Snowboard rental in Livigno: how to choose the right board

Livigno has 115 km of slopes on two sides of the valley and the Mottolino snowpark, so riders have plenty to do. The question is which board to take. Here is why renting on the spot makes sense, what Skialo's categories are and how to choose the right one for you.

Why rent a snowboard in Livigno

A board and boots are heavy, take up room in the car and cost extra on a plane. Pick them up in Livigno and you travel lighter, with nothing to carry.

Book online for 20% off the shop's list price and your board will be ready at pick-up. During the rental you can ask in the shop for another model or size, subject to availability, and you can switch to skis too; if the price bands differ, there may be a difference to pay.

The boards at Skialo

Snowboard Superior

This category is for riders who already have a good level and want a board that responds on any terrain. It covers three families:

• all-mountain, the most versatile: you go from groomed runs to fresh snow and the park on the same board, with a good balance of edge hold and handling
• park and freestyle, more flexible and tough, made for jumps and rails
• freeride, designed to float and stay stable in deep snow

Snowboard Base

An easy, manageable board for your first days on snow, or for progressing on something that forgives mistakes. If you have never linked a turn, start here.

Snowboard Junior

A board designed for children, easy to turn. An adult board is too long and too stiff for a child, slows learning and can be enough to put them off. With the right one they learn their first turns with less effort and more confidence.

How to choose the right board

Your level

Start here, and be honest. If you are a beginner take the Base even if the Superior tempts you: a stiffer board is harder to turn. If in doubt, ask us before you book.

Weight and height

These decide the length. A board that is too short is less stable and sinks in fresh snow, while one that is too long is tiring to steer. As a guide, stood on end the board reaches somewhere between your chin and nose, and weight counts for more than height. We settle the final size with you in the shop.

Regular or goofy

Before you collect the board you need to know which foot goes in front: the left if you are regular, the right if you are goofy. The shop sets up the bindings, so just tell us at the counter. If you don't know, think which foot you would put forward to slide on ice in your shoes. That is usually the one.

Boots and helmet

You can add snowboard boots and a helmet to the set. If you already have your own boots, bring them and rent the board only.

If it is your first time

On your first day you will fall, mostly backwards and onto your wrists. Pick a wide, gentle slope, wear solid gloves and think about a few hours with an instructor: Livigno has snowboard schools, and learning to brake and link your first turns with someone watching saves days of trial and error. You can add a helmet to the set when you book.

Where to rent a snowboard in Livigno

Skialo has three points close to the lifts: San Rocco, Carosello and Doss. Pick the handiest one when you book online, or just walk into the shop.

Before you go up, have a look at the piste map and the FIS rules, which apply to riders too.