HomeOutdoorThe Finest All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024-2025

The Finest All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024-2025


All-mountain snowboards are like a strong pair of labor boots: snug and sturdy, and you’ll put on ’em for almost all of the day. From aggressive carving to lacing moguls and carefree powder floating, the snowboards on this record provide true quiver-of-one character. You’ll take pleasure in driving these boards throughout quite a lot of snow circumstances and terrain on the native ski mountain — however every mannequin additionally delivers a singular form, profile, edge management, and flex, so there’s nonetheless some character pairing to do.

Should you’re in search of a enjoyable, edge-holding directional board that responds shortly within the glades, try the Stranda Descender. For one thing that gives extra flex and play, look into the By no means Summer time Infinity or YES. Typo. Or, if you happen to’d like a softer twin, scope out the Burton Stylus Flat Prime Snowboard. Bear in mind, if you happen to like power-packed laps with pace and steeps, go for a stiffer flex. Fashions on the gentle finish are extra playful and agile.

To study extra about all-mountain snowboards and their options, scroll all the way down to the Purchaser’s Information or the Worth & Worth abstract. Nonetheless weighing your choices? Learn over our Comparability Chart to see how these boards line up. In any other case, check out our choice for the 2024-2025 season.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date our All-Mountain Snowboards purchaser’s information on November 12, 2024, with the freshly examined Rome Girls’s Ravine, By no means Summer time Nokhu DF, and Rome Stale Crewzer, plus a Worth & Worth part.

The Finest All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024-2025



  • Traverses with a champion grip

  • Straightforward to steer by way of tight terrain

  • Stout but poppy for variable or deep snow

  • Directional form doesn’t excel at driving swap

  • Large sweeping turns aren’t as enjoyable with this form


  • Versatile

  • Secure

  • A number of pop

  • Aggressive dealing with takes some getting used to


  • Straightforward to regulate

  • Gradual, non-grabby edge-to-edge switch alleviates fast catches

  • Doesn’t wrestle steep, tough, difficult terrain or love larger speeds

  • Channel board mount is instantly suitable with Burton bindings. In any other case, you’ll want particular extra {hardware} to attach bindings to the board


  • Nice worth

  • Excessive-quality development


  • Magne-Traction edge maintain

  • Light-weight core

  • Properly-rounded

  • Not the stiffest for aggressive carving


  • Very steady

  • Maneuverable

  • Carries pace nicely

  • Not best choice for swap

  • Softer boards are on the market if that is the desire


  • Wider than regular together with Drag Free for giant footed riders

  • R.I.P. Edge Maintain expertise offers wonderful grip

  • All mountain form and medium flex for various driving circumstances

  • Additional width can really feel heavy

  • Triple camber can really feel hooky


  • Quick-charging with no give

  • Rips high-angle slopes

  • Much less playful for mellow spring days


  • Versatile

  • Playful

  • Good worth

  • Not the very best for lengthy radius turns at excessive speeds


  • Queen for giant turns

  • Handles excessive speeds

  • Not your jib stick or pipe automobile


  • Sturdy for the lengthy haul

  • Playful but reliable on hardpack

  • The Vario Energy Grip sidecut makes use of additional contact factors, however we choose the serrated fringe of Magne-Traction

  • Not the perfect powder board


  • Able to hitting massive jumps and freestyle options

  • Versatile

  • A bit squirrely and chattery at excessive speeds


  • Digs into and edges hardpack nicely

  • Enjoys pace

  • Not the very best damping if you hit chunder at excessive pace


  • Highly effective

  • Stiffer for no mess-around

  • A beautiful but aggressive software for charging

  • Pricier

  • Extra aggressive design


  • Eats up ice, steeps and pace


  • Rise within the tip and tail offers playful garnish

  • Very sturdy construct

  • Much less lovable in tight bushes


  • Loads of lengths to select from

  • Tender-to-moderate flex

  • Easy experience for on a regular basis rides

  • Not essentially the most premium construct

  • Should you’re an skilled, try a distinct board


  • Pretty light-weight construct using sturdy Paulownia wooden

  • Playful but stout

  • Rocker can really feel too free for some


  • Handles turns nicely

  • Enjoyable in powder

  • Not a top-shelf possibility for park laps

  • Much less of a pace demon


  • Excels within the park and on aspect hits

  • Secure within the steeps

  • Impression plates for extra affect absorption


  • Quantity-shifted nostril excels in powder

  • Playful flex sample

  • Versatile sufficient for a one-board quiver

  • Softer than marketed

  • Calls for energy to carve nicely


  • Nearly no chatter at pace

  • Blasts by way of chop and crud

  • Stable edge maintain nostril to tail

  • Too area of interest to be a day by day driver for many

  • Calls for energy to carve nicely


  • Succesful in a variety of circumstances

  • Playful flex sample

  • Versatile sufficient for a one-board quiver

  • Sluggish manufacturing facility tune

  • Slim for carving for bigger riders (by way of the 159 measurement)


