you and your gear together. They are lightweight, easy to use, and barely noticeable while riding.

Trusted brands like Burton, Demon and Dakine offer durable, reliable snowboard leashes designed to perform in cold, snowy conditions. Investing in a good-quality leash not only keeps you on the right side of resort rules, but also helps protect other riders and gives you extra peace of mind every time you step into your board.