Whether you’re just starting out on the bunny hill or have been slashing the quarter pipe each season, the best time to shop for snowboarding gear is right now — during the offseason.
No matter what level rider you are, there are many things to consider when searching for the right equipment; namely, which brand is the right fit for your style, goals, and location.
In our search for the most reliable, high-quality, and renowned snowboard brands we consulted with professional snowboarders Mikey Ciccarelli and Jesse Augustinus, as well as Colin Wiseman, Content Director of The Snowboarder’s Journal, to share their expert advice and recommendations for new riders, park rats, backcountry enthusiasts, and more when shopping for the right snowboarding equipment.
“Most of the major snowboard brands make a great board these days, so you can’t really go wrong,” says Wiseman, but there are definitely a few names which stand out amongst the crowd.
For other recommended snow essentials, shop the best helmets, ski and snowboard pants, ski jackets.
1. Best Overall: Burton
If you ask anyone in the world who doesn’t snowboard to name a snowboarding brand, nine times out of ten they’ll say Burton.
“They have something for everyone, on any budget, and their boards are of the highest quality,” said Augustinus. “We have the world’s best slope-style, halfpipe, rail and backcountry riders, and we all ride Burton boards: all at different price points with different characteristics.”
Founded by Jake Burton Carpenter in 1977, Burton Snowboards are one of the most renowned brands in snowboarding. They have since remained one of the largest privately-owned manufacturing companies that specialize in a plethora of products for snowboarders, including boots, bindings, outerwear, and accessories. According to Ciccarelli, Burton is also “focusing on the grassroots and accessibility, and helping to bring the joy of snowboarding to as many people as possible.”
Burton also has their own sub-brand called Anon Optics, for quality helmets, goggles, face masks, and more. Favorite Burton snowboards for this year recommended by Augustinus and Ciccarelli include the Burton Good Company Snowboard 2024 ($450), and the Burton Blossom Snowboard 2024 ($630).
2. Best All-Mountain: Salomon
All-mountain snowboards are exactly as the name suggests, meant for riding any terrain in any condition. Whether it’s groomers, glades, moguls, powder, or park, this snowboard will allow you to have the most versatile snowboarding experience. There are also many variations of all-mountain boards for the individual’s specific style.
Established in 1947 in the French Alps, Salomon has been “known for their high-end product and cutting-edge technology,” according to Wiseman. They also produce apparel and accessories for winter sports and more. A highly recommended all-mountain Salomon snowboard is the Highpath Unisex Snowboard ($650) perfect for “resort riding to Alaskan heli-ski days.”
3. Best for Beginners: Arbor
Founded in 1995, The Arbor Collective is perfect for snowboards, skateboards, apparel, and more. They are known for high performance products that range in skill level from beginner to advanced. Arbor is also dedicated to sustainability and “rider-oriented design.” According to Arbor, improving performance and environmental impact is crucial and simultaneous, as they “pioneered the use of bamboo, bio-plastic, and other recycled, reclaimed, and renewable alternatives.” When talking about Arbor snowboards, Wiseman notes that he “likes their aesthetic with the wood topsheets.”
Beginner boards usually have a soft flex, so the rider can make easy turns while learning. In this regard, a great beginner board is the Arbor Foundation Snowboard 2023 ($238, originally $400).
4. Best Splurge: Rossignol
Originally founded in 1907 in France, Rossignol has an extensive history in ski manufacturing. More recently in 1987, they expanded their brand to snowboarding and other winter sports equipment.
Now Rossignol is dedicated to providing top-quality products year-round for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking and trail running among other outdoor activities.
Although there is a range of prices for snowboards and other products, Rossignol tends to be more expensive compared with other brands. It may be better to invest in these top-performing boards and products as you become a more experienced athlete. A highly acclaimed backcountry split board is the Rossignol XV Wide Splitboard ($850), perfect for riding powder trails in the French Alps.
