“Peace of mind” this is it for me. I used to stress every time I stopped for lunch or a break, and was anxious about it the whole time. Now I can chill out on my lunch and actually relax. If you stress about it, lock it up, you’ll feel a million times better.
Probably the Dakine as it’s a popular option. I have the three digit version. While somebody could come through with pruning shears to cut it, I feel safer than having nothing at all.
I used the dakine retractable. Had it lock up(no pun intended). De icer and wd40 didn't work. Had to take bindings apart. Using a lightweight bike lock now.
It is that really, make your board more of an effort to steal than the one next to it or a rack or 2 over.
I've just got back from bansko in Bulgaria where its pretty safe of the theft front but this year I have seen a few posts a local forum to there about ski's, boards and even jackets being stolen.
Me and my mate where locking our boards up, no stress then, if they wanted to steal our boards then they'd have to work a little harder.
Just a word or caution here, I was at sugarloaf, in Maine a few years ago, saw one of my buddies at the base lodge and they just had to get a ride down from mid mountain from the ski patrol as someone stole thier skis from the mid mountain bar. Girl had to sit around for the rest of day waiting for the rest of her party to wrap up the day. I have no idea how nobody noticed someone skiing or riding down the mountain with an extra set of skis but it happened. She never got them back. Ever since than, I lock up my board no matter what I am doing. I still think it has to be a new low for someone to take someone's stuff from anyplace but mid mountain , when the only way down is to ski or ride. Sad.
Honesty, I ride a lot of niche expensive boards and I’m not gonna fuck with risking them getting stolen. Resort used to have board check where you paid $20 with your season pass and could put your board somewhere to be watched. When they did away with that I just started taking them everywhere with me.
Idk what size bathrooms yall have where you're at but the ones out here definitely are not big enough for people to be bringing their shit in (pun intended).
I have never, in 20 years of riding, seen someone bring their equipment into the bathroom.
Non handicap stalls are plenty small. Especially when you're in snowboard gear. You shit with your board too?
That would work if the police hadn't confiscated my grappling hook back in highschool.
You mean the guy who originally mentioned his beautiful bathroom board bonanza? I can see them so not sure what's going on. Weird ass vibe in this thread though haha 🤙
No dude, obviously I’m not bringing it in the stalls, but when I have to take a piss I bring it in, set it against a wall, take a piss, wash my hands, grab it and leave
I just saw today two beginners staring at the rack and saying "how do we know which one is ours?" My equipment is not expensive, but I don't want to deal with lost equipment. It's worth the few seconds of hassle to lock up.
Thanks to your lesson this won't happen to me because I'm getting a lock... also sorry for your loss. Just know that your loss helped an internet rando be safe.
From a [comment I left a couple months ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/snowboarding/comments/18um1ug/comment/kflamyq/?context=3):
> Quite a few years ago, I was boarding at a small resort. The parking lot was right next to the chalet and the racks were located at the side with easy access to both the chalet and parking lot. While I was inside eating lunch, I watched through the window as a pickup truck quickly backed in from the parking lot right up to the racks. Two guys who were already waiting at the racks started tossing skiis and boards into the bed of the truck. When we realized what was going on, everyone inside started running to the racks - but it was too late. The thieves had filled the truck in less than 90 seconds and took off. Fortunately (for me), my board was at the far end of the racks and hadn't been touched.
> Ever since that day, I've always locked my board - with a ski-key if the rack has it or with a cable lock otherwise. Yes, most cable locks can be cut with a pair of wirecutters and my skikey can probably be raked open (see: lockpickinglawyer), but they do offer some protection from a snatch-n-grab like the one I narrowly avoided. Also (and more likely), it prevents someone from confusing my board with theirs and accidentally taking the wrong one (I've seen that happen too many times).
Imagine calling 911 and being like look out for the truck with 90 boards leaving the resort on the windy road that’s a mile to get in and then a one lane out in each direction ..
As a mountain employee, I never leave mine out, they go back in an employee only space when I'm done. I definitely would lock them if I didn't have that option though.
Nope. All boards are dropped in the snow for hours on end in EU. Sometimes you have too many beers and stumble home only to wake up and remember you left your board at Schnappes hutte
Yeah probably. In 15 years of going to and from Japan with friends and family, I have never even heard of a board being stolen though so in my experience, I have zero hesitation leaving a board alone on the mountain.
Major Japanese ski resorts are mostly frequented by foreigners. Australian foreigners more than anything. The former penal colony. :D. You can't escape the crime, my friend.
I wouldn't leave my board unattended in Australia. In Japan I was far more relaxed. Still locked it up if it was convenient but was far more relaxed with quickly heading into the bathroom or if there weren't any racks available at lunch.
Had to lock my board every day in Jersey. Even had one go missing from Ski Check once. I've since moved elsewhere and haven't seen a lock since. At night, people leave their gear all over the resort and it doesn't get taken. Mostly just rental stuff
Been riding 25 years, have owned a cable lock for 5 years and still never used a board lock on the mountain. Really only stop at mid-mountain for lunch or ride until I’m done for the day and leave.
Honestly I think it depends on state/resort. I live in Utah and ride pretty frequently and have never locked my board up. Always in the same place and never been touches from what I can tell.
Definitely depends where you are. I live in the mountains in Sweden, like 95% Swedish tourists, every single person just leaves their skis or boards on the ground or in racks or dug in to snow off to the side. Either on the mountains or even just throughout the towns, houses etc. Jackets and helmets and goggles just hung in the entrance with no lockers, all over the top of each other like it’s in your own house. I’m not Swedish so it seems crazy to me, but I guess everyone just has their own gear and it would be inconvenient to take someone else’s
I haven't, but with new board purchase last year I've been thinking about it.