  • Versatile

  • Damp and easy experience

  • Very sturdy base


  • Enjoyable and forgiving experience

  • Excessive-quality edge and base supplies

  • Not ideally suited for aggressive carving or driving at excessive pace

Testing all-mountain snowboards at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

All-Mountain Snowboard Comparability Chart

Scroll proper to view all the columns: Worth, Profile, Form, Flex, Sizes.

All-Mountain Snowboard Worth Profile Form Flex Sizes
W – Stranda Descender Snowboard $679 Camber, rocker Directional 7 (medium) 152, 148
W – GNU Girls Selection $630 C2x profile Uneven 5 (medium) 139.5, 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 153.5
W – Rome Ravine $530 Rocker to camber Directional 7 144, 147, 150, 153
M – By no means Summer time Nokhu 161 DF $690 Hybrid triple camber Directional 5 (medium) 152, 155, 158, 161, 161DF
W – Burton Stylus Flat
Prime Snowboard
$400 Camber to rocker Twin 2 (gentle) 138, 142, 147, 152
W – Lib Tech Cortado C2 $530 C2 Directional 7 (medium-stiff) 142, 145, 148, 151, 154
W – Jones Flagship
Snowboard
$700 Directional rocker Directional 8 (stiff) 146, 149, 152, 155
W – Rossignol After
Hours Snowboard
$580 Rocker-camber mix Directional twin 7 (medium-stiff) 145, 149, 153, 156
W – By no means Summer time
Infinity Snowboard
$550 A mixture of extensive, camber, & gradual Directional 5 (medium) 142, 145, 148, 151
M – CAPiTA Defenders
of Superior
$500 Camber, rocker Twin 5 (medium) 148, 150, 152, 153W, 154, 155W, 156, 157W, 158, 159W, 160, 161W, 162, 163W
M – Arbor Aspect
Camber
$500 Camber Directional twin 4 (medium gentle) 153, 156, 159, 160MW, 161W, 162, 165W
M – Burton Customized
Flying V
$660 Camber, rocker Directional twin 3 (gentle) 150, 154, 154W, 156, 158. 158W, 162, 162W, 166W 158W, 162, 162W, 166W
M – Journey Warpig $530 Directional rocker Tapered and directional 4 (medium gentle) 142, 148, 151, 154, 158
M – YES. Typo $500 Rocker-camber Directional twin 5 (medium) 149, 152, 155, 156W, 158, 159W, 161, 163W
W – Weston Riva $624 Camber to rocker Directional 7 (medium-stiff) 143, 147, 151, 155
W – Rossignol Diva $580 Camber Twin 8 (medium-stiff) 140, 144, 148, 152
W – Jones Stratos $630 Directional rocker Tapered directional 8 (stiff) 143, 146, 149, 152, 155
W – Journey Psychocandy $520 Flat to rocker Directional 5 (medium) 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158
W – Jones Dream Weaver $500 Directional rocker Tapered Directional 4-5 (Friendlier) 139, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154, 156
W – Arbor Swoon Rocker $550 Rocker Directional twin 5 (medium) 140, 144, 148, 152
W – YES. Hiya $500 Rocker. camber, rocker Directional twin 6 (medium-stiff) 146, 149, 152, 155
Rome Stale Crewzer $550 Fusion camber, rocker – camber – rocker Directional twin 6 (medium-hard) 152, 155, 158, 159w, 161, 162W
Stranda Biru $690 Camber, rocker Directional, volume-shifted 6 (medium-stiff) 154, 157
Jones Snowboards Freecarver 9000s $630 Full camber Directional 6 (medium-stiff) 152, 156, 160, 164
WNDR Alpine The BellAire $699 Camber, rocker Directional Reasonable-to-Stiff 148, 152, 156, 159, 164
M – Jones Mountain Twin $550 Camber, rocker Directional twin 7 (medium stiff) 151, 154, 156W, 157, 159W, 160, 162W, 163, 165W, 168W
Morgan Tilton snowboard in the CB extremes Morgan Tilton snowboard in the CB extremes
A snowboard’s sidecut radius influences how massive and lengthy the arc of your flip can be, with a shorter radius being enjoyable and fast whereas an extended radius is large and sweeping; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

How We Examined All-Mountain Snowboards

Our snowboard crew of GearJunkie product testers and writers features a vary of skilled snowboarders.

