All-mountain snowboards are like a solid pair of workboots: comfortable and durable, and you can wear em for the majority of the day. From aggressive carving to lacing moguls and carefree powder floating, the snowboards on this list offer true quiver-of-one character. Youll enjoy riding these boards across a variety of snow conditions and terrain at the local ski mountain — but each model also delivers a unique shape, profile, edge control, and flex, so theres still some personality pairing to do.

　　If youre looking for a fun, edge-holding directional board that responds quickly in the glades, check out the Stranda Descender. For something that offers more flex and play, look into the Never Summer Infinity or YES. Typo. Or, if youd like a softer twin, scope out the Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard. Remember, if you like power-packed laps with speed and steeps, go for a stiffer flex. Models on the soft end are more playful and agile.

　　To learn more about all-mountain snowboards and their features, scroll down to theBuyer’s Guideor thePrice Valuesummary. Still weighing your options? Read over ourComparison Chartto see how these boards line up. Otherwise, take a look at our selection for the 2024-2025 season.

　　Editor’s Note: We updated our All-Mountain Snowboards buyer’s guide on November 12, 2024, with the freshly tested Rome Womens Ravine, Never Summer Nokhu DF, and Rome Stale Crewzer, plus a Price Value section.

　　The Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024-2025 Best Overall All-Mountain Snowboard: Stranda Descender for women mens CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome Best Budget All-Mountain Snowboard:Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard for women mens Arbor Element Camber Best Playful All-Mountain Snowboard: GNU Ladies Choice for women Most Stable All-Mountain Snowboard for Women: Rome Womens Ravine Best Wide All-Mountain Snowboard for Men: Never Summer Nokhu DF Best Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard: Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard mens Ride Warpig Best Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard: Never Summer Infinity for women mens YES. Typo Best All-Mountain Snowboard for Carving:Rossignol After Hours Snowboard for women Stranda Womens Descender Snowboard Check Price at Stranda Snowboards

　　

　　

　　

　　Specs Profile: Parabolic camber (4mm) with slight rocker in the tip and tail Shape: Directional Flex: 7 (moderately stiff) Base: Sintered 4001 Durasurf Sizes (cm): 152, 148 Pros Traverses with a champion grip Easy to steer through tight terrain Stout yet poppy for variable or deep snow Cons Directional shape doesn’t excel at riding switch Huge sweeping turns aren’t as fun with this shape Morgan Tilton Read Review: Stranda Womens Descender Snowboard Review: Stout, Poppy All-Mountain Ripper For confidently charging all over the mountain in a myriad of conditions, the Stranda Snowboards Women’s Descender Snowboard ($679) is among our new favorite rides. Hard pack, ice, groomers, chopped pow, tight trees, deep snow — she does it all with play and bite. 

　　On the slightly stiffer end of the spectrum yet built with a paulownia-ash-poplar core, Stranda found an excellent harmony between stout dependability and pop. We have a blast ollieing off small cliffs and through the park’s jump line, yet don’t worry about washing out or squirrely carves under pressure. 

　　Maneuverability? Gold. We loved ripping this whip through tight glades, even on dense days underfoot. Edge to edge, the board transitions fairly quickly and easily without being catchy or too aggressive. Likewise, the edge hold while cutting across hardpack and 40-degree slopes is top-notch — we were able to carry speed and energy without losing security. No fall zones? No problem. Traverse city? The Descenders got you, and you can even take a rest as you stride.

　　While the sidecut radius isn’t the most prolific on this board — favoring moderate to hugged turns versus mega sweeping arches — and the directional shape makes riding switch second tier, the Women’s Descender Snowboard is one of the most fun, dependable all-mountain sticks in our quiver. Theres also a mens Descender.

　　Read More Best Overall All-Mountain Snowboard for Men CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome $385 at evo$431 at Amazon

　　

　　

　　

　　Specs Profile: Camber between the feet, rocker in the tip and tail Shape: Twin Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes: 148, 150, 152, 153W, 154, 155W, 156, 157W, 158, 159W, 160, 161W, 162, 163W Pros Versatile Stable Lots of pop Cons Aggressive handling takes some getting used to Morgan Tilton CAPiTA’s Defenders of Awesome ($550) has been well-loved for its precision handling and all-mountain versatility for many years. This board has received slight tweaks and adjustments every year. We think this one is the best all-around, do-everything mens snowboard on the market.

　　For beginner and intermediate riders, the DOA’s aggressive shape will certainly take some getting used to. The stiff deck and pronounced contact points are excellent for fast and hard carving, but these traits will be best utilized by more advanced riders. But once you learn to put some extra muscle into your turns, this board is fully progression-orientated and can absolutely elevate your riding ability.

　　Strategically placed carbon stringers add plenty of springy pop to the DOA. Whether you’re in the park or launching off of side hits, this board is well-equipped for freestyle riding. It’s a little on the stiff side for presses and butters, but the nose and tail provide some welcome and noticeable flex.