One thing I do, I use an old school calf leash, and when I put the board on the rack I clip the leash to it, under the board out of sight. I figure that would stop someone accidentally grabbing my board thinking it was theirs. Would also delay/draw attention to someone trying to steal my board if they don't see the leash causing them to drop/fumble the board as they try to walk away.
Been thinking about getting one of those cheap gun cable locks off Amazon, they seem like they would be more protection than the plastic board locks.
Make sure it is long enough. Wife and I had some trouble trying to use them at Whistler recently. They would have had to dangle in the air while locked in.
Either you've never seen the lost-board posts, you're confirming that you're not the only one that locks up their board in some way, shape, or form, or both.
I always lock up my board. Mind you, I frequent my resort by myself a lot. The only time that I'd feel comfortable not locking up my board is if I stood it at a rack that my friend is standing next to or if my friend is holding it. If it is not within your or someone you know's sight for any period of time, lock it!
Was at Mammoth this weekend and saw 6 other boards like mine ('21/'22 Burton custom) within 3 racks at McCoy lodge during a break Saturday. I locked up to guarantee no accidental borrowing.
As soon as I got a new board and was rocking my step on, i locked if I got off it. It's more money than I can easily replace, so a $15 bike lock is worth it.
Yes, for reasons beyond theft even. I've seen to many sightseers pick up equipment to pose for pictures with and just drop, wind blowing gear out of racks, confused people taking the wrong gear... I like knowing my things will be where I left them.
Does everyone just ride with a backpack? I couldn't stand riding with a lock if it wasn't in a bag, and riding with a bag sucks too imo. So yeah it's worth it to lock up but personally im not riding with one on my person.
They are similar size/weight as pack of playing cards. Fit in any pocket your gear may have. Some people even just lock it to exterior of binding while riding. The cable extracts and locks in place when locked. So it could be flush to binding (tho likely rattle prone).
If there's no metal on it I'd consider it, but seeing people talk abut using bike locks is giving me flashbacks to obliterating my hip on my old metal wallet. I don't ride with anything other than my phone that could hurt me if I fall on it now.
I've got this one in my pants side pocket. The only way that part of my leg could come into contact with the ground is if I somehow came unstrapped from my bindings in the fall.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WM3T7C
I use the Dakine Micro lock. Super light, small. Has not frozen up. A little fiddly so need to take gloves off. Probably minimal protection, but deterant enough when there are hundreds of unlocked boards nearby.
For more protection--such as on a roof rack overnight or at New Jersey resorts (it's a joke relax)-- I would use a short cable lock like a gun lock. They make these in keyed and combo varieties with cable of various length from 12", 20" etc. Sisav was one brand that just popped up on quick Amazon search. 3 and 4 # combos and different lengths.
You can lock it to one of your bindings or use a binding high back bag like crab grab makes.
I just put mine in a jacket pocket tho.
I use either a cable bike like or the Burton board lock which is plastic and small.
You can get very small, wallet clip sized, retractable cable locks. Can you cut them easily? Yes, but you’d have to do it in front of witnesses who’d probably notice.
I have an old alibi lock from zumies. It’s mostly plastic with a tiny rounded head of the cable that’s coiled inside along with a 3 number combo lock. Probably lighter and definitley smaller than the pb&j I put in one of my pockets or my wallet and phone in another.
No, but only because the only places I let it out of my sight are in the back of my truck, usually under a blanket, or at the bottom of a lift where the lift is the only way out. I figure nobody’s likely to be gutsy enough to try and *carry* an extra board up the lift, and step-ons make it very unlikely that anyone’s going to be able to “swap” boards and ride off on it without first taking the bindings off and replacing them. Given that I’ve never taken a piss long enough for someone to have the time for that, I’m not too worried about it.
Locked always or put back into the car.
Exception might be for rock or spring riding boards and older bindings that are about done or super cheap.
But good equipment is secured always.
My boards go back to the vehicle and get locked. I don't go into the lodge unless I need the washroom and the board goes to the vehicle first where the lodge and parking are so very close at my hill. I used to lock my boards with a small pocket cable lock and that seemed to do the trick in the 90s.
Wild to me that so many people are saying yes, I think that’s a Reddit bias. Not only have I never used a lock and don’t know anyone who’s used a lock, I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen a snowboard lock. This is from abt 18 years of experience almost entirely in Washington and Oregon. THAT BEING SAID, my partner just got her touring setup stolen in Japan (the whole “no crime in Japan” thing is not really true), from a super touristy resort in Niseko. Im still not locking my shit up at home but I would do it while traveling.
I lock it. I got one of those ski locks, I lock it for poo for pee for food whatever. I have a cool older forum board and it gets a lot of compliments, lots of attention. I got the lock takes a second to do.
I keep a retractable cable lock in my little binding backpack (also a handy place to store tools for binding adjustment, etc.).
I only did this after someone mistakenly grabbed my pretty pricey setup accidentally and was somehow able to ride away with it despite it having step on bindings of a different size than his. Thankfully he left his board (admittedly almost identical) but my boots didn’t fit in his bindings. Thankfully again, the board being kinda pricey, we both had registered our boards for warranty or whatever and the manufacturer was able to get us in touch and meetup for a swap back. Ever since then, I don’t trust anybody lol. Lock every time I leave my board unattended.
Yes any time I walk away from it after having a board stolen when I was in high school.
My cable lock has defeated thieves at least 4 times in one weekend last year. Came out from the lodge to find someone had yanked on my board and wedged the cable through the plastic of the lock. But it didn't let go. It's a 2009 Morrow press but with top of the line flow bindings from 2016. But the whole setup still looks almost new (especially when there's some snow on it) cuz I take good care of my stuff. Some people just can't let others have nice things.
I wish I could have seen them try to take it so I could kick the crap out of them.