Our Knowledgeable Testers

Main the gear testing, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has been snowboarding since 2002, when she switched from two planks to at least one, which she began at age 4 on the steeps of Telluride Ski Resort in her hometown. Through the years, she’s competed in Slopestyle comps, backcountry excursions, pow surfs, and nonetheless pulls on skis. Whereas she coordinates the testers, she will get out within the discipline as a lot as doable. She examined all-mountain snowboards for 104 hours throughout 34 days in 2023. Thus far, in 2024, she has examined all-mountain snowboards for 135 hours throughout 38 days.

Contributing photographer and tester Eric Phillips is a previously licensed Degree II PSIA-AASI teacher and massive mountain pow surfer when he’s not on the resort or on splitboard excursions.

Different contributors embrace Wyoming-based Austin Beck-Doss and Crested Butte-based shredder Will Martinez.

snowboarder dropping cliff on powder day snowboarder dropping cliff on powder day
All-Mountain snowboards are the commonest and versatile sort of snowboard; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Our Testing Grounds

We’ve examined snowboards in a spread of circumstances, from Vancouver Island to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our snowboards have carved steep, groomed, icy terrain, wiggled by way of tight bushes, and floated by way of deep powder.

The GearJunkie workforce meets for an annual on-snow check week to grind out turns and swap notes, together with two earlier gatherings at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is thought for its skilled terrain.

Our Testing Course of

Whereas testing all-mountain snowboards, we contemplate versatility, stability, flex, stiffness, carveability, edge maintain, and total worth. We additionally think about essentially the most novel, style-specific, standard, extremely rated, and legacy merchandise throughout a spread of worth factors.

taking powder turns through the dense trees taking powder turns through the dense trees
A standard all-mountain snowboard sometimes has a stiffer directional flex sample and a little bit of a setback stance; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

The Finest All-Mountain Snowboards: A Purchaser’s Information

What’s an All-Mountain Snowboard?

All-mountain snowboards are designed to deal with numerous driving kinds and forms of terrain. A real all-mountain snowboard will carry out comparatively nicely on groomers, powder, hardpack, and all the pieces in between.

Should you’re the form of rider who likes to combine it up and hit the park on one run and a powder stash on the subsequent, an all-mountain snowboard is the suitable selection for you.

All-mountain snowboards are additionally well-known for his or her worth. As a substitute of proudly owning a number of specialist boards for various kinds and circumstances, a single all-mountain board will be your reply to all the pieces — form of like a Swiss Military knife.

As a result of these boards aren’t specialists, they often make some compromises with the intention to work nicely everywhere in the mountain. For instance, a great all-mountain board ought to experience nicely within the powder, nevertheless it in all probability gained’t carry out fairly in addition to an aggressively directional powder browsing specialist.

snowboarder with mount crested butte in background on groomer snowboarder with mount crested butte in background on groomer
Editor Austin Beck-Doss driving the Burton Customized Flying V at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Sorts of All-Mountain Snowboards

On this record, we’ve included many forms of all-mountain snowboards. Every leans towards a sure model of driving. For instance, our decide for the very best powder-leaning all-mountain snowboard will definitely rip everywhere in the mountain, however it can actually shine when driving pow. We’ve additionally included freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards and hard-carving all-mountain snowboards.

Powder-Leaning All-Mountain

Powder-leaning all-mountain snowboards are the right software for the deepest of days. Typically, snowboards on this class have a directional form with a big, extensive nostril and a tapered-down tail. That is the perfect form for max float in untouched snow.