　　Overall, the Defenders of Awesome deserves each of the many awards that it has amassed over the years. For intermediate and advanced riders looking to ride fast, carve hard, and explore every part of the mountain, we confidently recommend it as the best all-mountain snowboard.

　　Read More Best Budget All-Mountain Snowboard for Women Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard $440 at evo$400 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Camber to rocker on the ends Shape: Twin Flex: 2 (soft) Base: Extruded Sizes (cm): 138, 142, 147, 152 Pros Easy to control Slow, non-grabby edge-to-edge transfer alleviates quick catches Cons Does not wrestle steep, rough, challenging terrain or love higher speeds Channel board mount is directly compatible with Burton bindings. Otherwise, you’ll need specific additional hardware to connect bindings to the board Morgan Tilton This Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard ($400) lets you steer the ship. This comfy board doesn’t whip you around. It’s a perfect entry-level design for folks working on their foundation of linking fluid turns, getting speedier laps on the blues, and learning how to ollie.

　　In part, we can thank the construction and sandwich of materials, including the wood core and Biax fiberglass laminate. The latter has a soft torsional flex that’s forgiving rather than snappy.

　　That symmetrical nose, tail, and overall shape provide a balanced feel, which lends itself to learning to ride switch. Catching an edge with this board isn’t easy to do, given the convex base hovers its metal edges above the snow and there’s a nonaggressive bevel.

　　The Stylus Flat Top Snowboard is a versatile board that can suit a wide range of riders. The price tag isn’t shabby, either.

　　Read More Best Budget All-Mountain Snowboard for Men Arbor Element Camber $500 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Traditional camber Shape: Directional twin Flex: 4 (medium soft) Base: Sintered Sizes: 153, 156, 159, 160MW, 161W, 162, 165W Pros Great value High-quality construction Cons Chatters at high speeds Morgan Tilton The Arbor Element Camber ($500) does everything well — an impressive statement for such an affordably priced snowboard. Made from high-end materials and featuring Arbor’s light and fast Highland II core, the Element Camber is your key to the entire mountain.

　　Riders who gravitate toward the park will appreciate this board’s playful tendencies. Jibbing, hucking, and pressing are all well within the Element’s capabilities. When it comes time to zip down the groomers, the lightning-fast sintered base will have you flying past your buddies.

　　Because this board is a bit more flexible than others on this list, its relatively maneuverable and beginner-friendly. It chatters a bit at high speeds but ultimately finds a nice balance between speed and carving ability.

　　Beginners can view this board as the next step in their progression toward more aggressive riding, while advanced snowboarders may find it enjoyably playful and effortless to ride. The Element Camber also includes Arbor’s Grip-Tech tri-radial sidecut. For all mountain riders of all abilities seeking an unbeatable value, the Element Camber is the way to go.

　　Read More Best Playful All-Mountain Snowboard for Women GNU Asym Ladies Choice C2X $441 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: C2x profile is rocker between feet, camber beneath feet, rocker on ends Shape: Asymmetric Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 139.5, 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 153.5 Pros Magne-Traction edge hold Lightweight core Well-rounded Cons Not the stiffest for aggressive carving Morgan Tilton Well established, the GNU Asym Ladies Choice C2X ($630) holds a sturdy edge and cuts chatter down boilerplate moguls and hard-as-nails groomers yet rips deep powder in the steeps.

　　This board handles wild variability like a pro. The twin-shaped design features a trademarked technology called Magne-Traction. The board’s edges are wavy instead of straight, increasing hold, especially on tough surfaces.

　　With an asymmetric design — meaning, there’s a deeper heelside sidecut — the shape helped balance transitions. We experienced zero wobbles in wide carves, on quick turns, or through ice chunks. It was secure on hard roller landings.

　　Albeit sturdy, the hybrid shape (called C2x) is still flexible and playful. The Ladies Choice has rocker between the feet, camber beneath the feet, and rocker on the ends. For increased control this season, we adjusted for lengthened camber and less rocker in the middle. And this boards silhouette is really fun for charging moguls as well. Overall, this is a great choice for the intermediate to advanced rider.

　　Read More Most Stable All-Mountain Snowboard for Women Rome Womens Ravine Check price at Rome

　　

　　Specs Profile: Rocker to camber with rise in the tip and tail Shape: Directional Flex: 7 Base: SinterStrong Base Sizes: 144, 147, 150, 153 Pros Very stable Maneuverable Carries speed well Cons Not top choice for switch Softer boards are out there if thats the preference Morgan Tilton Hands down, the Rome Womens Ravine ($530) is one of the most fun and stable all-mountain boards on the market for ladies who like to drop steep descents and take speedy turns. With a tapered directional shape and a slight spoon-shaped nose, this board floats and lands super well through powder. But the Ravine also manages to chop through chunder, chop, and groomers: An ideal all-around queen for most days and conditions of the season.