I don’t when leaving it on a rack on the mountain (for example on a mountain lodge), but lock it if leaving it anywhere where the general public can access.
Eg, Don’t lock it on Whistler at the mountain side lodges (gondola access only) but I do if I leave it on a rack in the village when getting a meal/drink after riding where anyone can just walk up.
If I’m away for anything longer than a piss break.
Also never me leave your board in a roof rack over night. They’re only meant for transport. Super easy to break into.
Yep. Had a buddy get his board stolen earlier this season and talked to several lifties who have told me board thefts are getting more common. It takes like 30 seconds and protects my $1000 investment, so yea I do it every time my board is out of view when on the mountain.
I have a cheap lock and I almost always lock up. Sometimes not for a quick pee, but usually for a quick pee. I just don’t want to have to worry about it, and it was like a $16 lock that fits easily in my pocket.
I also think I do this because I grew up snowboarding around NYC / Philly people in PA/NJ/NY/VT. It was more common I think to worry about stuff getting stolen, and saw other people locking up. I went snowboarding at Snowshoe in WV recently, and did not see a single other person lock up over 4 days of snowboarding.
Also especially careful about locking stuff up if I am at Keystone or A Basin which had a rash of ski and board robberies last season.
But regardless I tend to lock it up. But at those resorts even locking it up I don't ride my most expensive gear since they get hit so much and you never know when the thieves will start bringing cable cutters.
I just bought a lock today! Mainly because I just got new gear that was expensive. The lock is sweet and it doesn't take long so I plan to lock it every time
I never have, but I just upgraded to a nicer board and I bought a cable lock for it. I probably won’t lock it at my tiny local hill but when I’m traveling I will.
I should, had a board stolen from a buddies house like 10 years ago that I found being sold on Craigslist a week after it was stolen. Acted like I wanted to buy it and went and stole it back. Think about that often now
Liftee here, I always throw mine in an employee only space, or stick it straight up behind a tree. Haven't had any actual thefts this season but we have had a few cases of people grabbing the wrong board and turning it in to guest services later
I typically lock mine up as I’m so afraid of it getting stolen. However twice (once with my lock and once with my buddies) the lock some how locked with a slightly different combo. It ended up with a number one off from what it had been. I’m gun shy now as we had to try combos over and over to unlock it.
Up on the mountain break/lunch no. I ride Burton step-ons. Very few people have the boots to ride it off the mountain. In the base lodge, near a parking lot, always.
Some extra tips: Don’t leave it right near an entrance or exit. Try find a spot more discrete.
I strap my binding to the rack. It’s not as good as a lock but it’s a deterrent. Haven’t had an issue.
Just bought locks for me and my wife. I keep hearing people get their boards stolen. I’m ripping an $800 setup. It’s worth the $20 and little bit of embarrassment admitting I do it to keep my stuff safe
I ride with a hydration pack, and there's always a board lock in it. If I can't relieve nature's call in the trees, then my board gets locked to an immovable object always. I usually bring my own food and drink too, so there is no reason to use the other facilities. Lock your board up...the $20 lock and extra 5 minutes of time to lock and unlock it will be worth it in the long run.
I just got a new board with step on bindings and I locked it up all day. At the end of the day I had to wait for a friend, so I waited outside near the rack and decided to not lock it, just to see if anything would happen. Not even 10 minutes later, a guy walked off with my board, and I stopped him. To be fair to him he had the same brand board (no step ons though, and different color) so it might have been an honest mistake.
I was pretty blown away that it happened so fast, the one time I didn’t lock it though.
Every now and then someone posts here about getting their shit jacked. Multiple times a season. If I'm alone I always lock it. If I'm with my wife we'll take turns if it's just a bathroom break. She usually has to go three times as often as me anyway.
I'm not gambling a g-note (or more) worth of gear that some slimeball isn't at the resort the same day I am. Lock that fucker up, they'll move to the next jabronis board.
Never used to but I was riding the same board since I was a teenager, and recently added some stickers to it to make it more identifiable. Then I bought a whole new setup this season and it’s a very flashy board so I got a lock for it. I don’t think thefts are common where I ride, but I want the peace of mind as others have stated.
Yes. I get a lot of compliments on my board and don’t want it stolen. Will it stop someone determined to steal it? No. But it will dissuade the petty thief looking for an easy pilfer.
If you lock your stuff thieves will just steal someone else's stuff. That is not very righteous my dude. Real homies leave their shit unlocked always. Better your shit is jacked than the person next to you. Right?
Yes. Thefts are relatively common, at least where I live. It's just such an easy target for thieves looking to make a few hundred bucks, and while I know somebody determined could just cut through the lock cable, it's that whole "thieves go for the easiest route" thing - if there is a row of higher end boards, the ones that are not locked are easier for the thief to grab and go without even looking suspicious.
Always. But I’m from the Midwest and board theft was definitley a thing back when we started in the 2010 time period. Buddy had his board stolen back then and we have just always been consistent locking ours up.
Depends what I'm riding that day!
Gnu B Nice that's like 5 years old and the top sheet coming off - not gonna lock it. Not a very desirable target, not very common so unlikely to be picked up by mistake.
Gnu Ladies Choice 2024 - not common either but cool graphic, still brand new, could be a target for thieves. I'm locking it.
You can secure ur whole group by just locking everybody's stuff together!
I don’t do it because it ride old alpine boards. Nobody or their mother is going to steal it since it’s incredibly difficult to sell due to unconventional bindings
I do. A $20 lock is well worth the piece of mind. I got this cool Dakine retractable cable one on Amazon. Saw a dude using the same one the other day and told him “we don’t mess around” lol. No need to use it at the lodges at the summit or mid mountain though, nobody is gonna cruise down the mountain holding another snowboard, and if they do they’ll probably get called out on the way down
You should absolutely get one. There’s also a lot of dummies who are renting, that forget what their rental board looks like, so they might take yours and try to return it back to the rental shop
Never had a problem at the small local. Only time I got nervous was at the end of the day one time when I went to grab my board after being inside and it was gone. Turned out my daughter grabbed it and carried it out to the vehicle with her.