Moreover, powder-leaning all-mountain snowboards normally have a rockered or hybrid rockered profile, which creates raise and retains you fortunately afloat. On this record, the Journey Warpig and the Jones Girls’s Flagship are our favourite boards for driving powder.

snowboarder taking a heel edge turn on groomer snowboarder taking a heel edge turn on groomer
A volume-shifted snowboard is when the size is shortened and the amount is redistributed elsewhere — into the width; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain

Freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards will show their full potential within the terrain park. Designed with jumps, rails, and aspect hits in thoughts, these boards function ample pop, skate-like snap, and stability to stay the touchdown in model.

Most freestyle-leaning snowboards have a real twin or barely directional twin form. Boards on this class are inclined to have comparatively flat or mildly rockered profiles, although there are some exceptions to this. On this record, our favourite freestyle-leaning boards are the By no means Summer time Infinity Snowboard and the YES. Typo.

snowboarder holding up bright yellow WNDR deck snowboarder holding up bright yellow WNDR deck
All-mountain snowboards will be extra freestyle-oriented with a twin form, extra playful profile, and extra flexibility; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Snowboard Profile & Form

A snowboard profile is the silhouette of a snowboard when seen from the aspect if you happen to have been to set the board flat on a desk and take a look at it lengthwise.

The profile is technically separate from the snowboard’s total form, nevertheless it’s additionally an ingredient that influences the form class a board lands in — like including cilantro or jalapeño to guacamole.

Think about wanting straight down at a snowboard that’s flat on the bottom. The board’s form is actually its define, which is outlined by the width from any side-to-side level, in addition to the body of the nostril and tail.

Collectively, the board’s form and profile create a singular really feel underfoot. The assorted form classes for snowboards listed under (directional, true twin, directional twin, asymmetrical, asymmetrical twin) are based mostly on the profile and form in addition to the core supplies and the flex they create.

Stranda solid board in snow Stranda solid board in snow
Should you’re not driving an all-mountain board, you’d be on a extra specified design for powder, freeride, or park and freestyle; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Sorts of Snowboard Profiles

Camber

That is essentially the most conventional, old-school snowboard profile. With a cambered design, the middle rises, and the far ends of the board meet the bottom the place the nostril and tail upturn. The perimeters curve upward a bit, too.

Boards with camber provide wonderful edge management and a exact, aggressive, steady experience.

Rocker

Rocker is the other of camber, and it’s typically referred to as reverse camber. Lib Tech began this revolution with the unique Skate Banana rocker board, so some of us check with this function as “banana expertise.” It’s a banana form!

As a substitute of camber, the stomach of the board presses into the bottom, so it’s a convex or U-shape. The result’s an outstanding float in powder, a extra forgiving edge-to-edge expertise, and a extra surf-life expertise in carves.

three snowboarders walking out of base area at CBMR three snowboarders walking out of base area at CBMR
The bottom is the very backside of the board and is the floor that touches the snow; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Flat

Flat boards are precisely what they sound like: flat. However with out the camber and upturned edges, these can extra simply catch. However a flat phase of a board does present a loading zone for popping in addition to an excellent floor connection for rails or different jibs.

Hybrid Rocker/Camber

Some riders choose the steadiness of camber or flat with the playfulness of rocker. There are numerous combos of those two profiles throughout practically each model.

One hybrid, as an illustration, is to have rocker between the ft, camber underfoot, and rocker on the nostril and tail — a mustache, if you’ll. Others have a twin combo of flat or camber underfoot adopted by a wholesome dose of rocker all through the nostril and tail (or vice versa). However some have a tiny little bit of rocker towards the tip and tail.

These incremental variations give every board a singular character on the mountain and loads of choices for riders.

snowboarder carving groomer with mountain backdrop snowboarder carving groomer with mountain backdrop
Editor Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboards on a sunny spring day; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Sorts of Snowboard Shapes

Directional Snowboards

With a directional design, the nostril is a distinct form than the tail and has distinctive attributes. Typically, this implies the tail is extra inflexible, offering an anchor when cruising quick. And the nostril extra simply lifts by way of clouds of powder.

True Twin Snowboards

Should you have been to attract a line throughout the centermost width of the board and fold it in half, either side can be the identical. This design has a symmetrical form (together with the nostril and tail and sidecut radius), flex sample, and profile. The stance is totally centered.

A twin setup is a perfect selection for driving swap, which lends itself to freestyle terrain or park methods however may also be a really balanced really feel for all-mountain terrain.

holding up Stranda solid snowboard to see shape holding up Stranda solid snowboard to see shape
The core of a snowboard is the fabric within the very heart, sandwiched between the bottom and topsheet. The core provides the board its character, pop, and sturdiness; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Directional Twin Snowboards

A directional twin is when there’s a slight variation on a twin design. So, the form is almost fully symmetrical with the identical sidecut, flex, and profile for the nostril and tail — besides there’s a spin on an ingredient or two.

