Snowboard

Snowboard: buying guide, models, and trends

Do you want to progress, explore the mountain, or simply ride the park? This guide helps you choose the right board, understand the new features, and prepare your gear for the season.

Before you start

To start with confidence, opt for a complete snowboard setup: board, bindings, boots, and essential accessories. This avoids forgetting anything and allows you to ride from your first outing.

Types of snowboards

• All-mountain: versatile, it adapts to the slopes, forests, and small bumps.
• Slope / carving: designed for making fast and stable turns; the slope and all-mountain snowboard combines stability and maneuverability.
• Freestyle / park: light and playful, ideal for jumps and jibbing. If you want to progress in tricks, learning to choose a freestyle snowboard is a key step.
• Freeride / powder: wide and floating for powder. Some purists prefer to buy a naked freeride snowboard to assemble their custom setup.

Criteria for making the right choice

• Level and practice: beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and the main use (slope, park, powder).
• Size and width: length suitable for your height and style; important width if you wear large boots.
• Flex and shape: soft for freestyle, stiff for speed and stability in freeride.
• Profile (camber/rocker/hybrid): influences buoyancy, responsiveness, and tolerance.
• Binding compatibility: if you choose a ready-to-use solution, the complete snowboard + bindings set simplifies the choice.
• Shoes: matching your snowboard boots is essential for comfort and control.

Splitboards: why choose them for off-piste

Splitboards transform your board into skis for the ascent, then reassemble for the descent. Advantages: autonomy, access to untouched lines, and freedom without ski lifts. To choose a splitboard, prioritize a lightweight design, a solid binding system, and good compatibility with skins and specific bindings.

Trends and innovations

• Lighter and more durable materials: specific woods, composite reinforcements, and more resistant bases.
• Hybrid profiles: camber/rocker mix for versatility and tolerance.
• Customization: "naked" or modular options to build your own setup.
• Eco-responsibility: recycled materials and less polluting resins are gaining ground.

Where to buy and what to take

If you want a turnkey solution, prioritize a complete snowboard + bindings set. For shoes, inquire in-store to test the size and flex; if you are looking for a specific brand, don't forget to check the return policy before buying Burton boots.

Maintenance of your board

• Regularly wax the base to maintain glide.
• Sharpen the edges before the season and after rides on hard snow.
• Repair minor impacts with P-Tex and entrust major damage to a professional.
• Store in a dry and temperate place, away from sunlight.

FAQ

What type of snowboard is best for my level?

Beginner: a soft and versatile board. Intermediate: all-mountain to test different terrains. Advanced: choose according to your style (freeride for powder, freestyle for the park).

What are the best splitboard models currently?

Rather than naming models, look at the characteristics: low weight, solid binding system, compatibility with skins, and good buoyancy in descent. Tests and reviews from riders will guide you to models that match your size and practice.

How do I maintain my snowboard?

Wax the base frequently, sharpen the edges, check and tighten the bindings, clean the board, and store it properly. Regular maintenance prolongs lifespan and performance.

Ready to ride? Whether you're looking for a complete pack or want to customize each element, start by defining your use, test the shoes in-store, and evolve your gear as your level progresses. A good setup makes every run more fun.