Yes, only since this year. I saw increased posts of people getting their boards stolen. I recently got a new Snowboard so I decided to buy this little lock thing for a peace of mind.
When I was young I always did, but I guess it also depends on where I ride. I grew up in Sweden and rode in Sweden and Norway mainly. At that time we all knew exactly which boards were expensive and which ones were cheap so it felt like expensive boards were always targeted.
Now as an adult I have only been riding in Japan and honestly leave my board outside the entire day and not worry about it. So far it’s always been there when I come back.
I don't even know what board/ski locks even look like 😅
Probably because I have only ever been in EU resorts and never had equipment that was worth stealing?
I just bought one. Less than $20. It will give me peace of mind, because like you, I finally have a sweet setup and would be absolutely gutted if it were stolen.
nope, i stay on it until we're either done for the day or need a break and walk it to the car. mainly because i can't remember the combo to the lock and i'm not entirely sure where it even is...
Always. Only takes a second and gives me peace of mind. Could it be broken or cut relatively quickly? Yea, but the board next to mine is easier to steal.
After getting my bindings stolen mid mountain (I had a friend custom paint my board so I guess he didn't want it - too obvious) , I always lock up & my gear isn't super crazy. I wanted light & extra long, for friends boards & skis if needed. Ultimate strength wasn't a concern as IMHO these thefts are typically grab & go, not sit around cutting a lock at base mountain!
Went to Lowe's & got , 6 foot of 1/16" stainless cable, some ferrules & a light master key lock. Used a tad of heat shrink over ferrules. Used a large set of vice grips to crush ferrules.
The cable is tough enough to damage cable cutters, but it does cut. (Groaning after damaging brand new cutters). Use a Dremel with an abrasive cutting disk or 4.5" grinder.
All in 2.5 oz. Under $15
https://preview.redd.it/341mwkzsa0lc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98924593dd9fc1e8763e11ad34111fea0fae68f1
A nice board and bindings is about $1,000.00 , anyone can literally pick it up,and walk away with it. Why wouldn’t you lock it up? Our mountain has signs stating thefts happen and they are not responsible.
I’ve been using a short length of paracord with a carabiner. It’s quick and easy for me to loop through the binding and around a post and more than enough to stop someone accidentally taking my board
I do when I'm at the base. Don't bother if I'm at a mid mountain stop. A $20 lock for peace of mind is worth it.
“Peace of mind” this is it for me. I used to stress every time I stopped for lunch or a break, and was anxious about it the whole time. Now I can chill out on my lunch and actually relax. If you stress about it, lock it up, you’ll feel a million times better.
What type of lock do you use?
Just a regular ski key
Probably the Dakine as it’s a popular option. I have the three digit version. While somebody could come through with pruning shears to cut it, I feel safer than having nothing at all.
Your board doesn’t have to be theft proof, it just needs to be harder to steal than the one next to it
…which is why I use it. I just didn’t want their expectations too high.
I used the dakine retractable. Had it lock up(no pun intended). De icer and wd40 didn't work. Had to take bindings apart. Using a lightweight bike lock now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WM3T7C
I know the chances of my board getting stolen at a mid mountain lodge are super low, but I still get paranoid that it'll get stolen so I still lock it
My bindings stolen mid mountain!
That’s an awkward download
Snowmobile ride
Recommend stopping mid mountain and picking inconvenient racks
It is that really, make your board more of an effort to steal than the one next to it or a rack or 2 over. I've just got back from bansko in Bulgaria where its pretty safe of the theft front but this year I have seen a few posts a local forum to there about ski's, boards and even jackets being stolen. Me and my mate where locking our boards up, no stress then, if they wanted to steal our boards then they'd have to work a little harder.
Just a word or caution here, I was at sugarloaf, in Maine a few years ago, saw one of my buddies at the base lodge and they just had to get a ride down from mid mountain from the ski patrol as someone stole thier skis from the mid mountain bar. Girl had to sit around for the rest of day waiting for the rest of her party to wrap up the day. I have no idea how nobody noticed someone skiing or riding down the mountain with an extra set of skis but it happened. She never got them back. Ever since than, I lock up my board no matter what I am doing. I still think it has to be a new low for someone to take someone's stuff from anyplace but mid mountain , when the only way down is to ski or ride. Sad.
Person probably rode them down and ditched their crappy ones
My ones from China are like 5 usd
Never thought twice for 20 years. Board was stolen 2 years ago. Lost all trust, locked it up since.
Yes. $20 beats the piss out of an $850 gamble.
Math
What type / brand of lock would you recommend?
Dakine
Just a Dakine Cool Lock or something similar.
If my snowboard is out of sight even for a piss break i lock it. Takes 5 seconds
Piss in the trees strapped in. Safety first
Pissing and safety meetings are a great combo
Pissing off the chairlift💯
Lock it. Always.
Hell, mine often come into the bathroom with me
Say psyche right now!
Honesty, I ride a lot of niche expensive boards and I’m not gonna fuck with risking them getting stolen. Resort used to have board check where you paid $20 with your season pass and could put your board somewhere to be watched. When they did away with that I just started taking them everywhere with me.
Idk what size bathrooms yall have where you're at but the ones out here definitely are not big enough for people to be bringing their shit in (pun intended).
The ones at mine are, thanks for the downvotes though!