　　The Ravine is anything but loose or whippy. In the tail, there are thin rods of carbon for targeted pop and rigidity — and we love popping ollies to catch air with this ride. The powerful carbon rods add power in each turn, making moguls and fast tree laps that much more stoke-worthy. While you could steer this board through the park, we found it really thrives on unpredictable snowpack, side hits, and cliff drops. Its a plow yet is easy to direct and follows your lead.

　　With a flex that felt more like a 7 to us, this board provides stability yet is forgiving. Under the back foot, the camber grounds the board, while the rocker under the nose and the poppy core adds a taste of playfulness. Theres also a torsional flex that enhances the adaptable nature.

　　From pow slashes to choppy, steep slopes and chattery days, this board kept us amped to ride through any conditions — except pure ice. The versatile Ravine plows ahead like a boat yet remains nimble and maneuverable.

　　Read More

　　

　　

　　

　　Testing the Rome Womens Ravine; (photo/Eric Phillips) Never Summer Nokhu 161 DF $690 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Hybrid triple camber Shape: Directional Flex: 5 Medium Base: Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base Sizes (cm): 152, 155, 158, 161, 161DF Pros Wider than normal including Drag Free for large footed riders R.I.P. Edge Hold technology provides excellent grip All mountain shape and medium flex for diverse riding conditions Cons Extra width can feel heavy Triple camber can feel hooky Morgan Tilton New for the 2024-2025 season, the Never Summer Nokhu ($690) sets the bar for a wide and stable all-mountain snowboard. The Nokhu is extremely versatile in all sorts of terrain — from leaving trenches on a fresh groomer to playful side hits, steep mountain riding, and even deep powder. This directional shape is meant for charging in the steeps, but an extra-wide, flat nose and tail provide great float in powder and enough real estate to land switch. Matched with a medium flex and damping, this board feels at home just about everywhere. 

　　What really sets this board apart from others is how wide it is compared to its length. Most boards dubbed W or wide start at a 26 cm waist width and are usually only offered in longer lengths. The regular 152 Nokhu has a waist width of 26.1 cm making it wider than most wide boards. Additionally, Never Summer offers a DF or drag-free version with a whopping waist width of 28.1 cm!

　　Thats one of the widest production snowboards available on the market — meaning even a size 12 or 13 snowboard boot should be able to lay trenches without dragging heels or toes. Our testers with a size 11 boot have often struggled to avoid dragging even on other wide snowboards. The Nokhu truly stands out as a properly wide board meant for big-footed riders. 

　　The versatility comes from the unique triple camber design, wide shape, and moderate-flex profile. The triple camber design is shaped like a W, with camber near the tip, tail, and center of the board with rocker in between. This design helps with edge hold and stability in chunder. However, we noticed that when straight-lining, it had a tendency to feel hooky, where the camber profile wanted to snag the snow and throw us off balance. This was avoided by keeping the board on edge as opposed to riding fully flat. 

　　Ultimately, the brand new Nokhu is an impressive board for its price point that thrives across various snow conditions while remaining fun, playful, and stable. The unique mountain goat top sheet graphic inspires one to get steep, while the board provides the tools to cruise, huck cliffs, and even take er over ice. 

　　Read More Best Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard for Women Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard $700 at evo$700 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Directional rocker (more tip rocker than tail rocker, camber between bindings) Shape: Directional Flex: 8 (stiff) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 146, 149, 152, 155 Pros Fast-charging with no give Rips high-angle slopes Cons Less playful for mellow spring days Morgan Tilton The Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard ($700) is a stiff, powerful, freeride-focused board with a contoured base that provides effortless float and turn initiation as well as a solid board-to-snow connection.

　　Also known as the 3D contour or spoon 3.0 base, the surf-inspired trait means the edges in the nose and tail are beveled by 7 mm — a subtle adjustment that creates a spoon shape.

　　And the directional shape likewise allows quick turn initiation, even while accelerating down the steeps. And if this snowboard’s core was a music genre, it’d be heavy metal. The blend includes robust and light Paulownia wood plus bamboo stringers, all held together with a triple layer of relatively stiff fiberglass laminate.

　　For experts, this Women’s Flagship Snowboard reigns. Despite the setback stance and decent taper, it can still stomp tricks — and switch too. This board is the basis for Jones’ bestselling Solution splitboard, which is great for exploring the backcountry.

　　Read More Best Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard for Men Ride Warpig $550 at evo$550 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Directional rocker Shape: Tapered and directional Flex: 4 (medium soft) Base: Sintered Sizes: 142, 148, 151, 154, 158 Pros Versatile Playful Good value Cons Not the best for long radius turns at high speeds Morgan Tilton The Ride Warpig ($530) has been a favorite among powder-seeking all-mountain snowboarders for more than five seasons. Despite its setback stance and directional rocker profile, don’t be fooled — this board is not a pure powder specialist.