For example, the profile might barely differ between the nostril and tail. The tail may need a stiffer core and flex in comparison with the nostril. Presumably, the stance is setback moderately than fully centered. Or, the nostril might have a bit extra rise for good float.

Asymmetrical Snowboards

You know the way the entrance of your physique is proportionately completely different from its bottom? An asymmetrical snowboard goals to assist stability the human physique, and it definitely feels completely different and enjoyable to experience.

There are two methods asymmetry will be launched in a board. A snowboard can have an asymmetrical sidecut, which means the heel aspect is shorter and deeper. In distinction, the toe aspect is longer and shallower. This permits for simpler, extra balanced edge switch between the toes and heels.

Some snowboard designs alter the core with softer supplies beneath the heels alongside the bottom of the board, in comparison with firmer supplies alongside the toeside portion. Different designs mix each an asymmetrical sidecut and core.

For width, select a snowboard that stops your heels and toes from dragging; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Asymmetrical Twin

This design combines asymmetrical design options with twin options. The nostril and tail could have the identical form, profile, and flex. However the toeside and heelside sidecut will differ, or the flex of the core materials will differ between the toe and heel edge, or each.

Core Building & Supplies

A snowboard’s development and supplies essentially have an effect on its driving means and efficiency. The whole lot from flex to pop is a results of the varied elements the board itself is created from.

Maybe essentially the most foundational a part of each snowboard is the core. Most cores are created from strips of poplar, bamboo, birch, or aspen wooden. These strips are laid out from tip to tail and are pressed right into a structural size of versatile plywood.

Supplies, together with carbon and fiberglass, are added above and under the core to raise or scale back traits similar to pop, snap, flex, chatter, and dampness.

The worth of each snowboard is a product of the standard of its supplies. For instance, carbon fiber is taken into account a premium materials, and snowboards with carbon elements are recognized for his or her stability, energy, comparatively low weight, and comparatively excessive price ticket.

On this record, all the included snowboards are constructed from industry-leading, high-quality supplies.

taking a heelside turn on steep groomer run at CBMR taking a heelside turn on steep groomer run at CBMR
If a board is just too lengthy, it’ll trigger points with flip initiation, which is particularly noticeable in tight glades and moguls; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Snowboard Size

Although some riders imagine in arduous and quick guidelines for choosing the right snowboard size, it’s finally a matter of private desire. Board form, rider peak, rider weight, and driving model are all components that ought to play into your determination about board size.

Most snowboards are available a number of lengths. Typically, longer boards provide a extra aggressive experience and are most well-liked for arduous, large-radius carves. Should you’re the form of rider who likes to completely bomb down groomers, we suggest an extended board.

Then again, shorter boards are sometimes lighter, higher for tight turns, and wonderful for floating by way of powder.

best all-mountain snowboards with toeside turn on groomer best all-mountain snowboards with toeside turn on groomer
Reversed camber snowboards are extra playful than a conventional camber form with higher float however much less energy switch; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Waist Width

Waist width is the width of a snowboard at its narrowest level. Width preferences range from rider to rider, although there are a number of common guidelines which might be good to remember as you select a board.

Ideally, the waist width of your snowboard will permit your boots to only barely grasp over the perimeters of the board when positioned in your bindings. When fitted correctly, you’ll have the ability to use the minor overhang of your boots to use leverage to the board and management your steering and pace.

In case your board’s waist width is just too slender, your boots will overhang excessively, and your toes could scrape the snow whereas carving. To find out the perfect waist width for you and your foot aspect, at all times try your board, boot, and binding producers’ sizing charts earlier than buying.

snowboarder taking a powder drop snowboarder taking a powder drop
The metallic fringe of a snowboard permits the board to chunk the snow, carve, and permits the rider to regulate the route; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Flex & Dampness

The pliability of a snowboard defines its driving expertise. There are two major sorts of snowboard flex. Longitudinal flex refers to how a lot the board bends alongside its size. Torsional flex refers to how a lot the board bends aspect to aspect throughout its width.

On this record, we’ve given each really useful snowboard a flex ranking between 1 (gentle and versatile) and 10 (stiff and inflexible).