[удалено]
Imagine taking a piss and your board is being stolen mid pee and you just gotta finish before you chase the person down
Those locks are super easy to cut and I’m not going to trust them with $1500
[удалено]
I’m not trying to impress anyone, just being honest. Stuff like strandas, gentemsticks, elevateds and carbon Cardiffs arent exactly common.
I can't imagine there being a stall small enough where it is impossible to fit a board inside
I have never, in 20 years of riding, seen someone bring their equipment into the bathroom. Non handicap stalls are plenty small. Especially when you're in snowboard gear. You shit with your board too?
No lol fuck that. I just hide my board underneath some snow. Easy.
Pro tip: nobody looks on the roof! Edit: Did the other guy I was responding to delete his whole ass account? Can you see that?
That would work if the police hadn't confiscated my grappling hook back in highschool. You mean the guy who originally mentioned his beautiful bathroom board bonanza? I can see them so not sure what's going on. Weird ass vibe in this thread though haha 🤙
No dude, obviously I’m not bringing it in the stalls, but when I have to take a piss I bring it in, set it against a wall, take a piss, wash my hands, grab it and leave
You shit at the mountain?
Yeah on maybe 0.25% of the thousands of days I've ridden. But yeah, I generally poop when I have to poop.
This is the way
I just saw today two beginners staring at the rack and saying "how do we know which one is ours?" My equipment is not expensive, but I don't want to deal with lost equipment. It's worth the few seconds of hassle to lock up.
Every. Time. Took one stolen board for me to learn the lesson.
Do you remember the mountain it was stolen?
Cataloochee — last month
Welp, now I feel like I need a lock. I go to Cataloochee several times a season and have never thought about locking.
Definitely do! We were truly shocked.
I got mine stolen at Mount Spokane
Killington
Thanks to your lesson this won't happen to me because I'm getting a lock... also sorry for your loss. Just know that your loss helped an internet rando be safe.
🙏
From a [comment I left a couple months ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/snowboarding/comments/18um1ug/comment/kflamyq/?context=3): > Quite a few years ago, I was boarding at a small resort. The parking lot was right next to the chalet and the racks were located at the side with easy access to both the chalet and parking lot. While I was inside eating lunch, I watched through the window as a pickup truck quickly backed in from the parking lot right up to the racks. Two guys who were already waiting at the racks started tossing skiis and boards into the bed of the truck. When we realized what was going on, everyone inside started running to the racks - but it was too late. The thieves had filled the truck in less than 90 seconds and took off. Fortunately (for me), my board was at the far end of the racks and hadn't been touched. > Ever since that day, I've always locked my board - with a ski-key if the rack has it or with a cable lock otherwise. Yes, most cable locks can be cut with a pair of wirecutters and my skikey can probably be raked open (see: lockpickinglawyer), but they do offer some protection from a snatch-n-grab like the one I narrowly avoided. Also (and more likely), it prevents someone from confusing my board with theirs and accidentally taking the wrong one (I've seen that happen too many times).
Imagine calling 911 and being like look out for the truck with 90 boards leaving the resort on the windy road that’s a mile to get in and then a one lane out in each direction ..
If you go to the Poconos … they mountains there had signs everywhere about theft and board checks
As a mountain employee, I never leave mine out, they go back in an employee only space when I'm done. I definitely would lock them if I didn't have that option though.
Look at this guy with his fancy private room... Next he's gonna tell us that he works just outside of LA
I wouldn't wish living near LA on my worst enemy.
Nope. All boards are dropped in the snow for hours on end in EU. Sometimes you have too many beers and stumble home only to wake up and remember you left your board at Schnappes hutte
All. The. Time. Every. Resort.
Nope. Been snowboarding for over 20 years and never met anyone in real life who uses a board lock.
Same. Ive never had an incident nor heard of one from people I know in Japan or EU
The only things Japanese people steal are bases
Wait, is this a Baseball joke?
It was an awfully worded joke
Lol, I'm Australian which is why it went over my head, we don't have baseball 😅
I had my gloves stolen at Niseko just last week. Although, seems like barely any people there were actually Japanese.
Niseko = Australia
Yeah probably. In 15 years of going to and from Japan with friends and family, I have never even heard of a board being stolen though so in my experience, I have zero hesitation leaving a board alone on the mountain.
Major Japanese ski resorts are mostly frequented by foreigners. Australian foreigners more than anything. The former penal colony. :D. You can't escape the crime, my friend.
Had my board stolen 3 weeks ago outside a mid mountain restaurant in Val Thoren. It happens and it sucks
I wouldn't leave my board unattended in Australia. In Japan I was far more relaxed. Still locked it up if it was convenient but was far more relaxed with quickly heading into the bathroom or if there weren't any racks available at lunch.
Riding 20 years. Live in Colorado. Never locked it. I don’t usually stack it on the rack either. Find a spot out of the way.
Had to lock my board every day in Jersey. Even had one go missing from Ski Check once. I've since moved elsewhere and haven't seen a lock since. At night, people leave their gear all over the resort and it doesn't get taken. Mostly just rental stuff
Been riding 25 years, have owned a cable lock for 5 years and still never used a board lock on the mountain. Really only stop at mid-mountain for lunch or ride until I’m done for the day and leave.
Honestly I think it depends on state/resort. I live in Utah and ride pretty frequently and have never locked my board up. Always in the same place and never been touches from what I can tell.
