Learning to Snowboard with The Handlebar from Burton
The Handlebar from Burton is an educational tool designed to help kids learn balance and build confidence on a snowboard, all while standing sideways. Like bicycle training wheels, parents can easily attach The Handlebar to a child's snowboard and remove it when it's no longer needed. The Handlebar is a simple, low cost learning solution for snowboarding families around the world.
- History of The Handlebar
- The Handlebar Overview
- How to Mount The Handlebar
- Getting Started with The Handlebar
- Frequently Asked Questions
A Brief History of The Handlebar from Burton
Burton is committed to making snowboarding accessible to everyone, and that commitment has always extended to kids. It's why we've developed a range of youth learning tools.
The Handlebar came directly from internal research and development, shaped by feedback from Burton employees, ambassadors, and partner resort instructors who teach children to snowboard every day. The consistent takeaway from those conversations: the "standing sideways" part of snowboarding is one of the biggest barriers to getting kids comfortable on snow. From that insight, Burton's engineers set out to build a learning tool that can easily be installed by moms and dads, and requires minimal instruction for kids to use. A few iterations later, The Handlebar as we know it was born.
An Overview of the Burton Handlebar
The Handlebar is a lightweight grab bar that promotes proper body positioning and attaches to a snowboard using standard binding mounting holes. It can be used on virtually any Burton kids' snowboard sized 80cm–110cm, indoors or outdoors, at any time of year — making it one of the most flexible learning tools available for young riders.
Here's a closer look at what makes The Burton Handlebar a great learning tool:
Adjustable height. Depress the metal push-buttons on either side of the upright and slide the crossbar up or down to fit your child. A good starting point is setting the bar so their arms are at roughly a 90-degree angle, stable enough to feel secure, but with enough freedom to shift their upper body.
Padded grab bar. The crossbar is padded and non-slip, making it easy to grab with gloved hands.
No bindings needed. The Handlebar can be used without bindings. If your kid can stand, they can start snowboarding.
Wide compatibility. Works with youth snowboards from 80cm to 110cm, so it grows with them through multiple seasons.
Accessible price point. At around $150 USD, it's an affordable addition to a beginner setup.
How to Mount The Handlebar
- Line up the slots on the base pads with your board's standard binding insert holes.
- Use the included screws to set the bar in place and hand-tighten. No power tools — hand-tightening is all you need, and over-torquing can damage the inserts.
- Have your child stand on the board and raise or lower the crossbar until their arms fall at roughly a 90-degree angle when they grab it. This position gives them stability while still allowing them to rotate their upper body — an important movement pattern for learning to steer.
Getting Started with The Burton Handlebar
The Handlebar is approachable enough that kids can hop on and start moving almost immediately. That said, following a progression will help them build real confidence rather than just get through the day. Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Start Indoors
Before heading to the snow, give your child a chance to get comfortable with the board underfoot in a familiar environment. Attach The Handlebar, have them step on the board inside (on a carpeted surface), and let them practice standing, shifting their weight, and crouching while holding the bar. The goal here isn't movement, it's getting used to the sensation of standing sideways without any pressure to perform.
Step 2: Add Movement on a Flat Surface
Once they're comfortable standing, gently push them forward or use the Burton Riglet Reel (a tow rope designed for young riders) to pull them around while they hold onto the bar. Remember, we're still inside at this point. Keep speeds slow and predictable at first, then gradually increase as they settle in. This is also a good stage to get creative. You can build a small indoor Riglet park with household objects to add obstacles and keep things fun.
Step 3: Take it to the Snow
Moving the session outside introduces a new variable: the way snow moves under a board is different from carpet. Start in a flat area, a backyard or local park works well, and repeat the pulling exercise from Step 2 on snow. Most kids notice the difference immediately and need a few minutes to adjust. Just remember to keep it fun and don't impose any pressure to perform or achieve a specific end result.
Step 4: Find a Small Slope
Once your child is comfortable sliding on flat ground, introduce a gentle incline. Help them ride down, stay close, and keep it low-stakes. As their confidence builds, add small obstacles to keep them engaged and challenge their balance. If they're progressing quickly, have them try riding switch: it reinforces body awareness and keeps the learning curve interesting.
Step 5: Remove The Handlebar
When your child can navigate a small slope with confidence, it's time to graduate. Remove the bar, add bindings, and let them carry what they've learned into the next stage of riding, whether that's a magic carpet, a rope tow, or a chairlift with an instructor.
Pro tip: For best results, consider pairing this progression with a kids' snowboard lesson at your local resort. Certified instructors can reinforce the fundamentals and help kids progress faster than most parents can on their own.
Video: Learning to Snowboard with The Burton Handlebar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age is The Handlebar designed for?
A: The Handlebar doesn't have a strict age range. It's sized for youth snowboards in the 80cm–110cm range, which typically fits kids from about 2 to 7 years old depending on height and build. If your child can stand comfortably on a board and hold the bar, they're ready to try it.
Q: Do kids need snowboard boots to use The Handlebar?
A: No. Because The Handlebar is designed to be used without bindings, kids can use it in whatever footwear they're comfortable in, including regular winter boots or sneakers for indoor sessions. This makes it easy to introduce snowboarding before investing in a full setup.
Q: Can The Handlebar be used with any snowboard?
A: The Handlebar is compatible with virtually any Burton youth snowboard sized 80cm–110cm. It uses standard binding mounting holes, so no special hardware is required.
Q: How long does it take most kids to outgrow The Handlebar?
A: Every kid is different. Some kids are ready to ride without the bar in a single session; others benefit from a few outings. There's no rush, the goal is fun and confidence, not speed.
Q: Is The Handlebar only for snow?
A: No. One of its key advantages is that it can be used indoors or outdoors, on carpet, hardwood (with the Hover Cover), or snow. Starting indoors is actually recommended for younger or more hesitant kids, since it removes the cold and the novelty of the snow from the equation while they get used to the board.
Q: Can The Handlebar be used with the Burton Riglet Reel?
A: Yes, and the combination works well. While an adult pulls the child with the Riglet Reel, the child holds onto The Handlebar for stability. This setup is particularly effective in the early stages, when kids are still building the balance and coordination needed to ride on their own.
Q: Where can I buy The Handlebar?
A: The Handlebar is available at burton.com.