　　Instead, the Warpig thrives just about everywhere. From the park to the groomers, this eye-catching board is a quiver of one with an affinity for the deep stuff. We love that the Warpig has tons of flex without completely sacrificing stability at speed. To create this unique combination of strengths, Ride has outfitted this board with a tight sidecut and a super-wide waist width. The Warpig has no problem with short radius turns and snappy maneuverability in the trees.

　　Directional rockered powder boards are not usually known for their versatility, but the Warpig is an outstanding exception. If you’re the kind of rider who loves surf-style snowboarding but wants a board that will also perform well on the crunchier days, the Warpig is the one for you.

　　Due to its rockered profile, this board finds longer high-speed carves a bit more challenging. However, the plus side of this profile shows itself in soft snow and powder. The Warpig floats as well as just about any powder specialist. A tapered tail allows the beefy nose to rise up and glide over fresh snow with delightful ease.

　　Read More Best All-Mountain Snowboard for Carving for Women Rossignol After Hours Snowboard $600 at evoCheck Price at Backcountry

　　

　　Specs Profile: Rocker-camber blend Shape: Directional twin Flex: 7 (medium-stiff) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 145, 149, 153, 156 Pros Queen for big turns Handles high speeds Cons Not your jib stick or pipe vehicle Morgan Tilton We loved riding the Rossignol After Hours Snowboard ($600) through powder mounds and moguls: this design floats like a queen and whips tight corners like a dime. While the board might be oriented toward experienced riders, it also feels creative, playful, and even twin-like.

　　Rossignol built Marion Haerty’s pro model, the After Hours, to chase Freeride World Tour podiums. After all, the three-time champions know a bit about how boards operate.

　　This volume-shifted board has a shorter tail than nose but twin-stiffness, which made us feel more centered the entire time. We took it everywhere, including through trees, and enjoyed how quickly the shape steered.

　　Urethane strips help transfer energy to the sidewalls, absorbing turbulence and locking in those edges on icy terrain. And the broad nose of this big-mountain blade floats like a Cirque Du Soleil acrobat.

　　Tradeoffs? That short tail means landing isnt as backed. Speed and straightaways arent where she excels. Switch is not our preference here. Overall, the After Hours Snowboard was simply built to leave fun marks all over the hill, excelling in a wide range of snow conditions and tight turns.

　　Read More Best Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard for Women Never Summer Infinity $590 at evo$590 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Wide rocker between feet, camber under feet, gradual rise in tip and tail Shape: Directional Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 142, 145, 148, 151 Pros Durable for the long haul Playful yet dependable on hardpack Cons The Vario Power Grip sidecut utilizes extra contact points, but we prefer the serrated edge of Magne-Traction Not the ideal powder board Morgan Tilton If we had to choose one board to rule them all, at least when it comes to softer and more forgiving builds, the Never Summer Infinity Snowboard ($590) would come darn close. This tried-and-true design delivers in tight trees laden with moguls, dropping cliffs, slicing through powder, on corduroy, and even on park laps.

　　Equal parts solid and surfy, one of our GearJunkie testers had this OG model in her quiver for more than a decade before it started to feel limp.

　　The lamination includes three narrow layers that are lightweight and absorb a moderate level of vibration while providing midlevel stability — but don’t squelch the vivacity of the board. It’s super fun to shred.

　　The core is more flexy between the feet, so pressing rollers and performing ollies is snappy and giddy. And we appreciate the integrated stretchy plastic stabilizers below the binding mount, which disperse vibration to help reduce foot fatigue for big days and fast laps.

　　Overall, the Infinity Snowboard is one of the best-made softer all-mountain snowboards on the market today.

　　Read More Best Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard for Men YES. Typo $500 at evoCheck Price at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Rocker-camber hybrid Shape: Directional twin Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes: 149, 152, 155, 156W, 158, 159W, 161, 163W Pros Capable of hitting big jumps and freestyle features Versatile Cons A bit squirrely and chattery at high speeds Morgan Tilton The YES. Typo ($500) is an absolute killer in the park, but it rides well all over the mountain too. Though this deck is slightly stiffer than the YES beginner-friendly Basic, its still clearly on the softer end of the spectrum. Soft and snappy is the perfect recipe for enjoying the terrain park, and the Typo is your ticket to supreme freestyle delight.

　　YES. is well known for pioneering many innovative design ideas over the years, and many of these have been expressed on the Typo. Their CamRock profile combines the responsiveness of traditional camber with the floatiness of rocker. Additionally, UnderBite edges feature incuts beneath each binding to redistribute the rider’s weight and improve manageability and edge hold.

　　Though a beginner rider could probably learn to love this board, it leans a little more toward the intermediate or advanced crowd. The snappy nature of the Typo is an asset for hitting large jumps, but it also results in a noticeably squirrely ride that beginners just don’t need to deal with.