Snowboards on the gentle and versatile finish of the spectrum are typically geared towards newcomers and freestyle riders. These boards require much less pressure to show and maneuver and are sometimes described as playful. Should you’re going to often press into butters, you’ll be glad to have a board you don’t need to combat towards.

Stiff boards are higher for hard-charging and aggressive carving at excessive speeds. Once you’re driving quick, stiff boards will really feel extra steady as they’re much less prone to vibrate and chatter.

Dampness is a optimistic trait that refers to a board’s means to cruise at excessive speeds with out sending uncomfortable vibrations into your ft and decrease physique. As a tradeoff, stiff boards require extra work to show and maneuver and thus must be averted by newcomers.

Many all-mountain snowboards fall someplace in the midst of the pliability spectrum. Not too gentle and never too stiff is an efficient place to be for boards that goal to carry out fairly nicely on all types of terrain.

taking turns next to a giant rock outcropping at CBMR in the extreme steeps taking turns next to a giant rock outcropping at CBMR in the extreme steeps
Know-how like Magne-traction helps the sting form of the snowboard grip the snow even higher, particularly hardpack snow, along with the metallic edge; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Boot & Binding Compatibility

Most snowboards are suitable with most snowboard boots and bindings, however there are a number of key components to think about when rounding out your setup. Your boots and bindings ought to match your driving model and the efficiency traits of your board.

In the identical method that some snowboards are designed to thrive in powder, boots and bindings are every uniquely crafted to carry out finest in sure circumstances. In case your snowboard is a stiff and aggressive hard-charging monster, you don’t desire a pair of soppy and flexy boots which might be made for the terrain park.

In different phrases, we suggest you match your board with boots and bindings with related rigidity. When buying boots and bindings, you’ll want to choose sizes which might be suitable with the width of your board. You don’t desire a binding base or a snowboard boot that hangs off the sting of your snowboard.

Moreover, make it possible for the attachment sample in your bindings is suitable along with your snowboard. Listed here are a number of common gap patterns:

  • 4×4: two rows of holes which might be 4cm aside plus every gap is 4cm aside and three holes per row
  • 2×4: two rows of holes which might be 2cm aside plus every gap is 2cm aside and 6 holes per row
  • 3-hole: the holes are in a triangular sample, and three screws are used to mount bindings
  • Channel system: that is Burton’s particular mounting system the place the bindings are mounted to and slide alongside a observe
snowboarder riding through a powder cloud on a deep day snowboarder riding through a powder cloud on a deep day
A snowboard’s sidewall is the fabric wedged between the metallic edge and the topsheet, and the sidewall protects the interior core; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Efficient Edge

That is the portion of the sting that connects with the snow whereas in a flip, which influences how a board feels. Sometimes, the efficient edge is as much as 35 cm shorter than your entire size of the board.

Sidewalls

The sidewall is the fabric alongside the sting of a snowboard. Typically, it’s a plastic that protects the perimeters of the sandwiched core layers. Or, the fiberglass and topsheet layer could possibly be prolonged to hide the sting. The sidewall may be a hybrid development.

Testing all-mountain snowboards on steep, variable, mogul, and rock-filled slopes; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Sidecut & Sidecut Radius

All sides of the board is curved alongside the sting. The depth and curvature of that sidecut affect the kind of flip the board will make in addition to how the experience feels. A shallower sidecut makes a wider flip, and a deeper sidecut creates a tighter flip.

To measure the depth of a sidecut, study the width of the board at its centermost, narrowest level. Then examine that waist to the widest width measurement of the tip and tail.

To conceptualize the whole flip of a snowboard, you may visualize the sidecut extending to create a full 360-degree circle. The sidecut radius is half of that imaginary circle. When driving, every full flip is just so long as the sidecut radius, which normally ranges from 20 to 33 ft.

woman standing with back to camera holding snowboard with Mt. CB in the background woman standing with back to camera holding snowboard with Mt. CB in the background
A sintered base on a Weston snowboard; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Snowboard Base

A snowboard’s base is the layer of fabric that makes contact with the snow as you experience. In an effort to get the very best efficiency out of your board, it’s essential to take excellent care of your base, restore it when mandatory, and wax it often.

There are two sorts of snowboard bases. Every has its personal professionals and cons.