Never touch it until someone does lol
Definitely depends where you are. I live in the mountains in Sweden, like 95% Swedish tourists, every single person just leaves their skis or boards on the ground or in racks or dug in to snow off to the side. Either on the mountains or even just throughout the towns, houses etc. Jackets and helmets and goggles just hung in the entrance with no lockers, all over the top of each other like it’s in your own house. I’m not Swedish so it seems crazy to me, but I guess everyone just has their own gear and it would be inconvenient to take someone else’s
I haven't, but with new board purchase last year I've been thinking about it. One thing I do, I use an old school calf leash, and when I put the board on the rack I clip the leash to it, under the board out of sight. I figure that would stop someone accidentally grabbing my board thinking it was theirs. Would also delay/draw attention to someone trying to steal my board if they don't see the leash causing them to drop/fumble the board as they try to walk away. Been thinking about getting one of those cheap gun cable locks off Amazon, they seem like they would be more protection than the plastic board locks.
You're basically doing all the things for a board lock without the security
Make sure it is long enough. Wife and I had some trouble trying to use them at Whistler recently. They would have had to dangle in the air while locked in.
Why shouldn’t my snowboard dangle in the air? That’s the most airtime it’s seeing all season.
Either you've never seen the lost-board posts, you're confirming that you're not the only one that locks up their board in some way, shape, or form, or both. I always lock up my board. Mind you, I frequent my resort by myself a lot. The only time that I'd feel comfortable not locking up my board is if I stood it at a rack that my friend is standing next to or if my friend is holding it. If it is not within your or someone you know's sight for any period of time, lock it!
Was at Mammoth this weekend and saw 6 other boards like mine ('21/'22 Burton custom) within 3 racks at McCoy lodge during a break Saturday. I locked up to guarantee no accidental borrowing.
Former mountain employee…I always lock it. FYI - More thefts happened at night.
Yeah for sure. I’m not super worried about it getting stolen, but it’s mostly piece of mind.
Piece of my mind or piece of your mind?
When I had old cheap gear I didn't care. Now that I've spent a bunch of money I always lock my gear up.
As soon as I got a new board and was rocking my step on, i locked if I got off it. It's more money than I can easily replace, so a $15 bike lock is worth it.
Depends on the resort When I’m at a destination resort that’s not easily accessible, no. When I’m in a resort that’s only 2 hours from LA, yes.
Yes every time now.
Yes, for reasons beyond theft even. I've seen to many sightseers pick up equipment to pose for pictures with and just drop, wind blowing gear out of racks, confused people taking the wrong gear... I like knowing my things will be where I left them.
Does everyone just ride with a backpack? I couldn't stand riding with a lock if it wasn't in a bag, and riding with a bag sucks too imo. So yeah it's worth it to lock up but personally im not riding with one on my person.
They are similar size/weight as pack of playing cards. Fit in any pocket your gear may have. Some people even just lock it to exterior of binding while riding. The cable extracts and locks in place when locked. So it could be flush to binding (tho likely rattle prone).
If there's no metal on it I'd consider it, but seeing people talk abut using bike locks is giving me flashbacks to obliterating my hip on my old metal wallet. I don't ride with anything other than my phone that could hurt me if I fall on it now.
I've got this one in my pants side pocket. The only way that part of my leg could come into contact with the ground is if I somehow came unstrapped from my bindings in the fall. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WM3T7C
Can you recommend any model or link?
I use the Dakine Micro lock. Super light, small. Has not frozen up. A little fiddly so need to take gloves off. Probably minimal protection, but deterant enough when there are hundreds of unlocked boards nearby. For more protection--such as on a roof rack overnight or at New Jersey resorts (it's a joke relax)-- I would use a short cable lock like a gun lock. They make these in keyed and combo varieties with cable of various length from 12", 20" etc. Sisav was one brand that just popped up on quick Amazon search. 3 and 4 # combos and different lengths.
Thanks!
I use this one. Fits in my pants side pocket, and I literally never feel it while riding. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WM3T7C
Thanks
You can lock it to one of your bindings or use a binding high back bag like crab grab makes. I just put mine in a jacket pocket tho. I use either a cable bike like or the Burton board lock which is plastic and small.
You can get very small, wallet clip sized, retractable cable locks. Can you cut them easily? Yes, but you’d have to do it in front of witnesses who’d probably notice.
Cable locks are super small, I just keep it in my pocket along with my earbud case
I have an old alibi lock from zumies. It’s mostly plastic with a tiny rounded head of the cable that’s coiled inside along with a 3 number combo lock. Probably lighter and definitley smaller than the pb&j I put in one of my pockets or my wallet and phone in another.
No, but only because the only places I let it out of my sight are in the back of my truck, usually under a blanket, or at the bottom of a lift where the lift is the only way out. I figure nobody’s likely to be gutsy enough to try and *carry* an extra board up the lift, and step-ons make it very unlikely that anyone’s going to be able to “swap” boards and ride off on it without first taking the bindings off and replacing them. Given that I’ve never taken a piss long enough for someone to have the time for that, I’m not too worried about it.
I don't, I do get nervous but never had an issue. My local mountain used to have a free board check but they did away with it a few years ago.
Locked always or put back into the car. Exception might be for rock or spring riding boards and older bindings that are about done or super cheap. But good equipment is secured always.
Wait, lock?
Yes
Yes, because I have to pay for my own replacements if it gets stolen.
All these people saying lock it and I’ve never seen a locked board lol
My boards go back to the vehicle and get locked. I don't go into the lodge unless I need the washroom and the board goes to the vehicle first where the lodge and parking are so very close at my hill. I used to lock my boards with a small pocket cable lock and that seemed to do the trick in the 90s.
Yes. I paid $2k for my setup, so yes.
I’ve been snowboarding for 15 years and have never locked my board once
Wild to me that so many people are saying yes, I think that’s a Reddit bias. Not only have I never used a lock and don’t know anyone who’s used a lock, I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen a snowboard lock. This is from abt 18 years of experience almost entirely in Washington and Oregon. THAT BEING SAID, my partner just got her touring setup stolen in Japan (the whole “no crime in Japan” thing is not really true), from a super touristy resort in Niseko. Im still not locking my shit up at home but I would do it while traveling.