　　While technically a directional twin, the Typo is nearly a true twin, as the setback of the stance is minimal. Still, this minor detail does come in handy while floating through powder, even if that isn’t the primary purpose of this board.

　　If you’re looking for a pure powder surfer or a hard charger, you may want to look for something with a more aggressively directional shape. Overall, the Typo is a highly versatile freestyle snowboard.

　　Read More Best of the Rest Women’s Weston Riva $624 at evoCheck price at Weston

　　

　　Specs Profile: Camber to slightly rockered in the tip and tail Shape: Directional Flex: 7 (out of 10, which is the stiffest) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 143, 147, 151, 155 Pros Digs into and edges hardpack well Enjoys speed Cons Not the best damping when you hit chunder at high speed Morgan Tilton The Womens Weston Riva ($624) is an all-mountain design that tackles inconsistent snow conditions and excels at speed on the groomers. The board is marketed as a freeride snowboard with the ability to tackle terrain all over the mountain, and we agree.

　　With a stiffer, directional design, the Riva performs well through ungroomed snow but really craves high speed on hardpacked, chalked-up runs and corduroy.

　　With a majority wood core made of paulownia, the board isnt heavy, and it does offer a bit of pop when its set up for it but that spring doesnt come easy like a more freestyle-oriented board.

　　The Riva strikes a balance between that traditional camber underfoot and at the very end of the boards tail and nose the profile is rockered, so it slightly curves up and off the snow like an upside-down banana.

　　Read Review: Weston Backcountry Riva Snowboard Review: A Stable Platform for Ripping Groomers

　　Read More Rossignol Diva $550 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Traditional camber under foot, early rise at tip and tail Shape: Twin Flex: Moderate-Stiff, 8 Base: 7500 Sintered Sizes (cm): 140, 144, 148, 152 Pros Powerful Stiffer for no mess-around A lovely yet aggressive tool for charging Cons Pricier More aggressive design Morgan Tilton For ladies, the Rossignol Diva ($550) doesnt mess around. This premium whip is an aggressive steer that offers high responsiveness, quick edge-to-edge transfer, and no room for butters. And we loved charging around on this shape.

　　Oriented towards gals with speed and cliff cravings and more experienced riders, the Diva wont disappoint. The design handled well on moguls, steeps, choppy powder, crud, hardpack, and ice alike. The edge hold was excellent, and we didnt get jostled while the board absorbed chunder well.

　　A true twin in the profile and the flex, this tool is stable anywhere you slice. Youll notice the camber underfoot and on the periphery allows you to connect like a hound with the snow surface and drive. The tip and tail have an early rise but we didnt notice it too much. Its subtle.

　　We also found that the Diva is on the stiffer end of the spectrum — which is perfectly fine for us and our all-mountain rodeo outings on this board. If youre looking for a strong snowboard for aggressive shredding, heres your chance.

　　Read More Jones Womens Stratos $630 at evocheck price at backcountry

　　

　　Specs Profile: Directional rocker Shape: Tapered directional Flex: Stiffer, 8 Base: 3D Contour Base Sizes (cm): 143, 146, 149, 152, 155 Pros Eats up ice, steeps and speed Cons Not playful Morgan Tilton The womens Jones Stratos ($630) is a core all-mountain board loaded with modern garnish. This ride is absolutely for a traditional shredder that aims to pierce anywhere on the hill and enjoys a highly tailored ride. You can take the Stratos through the trees, on moguls, and even backward while traversing hairy terrain. The Stratos shines best on big, sweeping carves on groomers and chalky slopes. The design also handles speed well and mutes the chatter.

　　First up, the design has a directional rocker, meaning theres more tip rocker than in the tail, which all flanks the camber underfoot. The directional profile is coupled with a tapered shape, or silhouette, offering a slightly narrower tail that allows the back to sink a bit for optimal float.

　　One of our favorite features of this design is in-house Traction Tech 3.0, a proprietary serrated edge technology that increases the number of contact points with hard surfaces. We appreciated this gold smudge on ice patches and steep hardpack, especially midday or after a nice re-groom: Thats when this board is the strongest versus first thing in the morning. Specifically, there are three bumps per edge at the front binding, board center, and back binding with the central hump being slightly more protruded for an amplified hold.

　　Another detail we are stoked on: The 3D Contour Base 3.0. Meaning, Jones added a 7mm bevel to the nose and tail, which is like adding the curvature of a spoon to your boards nose and backside. The result? Fantastic float and an easier charge through crust with less chance of catching an edge. That said, we found the Contour Base and the slightly rockered profile is likely why the board wasnt a conquerer of straight ice the way we expected.

　　Ultimately, the womens Stratos is a fairly stiff and directional choice that, rather than an amusement ride, is a sturdy all-mountain board for everyday powder, chop, or groomers. As a carver-oriented design, the board craves to be driven fast and forward.