Extruded Base

Extruded bases are typically discovered on entry-level and park-leaning snowboards. Comprised of melted polyurethane pellets, these bases are basically one giant piece of flat plastic. Due to this unified construction, extruded bases are sturdy and never very porous.

The primary good thing about extruded bases is that they require minimal upkeep. These bases are much less prone to undergo gouges from driving over rocks or bushes, they usually normally solely must be waxed a number of instances per season.

Most extruded bases come pre-waxed when bought new.

Taking turn through deep powder in trees Taking turn through deep powder in trees
A couple of gap patterns exist for binding attachments to you’ll want to know which one you’re shopping for; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Sintered Base

Sintered bases are discovered on most midlevel to high-end snowboards. In contrast to extruded bases, sintered bases are extremely porous.

To maintain sintered bases performing at their finest, frequent waxing is crucial. Riders with sintered bases must be particularly conscious of skinny spots and obstacles, because the porous materials is comparatively fragile and will be simply gouged or broken.

Repairing a sintered base tends to be dearer than repairing an extruded base. When correctly maintained, sintered bases provide a quicker experience — particularly in moist, sticky snow.

Taking toeside slasher turn on steep ridge Taking toeside slasher turn on steep ridge
The outlet patterns on a snowboard could possibly be four-hole, channel system, or 3-hole; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Backcountry Snowboarding & Splitboarding

All the snowboards on this record have been designed with in-bounds resort driving in thoughts. With that mentioned, lots of them would work in sure backcountry conditions if you happen to wouldn’t have a splitboard or your tour doesn’t require split-skis. For example, if you happen to plan to enter a sidecountry gate (aka slackcountry) at a ski resort, be dropped off on the prime of a route by way of automobile, if you happen to can comply with a bootpack up, or if you happen to plan to snowshoe to a slope.

Should you’re contemplating driving within the sidecountry or backcountry, it’s extraordinarily essential to be well-prepared. A beacon, shovel, and probe are non-negotiable gear, and an AIARE 1 avalanche security coaching course is crucial, too.

Whereas strapping a snowboard to your again and mountain climbing by way of the backcountry in snowshoes is an inexpensive short-term plan, most backcountry riders will finally need to transition to a extra environment friendly splitboard.

Splitboards divide in half and can be utilized with skins similar to backcountry skis. When you’re able to descend, the splitboard snaps again collectively and is able to experience.

Although splitboarding could be a fantastic technique to categorical your driving expertise within the backcountry, the numerous studying curve and monetary funding required are limitations for a lot of snowboarders.

taking toeside mixed-pow turn on floaty powder board taking toeside mixed-pow turn on floaty powder board
The flex of a snowboard sometimes is taken into account on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the stiffest, however there isn’t a common check; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Eco-Pleasant Design Options

Some snowboard designs incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly supplies. For instance, the Jones Girls’s Flagship Snowboard incorporates recycled plastic for the sidewalls. And Lib Tech manufactures snowboards within the U.S.

A frontrunner within the realm of sustainability is Arbor. For example, the Swoon Rocker has recycled metal edges, sustainably harvested bamboo, and bioresin from waste merchandise that replaces petroleum-based resin. At giant, the model sources supplies from extremely renewable, well-managed forests.

Arbor’s wooden and bamboo cores and nearly all of their prime sheets are licensed by the Forest Stewardship Council, a third-party nod that the supplies are derived from responsibly managed forests. Its total manufacturing line is solar-powered, too.

All-mountain snowboards are typically fortunately ridden everywhere in the ski space — however there’s nonetheless loads of selection to select from; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Worth & Worth

Finances

Snowboards which might be extra versatile and forgiving sometimes lack supplies that drive up the fee. These boards may also be extra squirrel-y on ice, within the steeps, and never provide as a lot rebound and energy if you happen to’re whipping at a prime charge — so that they’re extra ideally suited for newcomers and people who need to hold the shredding to mellower terrain or park riders that need lots of spring. One instance is the Burton Stylus Flat Prime Snowboard ($400), and one other softer possibility is the By no means Summer time Infinity Snowboard ($550).

Mid-Tier

Nearly all of our picks are within the neighborhood of $600. You’ll sometimes discover higher-end supplies and extra advanced profiles and development. A couple of examples embrace the Jones Stratos ($630), GNU Girls Selection ($630), and the  Stranda Descender Snowboard ($679). These boards normally provide a candy spot of energy and forgiveness whereas additionally having the ability to maintain an edge, hold down chatter, and be maneuverable underfoot.