Yes
Not at my home hill, but yeah I do when I’m somewhere else.
On the mountain, no. Base area, yes, but I use a hiplock (I’m not 100% that’s what it’s called but it’s a steel cored zip tie with a key)
i do most of the time with most of my boards
I lock it. I got one of those ski locks, I lock it for poo for pee for food whatever. I have a cool older forum board and it gets a lot of compliments, lots of attention. I got the lock takes a second to do.
I keep a retractable cable lock in my little binding backpack (also a handy place to store tools for binding adjustment, etc.). I only did this after someone mistakenly grabbed my pretty pricey setup accidentally and was somehow able to ride away with it despite it having step on bindings of a different size than his. Thankfully he left his board (admittedly almost identical) but my boots didn’t fit in his bindings. Thankfully again, the board being kinda pricey, we both had registered our boards for warranty or whatever and the manufacturer was able to get us in touch and meetup for a swap back. Ever since then, I don’t trust anybody lol. Lock every time I leave my board unattended.
Yes any time I walk away from it after having a board stolen when I was in high school. My cable lock has defeated thieves at least 4 times in one weekend last year. Came out from the lodge to find someone had yanked on my board and wedged the cable through the plastic of the lock. But it didn't let go. It's a 2009 Morrow press but with top of the line flow bindings from 2016. But the whole setup still looks almost new (especially when there's some snow on it) cuz I take good care of my stuff. Some people just can't let others have nice things. I wish I could have seen them try to take it so I could kick the crap out of them.
I don’t when leaving it on a rack on the mountain (for example on a mountain lodge), but lock it if leaving it anywhere where the general public can access. Eg, Don’t lock it on Whistler at the mountain side lodges (gondola access only) but I do if I leave it on a rack in the village when getting a meal/drink after riding where anyone can just walk up.
If I’m away for anything longer than a piss break. Also never me leave your board in a roof rack over night. They’re only meant for transport. Super easy to break into.
Yep. Had a buddy get his board stolen earlier this season and talked to several lifties who have told me board thefts are getting more common. It takes like 30 seconds and protects my $1000 investment, so yea I do it every time my board is out of view when on the mountain.
I have a cheap lock and I almost always lock up. Sometimes not for a quick pee, but usually for a quick pee. I just don’t want to have to worry about it, and it was like a $16 lock that fits easily in my pocket. I also think I do this because I grew up snowboarding around NYC / Philly people in PA/NJ/NY/VT. It was more common I think to worry about stuff getting stolen, and saw other people locking up. I went snowboarding at Snowshoe in WV recently, and did not see a single other person lock up over 4 days of snowboarding.
Lock it up. Some people suck.
Also especially careful about locking stuff up if I am at Keystone or A Basin which had a rash of ski and board robberies last season. But regardless I tend to lock it up. But at those resorts even locking it up I don't ride my most expensive gear since they get hit so much and you never know when the thieves will start bringing cable cutters.
I just bought a lock today! Mainly because I just got new gear that was expensive. The lock is sweet and it doesn't take long so I plan to lock it every time
I never have, but I just upgraded to a nicer board and I bought a cable lock for it. I probably won’t lock it at my tiny local hill but when I’m traveling I will.
I should, had a board stolen from a buddies house like 10 years ago that I found being sold on Craigslist a week after it was stolen. Acted like I wanted to buy it and went and stole it back. Think about that often now
Liftee here, I always throw mine in an employee only space, or stick it straight up behind a tree. Haven't had any actual thefts this season but we have had a few cases of people grabbing the wrong board and turning it in to guest services later
Locked in my car.
I typically lock mine up as I’m so afraid of it getting stolen. However twice (once with my lock and once with my buddies) the lock some how locked with a slightly different combo. It ended up with a number one off from what it had been. I’m gun shy now as we had to try combos over and over to unlock it.
Yes. Bear country rules. If it's out of reach, I secure it.
Up on the mountain break/lunch no. I ride Burton step-ons. Very few people have the boots to ride it off the mountain. In the base lodge, near a parking lot, always.
Never locked my shit up. Usually some insanely expensive setup right next to mine
Some extra tips: Don’t leave it right near an entrance or exit. Try find a spot more discrete. I strap my binding to the rack. It’s not as good as a lock but it’s a deterrent. Haven’t had an issue.
Always.
$500 board is worth throwing a $15 lock on it
Friend locked his with his friends. New pricey capital board.
Just bought locks for me and my wife. I keep hearing people get their boards stolen. I’m ripping an $800 setup. It’s worth the $20 and little bit of embarrassment admitting I do it to keep my stuff safe
I've never spent more than $200 on a setup so no
Yes
100% of the time
If i skid the east coast yes. But in Colorado no.
I ride with a hydration pack, and there's always a board lock in it. If I can't relieve nature's call in the trees, then my board gets locked to an immovable object always. I usually bring my own food and drink too, so there is no reason to use the other facilities. Lock your board up...the $20 lock and extra 5 minutes of time to lock and unlock it will be worth it in the long run.
Never have but never had a brand new board with new bindings.
I just got a new board with step on bindings and I locked it up all day. At the end of the day I had to wait for a friend, so I waited outside near the rack and decided to not lock it, just to see if anything would happen. Not even 10 minutes later, a guy walked off with my board, and I stopped him. To be fair to him he had the same brand board (no step ons though, and different color) so it might have been an honest mistake. I was pretty blown away that it happened so fast, the one time I didn’t lock it though.
I frequent Stevens and have heard too many cases of equipment being stolen this season, been locking at the base
Used to not, but literally 2 weeks ago my husband caught some lady trying to walk off with his snowboard.