　　Read More Women’s Ride Psychocandy $540 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Flat to rocker in the tip and tail Shape: Directional Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158 Pros Rise in the tip and tail provides playful garnish Very strong build Cons Less lovable in tight trees Morgan Tilton The Women’s Ride Psychocandy ($520) is the ladies’ iteration of the popular men’s Warpig with a few differences in the mix. Namely, this design sports a more manageable flex and a waist width that suits smaller boots.

　　Also, there’s a broader variety of sizes for folks of all body types. And this is the greatest quantity of size options (six) offered by any women’s snowboard in our guide.

　　Front and center, the core mixes lightweight, strong Paulownia wood stringers with Aspen, which we dig. For extra protection, double-level impact plates are integrated into the board beneath each binding, too.

　　And the highest level of carbon stringers is added to that same zone for sensitive response. Indeed, this is a stalwart steed for advanced to expert snowboarders.

　　This Psychocandy for the gals is a volume-shifted shape, and this board is meant to be sized down from your typical decks. To verify the solid power transfer, pro rider Hana Beaman is known to get buck on this silhouette.

　　Read More Jones Dream Weaver $500 at evo$500 at REI

　　

　　Specs Profile: Directional rocker Shape: Tapered Directional Flex: Friendlier, 4-5 Base: 3D Contour Base, Sintered 8000 Base Sizes (cm): 139, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154, 156 Pros Plenty of lengths to choose from Soft-to-moderate flex Straightforward ride for everyday rides Cons Not the most premium build If youre an expert, check out a different board Morgan Tilton Built with beginners and moderate shredders in mind, the womens Jones Dream Weaver ($500) is a stellar all-around design and investment that even more experienced riders will enjoy.

　　Though this board is directional — with a tapered directional shape as well as a directional rocker profile with an accentuated rocker in the nose — it almost feels like a twin, which we love. The Dream Weaver is so easy to stay balanced on, right in the middle of the board.

　　This womens ship is easy to steer around moguls, fun to plow into powder fields, and traverses well. The flex, which is soft-to-moderate, allows a tad of pop. The board maneuvers smoothly through the trees and offers mid-level arced turns.

　　Were also happy that the Dream Weaver holds an edge really well, with a nod toward the Traction Tech 2.0 that adds two extra contact points on each edge, like a serrated knife, to help bite hard snow. While the 3D Contour Base is integrated into this design, like on the Stratos, the degree is dialed back to a 2mm bevel in the nose and tails spoon shape, which is a balance we dig.

　　Indeed, the Dream loves to carve, on ice and across hardpack. Ultimately, the ladies Dream Weaver cuts out any guesswork with prime dependability. Plus, in person, weve hardly ever seen a graphic so vibrant and beautiful as the mountain landscape on this boards current topsheet.

　　Read More Women’s Arbor Swoon Rocker $467 at evo$440 at REI

　　

　　Specs Profile: Rocker Shape: Directional twin Flex: 5 (medium) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 140, 144, 148, 152 Pros Fairly lightweight build utilizing strong Paulownia wood Playful yet stout Cons Rocker can feel too loose for some Morgan Tilton As a true twin, the Women’s Arbor Swoon Rocker ($550) supports your surf-style needs in both directions down the mountain. That’s mostly due to the extensive true rocker shape that gradually decreases toward either end of the board — and zero camber.

　　Yet, Arbor’s rocker — aka parabolic profile — also maintains contact points that are close enough to the snow in order to hit higher speeds, rail turns, and stomp landings.

　　The design also features a nifty sidecut called Grip Tech, which shifts the four primary ergonomic contact points from the rise of the tip and tail to either side of each binding. With a more central location, those spots offer more direct energy transfer to the snow for better turns, stability, and control.

　　Overall, the board feels snazzy with a nice pop yet balanced with the centered stance. The Arbor Swoon Rocker is a great maneuverable, all-around option for advanced and expert shredders.

　　Read More Women’s YES. Hello $500 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Rocker/camber/rocker Shape: Directional twin Flex: 6 (medium-stiff) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 146, 149, 152, 155 Pros Handles turns well Fun in powder Cons Not a top-shelf option for park laps Less of a speed demon Morgan Tilton For intermediate riders who like to dabble in all types of terrain, the Womens YES. Hello ($500) fits the bill from the backside black diamonds to the long blue groomers. The hybrid camber-rocker design offers camber beneath the feet for solid ground connection, followed by a bit of rocker toward the tips and tail for a floaty feel in pow.

　　The core is poplar wood, which is durable and offers consistent flex for a predictable ride. This design also has a dip in the sidecut — dubbed the UnderBite — where the material pushes inward beneath the foot on both the heel and toe edge.