5. Best Freestyle: Jones
Founded in 2010, Jones Snowboards has quickly become known as a reliable, high quality brand for snowboards, bindings, boots, clothing, and other essential snow products. Although they’re considered a newer brand, they’ve gained popularity in part due to their design ethos which is “performance, sustainability, and innovation.” Jones has also “led the charge with high performance splitboards since their inception, and recent alternative designs look cool,” says Wiseman.
Freestyle snowboards are primarily twin shaped, and meant to be ridden in the terrain park. This shape allows the rider to be constantly turning in either direction, without any difference. Freestyle boards are also perfect for beginners due to their true twin versatility. Favorite freestyle boards include the Jones Mountain Twin Snowboard 2023 ($383, originally $550) and the Jones Tweaker Snowboard 2024 ($530).
6. Best Graphics: Lib Tech
Liberace Technologies, or Lib Tech, are made by Mervin Manufacturing in US and have a great reputation among snowboarders. According to Wiseman, Lib Tech has an “ecologically-minded factory here in the USA, incredible art, and one of the best teams in the business to go with a wide array of fun boards. They take cues from their riders and treat them as collaborators more than employees. Big fan of Lib Tech.” A recommended Lib Tech board this year includes the Lib Tech Lib Rig Snowboard 2024 ($660).
7. Best Powder: Nitro
Nitro is probably to Europe what Burton is to North America: that should tell you everything. Established in 1990, Nitro Snowboards is a brand that has continued to innovate its products and impress riders. They’re also known for being dedicated to sustainability and improving their environmental impact.
Powder boards are made specifically for riding in powder or high snow. Typically, these boards are the most directional of all snowboards, meaning the front end will be larger to help with floatability. According to Nitro, their first Swallowtail Board in 1990, the “Retro” contributed to the revival of powder boards. A highly acclaimed board for backcountry and powder is the Nitro Cannon Snowboard 2024 ($600).
8. Best Variety: K2
Founded in 1962 in Washington, K2 Snow has quality skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, bags, and helmets, and produces their own line of unique apparel. According to Wiseman, K2 is known for “great-riding boards with strong tech and good leadership.” Because of their dedication to creating high-performance, versatile equipment, K2 has snowboards for every riding style and skill level. The Landscape Collection perfectly embodies this goal, including fan-favorite boards like the K2 Alchemist Snowboard 2023 ($525, originally $700).
9. Best for Kids: Gnu
Gnu, like Lib Tech, is made by Mervin Manufacturing in the US. They produce a variety of eco-friendly, technologically advanced snowboards for men, women, and children of all skill levels. As someone who learned how to snowboard with GNU for many years as a kid, I can attest to the brand’s versatility and beginner friendly snowboards. I’m very excited to continue my journey with GNU and shop for the GNU FB Head Space C3 Snowboard 2024 ($580) for the upcoming season.
10. Best Value: Never Summer
Named after the Never Summer Mountains in Denver, Colorado, Never Summer Industries has produced a large selection of the best quality snowboards, longboards, wakeboards, and apparel since 1991. Their products are reliable and durable, ranging in price and skill level suitable for the individual rider. A recent snowboard favorite is the Men’s 2023 Proto Synthesis Snowboard ($655).
FAQ:
What are some tips for purchasing the right snowboard?
“Be realistic about the terrain you’ll be riding and your abilities,” Wiseman told The Post. “For most people, there’s no need to have the most high-performance board. It won’t be as fun riding something built for extra large jumps, say, if you’re riding the medium line in the park.”
Wiseman also notes that “it’s better if your whole setup matches up in terms of characteristics — you don’t want stiff binding with soft boots and a medium flex board, for instance. It’ll all work together better if all your equipment is on the same end of the spectrum.”
When are the best prices to shop for snowboarding gear?
The best time to shop for snowboards and other snow essentials is during the off-season when sales are happening and inventory is transitioning. The off-season is late spring through early fall, which is from April – October in the US, but the prices are lowest specifically from April – August.
Should I buy an intermediate/advanced snowboard and grow into it?
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to buy a beginner snowboard or your progression may be negatively impacted. Using an advanced snowboard can also potentially lead to injuries, as they are usually designed to be less forgiving with turns and board control.
Other noteworthy brands to shop
For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.