skimomma24, has your 12 year old a friend(s) to ski with. That's makes all the difference. As for snowboard, get the rental, lesson package and let him try it. Does it matter if he's on one plank or two? He'll still be out sliding with you. Then again he just might take to the racing!! At least you won't have to travel far. NCD has most of its races close. Try SOD (southern Ontario) we have to travel 3 -4 hours to race.