　　The result? Riders experience a more aggressive edge engagement while initiating a carve and through the arch of a turn, especially in hardpack. It also helps increase torsional flex of the YES. Hello by bringing the powder drive beneath the boots

　　Read More Rome Stale Crewzer $550 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Fusion Camber / Rocker Camber Rocker Shape: Directional twin Flex: 6 (Medium hard) Base: Sintered Sizes (cm): 152, 155, 158, 159w, 161, 162w Pros Excels in the park and on side hits Stable in the steeps Impact plates for additional impact absorption Cons Not the best in powder Morgan Tilton Stale Sandbech is known as one of the best park and freestyle snowboarders of all time. His 10-year anniversary pro model board, the Rome Stale Crewzer ($550), lets you ride with his style underfoot. The new 2024-2025 model has been redesigned in a more directional shape, with a larger rounded nose and smaller rounded tail, delivering a more comfortable shape for all-mountain riding. 

　　While this board is a little more home in the park than in powder, it really shines when things get steep. Thats thanks to a unique fusion camber profile of rocker in the tip and tail — for extra float and smooth transitions — and a healthy amount of camber underfoot for railing carves or popping off jumps. Additionally, there are Flax Impact Plates underneath both feet which help absorb impacts so you can send it as big as Stale.

　　While a beginner could learn to love this board, especially with it being geared toward a do-everything design, we feel its best for intermediate or advanced riders. Its true performance comes out when things get fast and steep. 

　　Overall, the Stale Crewzer is a hard-charging, directional board aimed at handling a diverse range of snow conditions while balancing a playful yet precise feel. We found that it doesnt hold up in powder like a true powder board, but it will still be plenty of fun charging around most days at the resort. 

　　Read More Stranda Biru check price at Stranda

　　

　　Specs Profile: Full camber with early-rise nose and tail kick Shape: Directional, volume-shifted Flex: Moderate, 6 Base: Sintered Durasurf 4001 Sizes: 154, 157 Pros Volume-shifted nose excels in powder Playful flex pattern Versatile enough for a one-board quiver Cons Softer than advertised Demands power to carve well Morgan Tilton Stranda is known for surf-inspired designs that carve — especially for their splitboards. The Stranda Biru ($690) rings to that note. With a volume-shifted design, this powder-oriented all-mountain board is for creative shredders rather than just another generic twin-tip.

　　Born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden, Stranda Snowboards founder Mats Drougge started blueprinting surfy snowboards 2 decades ago, inspired by the ocean surf-emulated expression that was surfacing circa 1990, when he met surf legends Mike Doyle and Joe Cabell in Aspen, Colo.

　　The goal is to flow like water, which is visually reflected in the shifted volume and shapes of Stranda’s boards that officially hit the market in 2015. 

　　The brand specializes in the creation of directional snowboards and splitboards rather than freestyle or twins. 

　　We expected a stiffer board but were pleasantly surprised with the playfulness in the moderate flex. This is a directional board but the tail kick allows for safe switch landings, opening up more possibilities around the mountain.

　　Chatter in crud and at speed was noticeable but average for an all-mountain board with powder foremost in its sights. The softer flex profile is combined with a volume-shifted (toward the nose) design. However, that means that the Biru skews its skills more towards powder than trenching groomers, so it’s a solid fit for riders who get plenty of soft and deep days.

　　There are better options from Stranda and other brands if you’re mostly carving up the piste. But if youre looking for a new super fun tool to whip around in a surfy way off-piste, dont hesitate to consider the Stranda Biru.

　　Read More Jones Snowboards Freecarver 9000s $535 at evocheck price at backcountry

　　

　　Specs Profile: Full camber Shape: Directional Flex: Moderate, 6 Base: 3D Contour Base 2.0 Sizes: 152, 156, 160, 164 Pros Almost no chatter at speed Blasts through chop and crud Solid edge hold nose to tail Cons Too niche to be a daily driver for most Demands power to carve well Morgan Tilton Carving is just for snowboardcross. Jones reached back to its founder’s roots in snowboard racing to produce the Jones Freecarver 9000s ($630), which is a stiff, trench-digging carving machine designed for speed and maximum edge hold. The 9000 has a gradually tapered 9-meter turn radius built for massive GS turns arcing across the run. There’s also the Freecarver 6000 series which keeps a tighter 6-meter radius if you prefer shorter, snappier carving.

　　We felt secure committing to these big turns thanks to the Traction Tech edge and tip and tail detuning to avoid unexpected snags coming in and out of turns. The full camber profile also allows the effective edge to run nearly the full length of the board for maximum contact and control at high speeds.

　　This board is stiff and powerful but requires full commitment to turns to enjoy the big, high-speed turns the Freecarver 9000 was designed for. Relax and the board may drive you instead of the other way around.

　　While we thought the Freecarver 9000 was great at what it was built to do, it’s a niche board that only fits as part of a quiver for most recreational riders and doesn’t excel in playful powder riding. Still, if you can afford to own a specialty board, it’s a great way to get the most out of low-tide days when the groomers are the only thing worth riding.