Premium

Reaching in the direction of $700, you’ll discover the WNDR Alpine The BelleAire ($699), Stranda Biru ($690), and Jones Flagship Snowboard ($700) — essentially the most premium builds. These boards have much more complexity and distinctive supplies just like the algae-derived oils within the WNDR, whereas the Biru is a volume-shifted development from a boutique model that produces extraordinarily sturdy and enjoyable, surfy boards.

two snowboarders standing with their boards at CBMR on the groomer two snowboarders standing with their boards at CBMR on the groomer
Contributors Morgan Tilton and Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboards from Weston and Burton at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Often Requested Questions

An all-mountain snowboard is designed to experience in all kinds of kinds and circumstances. Whereas some snowboards are purpose-built for a sure form of driving — similar to park or powder — all-mountain snowboards can deal with each and extra!

On this record, we’ve chosen the Burton Customized Flying V and the Lib Tech Cortado as our picks for the very best all-mountain snowboards for newcomers. Each of those snowboards are progression-oriented. They’re every comparatively straightforward to regulate and maneuver, but they provide high-quality development and options that can assist you as your driving improves.

weaving through trees on a deep powder day weaving through trees on a deep powder day
The stiffer a snowboard is, the extra pop, pace, and fast turn-transfer the board can ship; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Once you select a board, the model could have a really useful measurement chart based mostly on weight and boot measurement. You need to you’ll want to not have any boot drag off the aspect of the board!

You’ll additionally need to contemplate your peak and the kind of driving you need to do. Again within the day, of us would stand the snowboard subsequent to themselves and if the board reached between the chin and nostril, that indicated the right measurement. You may get an concept of the snowboard measurement with that methodology, however you’ll want to contemplate your weight and boot measurement, too.

Typically, if you wish to experience extra aggressively and in steeper, quicker, rugged circumstances, an extended board may also help drive extra management, damping, and energy. A shorter board can be snappier, faster to steer, and simpler to ollie. It’s typically a good selection for driving by way of the park, tight glades, and moguls.

Finally, the very best measurement comes down to non-public desire, so attempt to demo or hire a number of boards earlier than shopping for your individual.

Testing the Girls’s Rome Ravine all-mountain snowboard; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

No all-mountain setup is full and not using a good set of trainers and bindings. The boots and bindings you select must be aligned along with your driving model and skill.

Identical to boards, boots and bindings exist on a spectrum from gentle and versatile to stiff and aggressive. Softer boards typically pair nicely with softer boots and bindings. Equally, stiff boots and bindings are generally paired with a stiff board to create the final word aggressive and steady driving expertise.

two snowboarders sitting on the edge of the run with Mt. CB in the background two snowboarders sitting on the edge of the run with Mt. CB in the background
Should you weigh extra, we advise choosing both an extended or stiffer board; (photograph/Eric Phillips)

Typically the largest variations between males’s and girls’s snowboards are sizing and form. This contains the size, width, and sidecut ratio. One other massive distinction is the supplies sandwiched within the core. Typically, manufacturers select softer woods or laminates to raised match the typical girl’s stature.

Smaller males may discover girls’s boards suitable with their experience wants, and taller girls additionally typically go for males’s boards. Finally, sizing is about selecting the best board for you and your shred model.

Would you drive your rig with out an oil change? Snowboard upkeep is essential! Ensure to wax your snowboard on the common — each few instances you experience — with wax that’s temperature-specific to your local weather and circumstances.

After ending laps, it’s ideally suited to wipe down the snowboard, safe the bindings, and grasp the board to retailer it. Ensure the sting stays deburred and sharpened with a whetstone and file.

If the bottom will get a gouge, you may fill and repair it with P-tex. For bigger repairs or common upkeep, take your snowboard to a neighborhood store for a base grind or a full tune.

dropping into a transition from a steep face to a more moderate slope dropping into a transition from a steep face to a more moderate slope
A camber profile is a conventional profile that’s very responsive with nice edge management and stability; (photograph/Eric Phillips)


Snowboard bindings are a significant piece of drugs that may make or break your time on the mountain. We’ve acquired the very best of 2024 lined up and able to shred. 


We examined all-mountain and freestyle snowboard boots for the resort and backcountry to search out the very best choices from Burton, Vans, K2 and extra.