How Snowboard Brands Can Win with Digital Marketing Before the Season Drops

Written By Jeff Howard

The first snowfall of the season isn’t always about deep powder. It’s about the energy it sparks in the snowboard community. For brands, the pre-season window is a golden opportunity to capture attention, build hype, and drive sales before riders even strap in.

Here’s what snowboard brands should be doing now to set themselves up for a strong season.

1. Hype the Stoke With Content Marketing

Riders are hungry for snow updates, gear reviews, and style inspiration before the lifts even start spinning. Brands should:

  • Drop preseason edits: Showcase new gear being tested in early-season conditions. Short-form video on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts works especially well.

  • Behind-the-scenes storytelling: Share athlete trips, R&D testing, or the design inspiration behind new boards or outerwear.

  • UGC campaigns: Get your community posting with tagging your brand in their posts (“Show us your board setup” or “first snowfall of the year” contests).

2. Lock In Paid Media Early

Digital ad costs spike once the season starts. Snowboard brands can stretch their ad dollars by:

  • Running awareness campaigns in September–November: Capture interest before competition heats up.

  • Using retargeting audiences: Serve product-specific ads to people who engaged with preseason content or visited product pages.

  • Highlighting bundles or limited drops: Urgency sells, especially with holiday shoppers in play.

3. Refresh Email & SMS Flows

Before snow hits, make sure your owned channels are dialed:

  • Preseason newsletters: “Gear up for opening day” or “This season’s must-have gear.”

  • Segment riders: Beginners, park rats, and backcountry riders all have different needs. Tailor your messaging.

  • Exclusive drops or early access: Reward loyal customers with first dibs.

4. Tap Into Influencers & Athletes

The rider community is heavily peer-influenced. Now’s the time to:

  • Get gear on athletes early: Showcase them riding prototypes or new graphics before retail launch.

  • Leverage micro-influencers: Local riders who film at early-season resorts (like Keystone or Mammoth) can create grassroots buzz.

  • Cross-promote content: Repost rider clips on brand channels with tags for added reach.

5. Optimize for Search & Local

When riders start Googling “best snowboard for park 2025” or “best snowboard jackets,” make sure your brand shows up:

  • SEO blog posts & gear guides: Cover topics like sizing, tech breakdowns, or comparisons.

  • Local targeting for shops: If you sell wholesale, run geo-targeted ads around core mountain towns.

  • Google Shopping ads: Showcase your products directly in search when riders are actively shopping.

6. Lean Into Community & Lifestyle

Snowboarding isn’t just about gear—it’s a culture.

  • Memes and humor: Tap into the pre-season energy (like waiting for the first storm).

  • Podcast sponsorships or YouTube collabs: Reach niche audiences where they’re already tuned in.

  • Cause-based marketing: Highlight sustainability initiatives, givebacks to foundations, or support for local crews.

Final Tracks

Snowboard brands that win in digital marketing don’t just push products; they build anticipation, create community, and make riders feel like part of something bigger. The months leading up to opening day are your chance to build hype, earn loyalty, and set the tone for the season ahead.

Jeff Howard
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