What Are Snowboard Leashes For? The Ultimate Safety Guide
Imagine standing at the top of a steep, groomed run. You bend down to strap in, and your gloves fumble with the buckle. Suddenly, your board slips from your hand. In an instant, it transforms from a piece of sporting equipment into a 15-pound missile, accelerating to 40mph down the slope, heading straight for a crowded lift line.
This nightmare scenario is exactly what a snowboard leash is designed to prevent. While often considered a relic of the 90s, leashes are making a major comeback due to modern binding technologies like Burton Step Ons. Whether you are wondering when is the best time to buy snowboarding gear or simply checking the safety rules for your next trip, understanding this simple accessory is crucial.
A snowboard leash is a retention device (usually a strap, coil, or clip) that tethers your front boot to your snowboard binding. Its primary purpose is to prevent a “runaway board” if the board detaches from your foot or slips out of your hands while strapping in. It is the snowboard equivalent of the “brake” found on skis.
The Physics of the “Runaway Missile”
To understand why leashes exist, we have to look at why snowboarding differs from skiing in terms of mechanics. Skis have mechanical brakes: two prongs that snap down into the snow when the boot releases, stopping the ski instantly. Snowboards do not.
A snowboard has a large, flat, waxed surface area (a sintered or extruded base) designed for maximum glide. If a board gets loose on a 30-degree slope, gravity takes over. Without a leash, there is nothing to stop it until it hits a tree, a building, or tragically, another person. This is one reason why snowboarding is dangerous if proper safety protocols aren’t followed.
Do Resorts Still Require Leashes? (The Legal Reality)
This is a common point of confusion. If you read the fine print on the back of your lift ticket at major resorts in Colorado or Europe, you will often see a clause stating that a “retention device” is required.
The Reality:
For traditional strap bindings, lifties rarely enforce this rule anymore. The logic is that your foot is strapped in so securely that the board is unlikely to pop off. However, legally, the rule stands. If your board *does* run away and injure someone, the lack of a leash could be a major liability factor against you.
The Exception (Step-On Bindings):
With the explosion of step-in systems like the Burton Step On or Nidecker Supermatic, leashes are mandatory again. Because there are no straps to manually tighten, if the mechanism fails (rare) or you miss the engagement point while stepping in, the board is loose. These systems almost always ship with a leash included.
Types of Snowboard Leashes
Not all leashes are created equal. Depending on your setup and style (perhaps you rock baggy snowboard pants vs tight gear), you might prefer one over the other.
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Strap (Long) | A long webbing strap that wraps around your calf/lower leg. | Beginners & Rentals. Impossible to miss. |
| Boot Clip (Short) | A short tether that clips to a D-ring or laces on your boot. | Step-On Users & Advanced Riders. Low profile. |
| Coil Leash | A retractable phone-cord style wire. | Kids. Keeps the cord from dragging in the snow. |
How to Install and Use a Leash
Proper installation ensures the leash doesn’t interfere with your riding. You don’t want it getting caught in your bindings or scratching your board.
Step 1: Anchor to the Binding
Find a solid anchor point on your front binding. Usually, this is the heel cup or the chassis loop. Do not attach it to a removable part like a strap. Loop the leash through itself (girth hitch) to secure it.
Step 2: Connect to the Boot
This depends on your boot type:
- Standard Laces: Clip the leash to the lowest crossed lace section. Check how long your laces are to ensure you have a good grab point.
- BOA Systems: If you use BOA boots, do NOT clip the leash to the BOA cable. It can snap the cable. Look for a dedicated metal D-ring on the boot (common on Burton boots) or clip it to the gaiter hook of your pants (less secure).
Why Leashes are Critical for Kids
If you are taking your little ones to resorts for beginners, put a leash on their board. Kids have less grip strength and are easily distracted.
When they sit down to strap in, they often let go of the board. A leash prevents that board from sliding down the bunny hill. It also helps parents pull the child across flat sections—you can gently tug the leash (if it’s sturdy) to give them momentum.
The Safety Debate: Can a Leash Hurt You?
⚠️ The “Windmill” Effect
There is a counter-argument that leashes can be dangerous in an avalanche. If you are backcountry snowboarding, having a board permanently attached to you can drag you under the snow (the anchor effect). Most backcountry experts recommend not wearing a leash in avalanche terrain for this reason.
However, for resort riding, the safety benefits to *others* outweigh the minor risks to yourself. It prevents the board from hitting other people. Just ensure you are wearing a helmet and impact shorts to protect yourself from your own gear during a tumble.
Top 3 Leashes to Buy on Amazon
Leashes are inexpensive insurance. Considering how expensive snowboarding is, spending $10 to save a $600 board (and a lawsuit) is a no-brainer. Here are the best options.
Burton Cord Leash
The standard for Step-On users. Simple, durable, and connects easily to the dedicated loop on Burton boots. It’s low profile and virtually indestructible.
View on Amazon
Dakine Leg Leash
The classic style. This wraps around your lower leg, making it compatible with ANY boot, regardless of lacing system. Perfect for rentals or beginners.
View on Amazon
LINGVUM Coil Leash
A stylish coil option that retracts to stay out of the way but stretches when you need it. Great for preventing drag when skating.
View on AmazonStep-On Bindings: A Special Case
If you own Burton Step On bindings, you must use a leash. The system relies on you stepping your boot into the binding without straps. If you have snow buildup on your sole (check heel lift guides for cleaning tips) and the cleat doesn’t engage, the board is effectively loose.
Burton Step On boots have a small fabric loop near the ankle specifically designed for the leash clip. Always clip in *before* you step onto the snow.
Maintenance and Care
Leashes are low maintenance, but they can wear out. Check the plastic clips for cracks, especially if you ride in extreme cold. A broken leash is useless. When packing your gear into your snowboard bag, unclip the leash so it doesn’t get crushed by the board edge, which could sever the webbing.
Also, ensure your board edges aren’t sharp enough near the binding to slice the leash. Keep your edges tuned but safe—learn how to remove rust properly.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
For the sake of $10 to $15, a snowboard leash provides peace of mind. It stops your board from becoming a weapon, keeps you compliant with resort rules, and is essential for modern step-in systems.
Don’t be the rider chasing their board down the mountain while everyone on the chairlift heckles you. Strap up, clip in, and focus on having fun rather than worrying about a runaway board.