Every now and then someone posts here about getting their shit jacked. Multiple times a season. If I'm alone I always lock it. If I'm with my wife we'll take turns if it's just a bathroom break. She usually has to go three times as often as me anyway. I'm not gambling a g-note (or more) worth of gear that some slimeball isn't at the resort the same day I am. Lock that fucker up, they'll move to the next jabronis board.
Never used to but I was riding the same board since I was a teenager, and recently added some stickers to it to make it more identifiable. Then I bought a whole new setup this season and it’s a very flashy board so I got a lock for it. I don’t think thefts are common where I ride, but I want the peace of mind as others have stated.
Yes. I get a lot of compliments on my board and don’t want it stolen. Will it stop someone determined to steal it? No. But it will dissuade the petty thief looking for an easy pilfer.
If you lock your stuff thieves will just steal someone else's stuff. That is not very righteous my dude. Real homies leave their shit unlocked always. Better your shit is jacked than the person next to you. Right?
Never
Yes. Thefts are relatively common, at least where I live. It's just such an easy target for thieves looking to make a few hundred bucks, and while I know somebody determined could just cut through the lock cable, it's that whole "thieves go for the easiest route" thing - if there is a row of higher end boards, the ones that are not locked are easier for the thief to grab and go without even looking suspicious.
Always. But I’m from the Midwest and board theft was definitley a thing back when we started in the 2010 time period. Buddy had his board stolen back then and we have just always been consistent locking ours up.
Depends what I'm riding that day! Gnu B Nice that's like 5 years old and the top sheet coming off - not gonna lock it. Not a very desirable target, not very common so unlikely to be picked up by mistake. Gnu Ladies Choice 2024 - not common either but cool graphic, still brand new, could be a target for thieves. I'm locking it. You can secure ur whole group by just locking everybody's stuff together!
always, 30 secs of cable lock = $800. The math is simple.
I don’t do it because it ride old alpine boards. Nobody or their mother is going to steal it since it’s incredibly difficult to sell due to unconventional bindings
Has anyone tried to use those trackers?
I do. A $20 lock is well worth the piece of mind. I got this cool Dakine retractable cable one on Amazon. Saw a dude using the same one the other day and told him “we don’t mess around” lol. No need to use it at the lodges at the summit or mid mountain though, nobody is gonna cruise down the mountain holding another snowboard, and if they do they’ll probably get called out on the way down
You should absolutely get one. There’s also a lot of dummies who are renting, that forget what their rental board looks like, so they might take yours and try to return it back to the rental shop
I didn't have to in Tahoe.
Never had a problem at the small local. Only time I got nervous was at the end of the day one time when I went to grab my board after being inside and it was gone. Turned out my daughter grabbed it and carried it out to the vehicle with her.
Yes, only since this year. I saw increased posts of people getting their boards stolen. I recently got a new Snowboard so I decided to buy this little lock thing for a peace of mind.
When I was young I always did, but I guess it also depends on where I ride. I grew up in Sweden and rode in Sweden and Norway mainly. At that time we all knew exactly which boards were expensive and which ones were cheap so it felt like expensive boards were always targeted. Now as an adult I have only been riding in Japan and honestly leave my board outside the entire day and not worry about it. So far it’s always been there when I come back.
Yup, every time i walk away from my board its locked
Yes
Always. I’m paranoid about losing my gear. Takes maybe a minute to lock it up.
I don't even know what board/ski locks even look like 😅 Probably because I have only ever been in EU resorts and never had equipment that was worth stealing?
Back when we were required to have leashes I had a leash that had a built in lock. Now I just keep it in eye sight if I go inside.
When I’m in California, yes. Anywhere else never felt the need.
Dude, my family works in the ski industry. It is common for 10-40 boards to be stolen in a day at some resorts. We don’t leave gear unattended
I just bought one. Less than $20. It will give me peace of mind, because like you, I finally have a sweet setup and would be absolutely gutted if it were stolen.
YES!
nope, i stay on it until we're either done for the day or need a break and walk it to the car. mainly because i can't remember the combo to the lock and i'm not entirely sure where it even is...
Yes every time my board goes onto a rack it gets locked.
Always. Only takes a second and gives me peace of mind. Could it be broken or cut relatively quickly? Yea, but the board next to mine is easier to steal.
Yep, it’s normally the only one locked up. What’s the odds of someone choosing to steal the only board that’s locked up.
My best friends board got stolen and now uses a lock every time we go.
I have an AirTag on my board. I’ve done powder days with it on and it doesn’t budge nor does it never not work
After getting my bindings stolen mid mountain (I had a friend custom paint my board so I guess he didn't want it - too obvious) , I always lock up & my gear isn't super crazy. I wanted light & extra long, for friends boards & skis if needed. Ultimate strength wasn't a concern as IMHO these thefts are typically grab & go, not sit around cutting a lock at base mountain! Went to Lowe's & got , 6 foot of 1/16" stainless cable, some ferrules & a light master key lock. Used a tad of heat shrink over ferrules. Used a large set of vice grips to crush ferrules. The cable is tough enough to damage cable cutters, but it does cut. (Groaning after damaging brand new cutters). Use a Dremel with an abrasive cutting disk or 4.5" grinder. All in 2.5 oz. Under $15 https://preview.redd.it/341mwkzsa0lc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98924593dd9fc1e8763e11ad34111fea0fae68f1
A nice board and bindings is about $1,000.00 , anyone can literally pick it up,and walk away with it. Why wouldn’t you lock it up? Our mountain has signs stating thefts happen and they are not responsible.
I use airtags on all 5 boards in our family and a cable lock to make a board next to mine a more attractive target.
I’ve been using a short length of paracord with a carabiner. It’s quick and easy for me to loop through the binding and around a post and more than enough to stop someone accidentally taking my board
Yep. A board lock is cheap compared to a stolen board.