　　The four lengths are part of Jones’ new unisex efforts, which no longer split boards into men’s and women’s categories and instead alter widths, dimensions, and flex patterns to fit a rider’s size and weight regardless of gender. For charging slopes and getting speedy on the snow, be sure to check out the Freecarver 9000s.

　　Read More WNDR Alpine The BellAire $419 at evo

　　

　　Specs Profile: Camber with rockered out nose Shape: Directional Flex: Moderate-to-Stiff Base: N/A Sizes (cm): 148, 152, 156, 159, 164 Pros Capable in a wide range of conditions Playful flex pattern Versatile enough for a one-board quiver Cons Sluggish factory tune Narrow for carving for larger riders (via the 159 size) Morgan Tilton If you’ve heard anything about Utah-based WNDR Alpine, it’s probably that they make skis and boards using algae-derived oils in place of fossil fuel-derived plastics. Which is true. And very cool. But you need more than a good eco-story to sell as many boards and skis as WNDR has the past few years. And the unisex WNDR BelleAire ($699) aims to be the stable, directional, all-mountain daily driver snowboard that most riders are looking for.

　　Our initial impression before getting the BelleAire on snow was that it felt very light, almost fragile. But once on some resort chop, we gained confidence in this medium-stiff charger. We tried it in the full spectrum of resort conditions, and it proved to be an all-mountain board. It might not be your first choice if you’re a park rat, but it has enough pop for jibbing natural features. The early-rise nose and relatively stiff profile made it a capable pow-slasher. 

　　In theory, this is a medium-width board, but our larger-footed tester couldn’t really lay into groomer turns because of heel and toe overhang. Our smaller-footed riders had no trouble, but fair warning if you’re a bigger rider who wants to carve corduroy on low-tide days. Our other gripe was the sluggish factory tune which held the board back a bit until it was cleaned up.

　　Overall, we found the Fresh Prince of BelleAire to be a sturdy, dependable slasher in variable chop, strong in powder, and comfortable at speed on the groomers. While its not a playful spoon, the BelleAire is for charging anywhere, any day — and its not too stiff while living up to that name. This is not only one of the most eco-friendly boards ever made but is a solid contender for an all-mountain quiver to take over your foyer.

　　Read More Men’s Jones Mountain Twin $467 at evoCheck Price at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Camber under foot, rocker through the tip and tail Shape: Directional twin Flex: 7 (medium stiff) Base: Top-notch sintered base Sizes: 151, 154, 156W, 157, 159W, 160, 162W, 163, 165W, 168W Pros Versatile Damp and smooth ride Very durable base Cons Not ideal for beginners Morgan Tilton For intermediate to advanced snowboarders looking for a playful ride and well-balanced performance characteristics, Mens Jones Mountain Twin ($550) is a fine choice. With a traditional camber-under-foot profile and medium flex, this board can carve on ice, play in the park, and float through powder in style.

　　When charging at speed, the Mountain Twin offers a damp yet responsive ride, likely due to the high-quality semi-stiff wood core. For a board thats this capable at speed, we appreciate that it can be playful when called upon.

　　Beginner riders will likely find the Mountain Twin is just a bit too aggressive for practicing the fundamentals. Riders on both sides of the Mississippi can certainly enjoy this board, as it thrives on just about every snow type.

　　Butters and jibs are well within the wheelhouse of the Mountain Twin. The mild directionality isnt an issue when riding switch. Depending on how you set up your stance, the Mountain Twin can be excellent for folks who like to lead with both feet. The Mountain Twin feels perfectly at home in the terrain park. If you enjoy a variety of riding styles but only want to own a single board, the Mountain Twin is the all-mountain snowboard for you.

　　Read More Burton Custom Flying V $670 at evo$670 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Profile: Ambered underfoot with rocker between the feet Shape: Directional twin Flex: 3 (soft) Base: Sintered Sizes: 150, 154, 154W, 156, 158. 158W, 162, 162W, 166W 158W, 162, 162W, 166W Pros Fun and forgiving ride High-quality edge and base materials Cons Not ideal for aggressive carving or riding at high speed Morgan Tilton For newer riders looking to develop skills and expand their riding across the whole mountain, the Burton Custom Flying V ($660) is a stellar progressive snowboard. The Flying V has been around for years, but its forgiving rockered profile and surfy feel just never get old.

　　Burton’s Frostbite edge technology is well known for its superior traction, especially on ice and hardpack. The latest edition of the Flying V is built with Burtons Infinite Ride — an innovative process that involves a machine that breaks in the board for you.

　　We recommend the Flying V to riders looking to maximize fun and enjoy every turn. This is definitely not an aggressive or hard-charging snowboard — it will chatter vigorously at high speeds. Instead, this board enjoys a leisurely pace. Floating through deep pow and low-angle tress are its bread and butter.

　　The Flying Vs forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginner and progressing riders — especially those interested in exploring (and enjoying) the whole mountain. The Flying V is all about pure fun and ease of use. It’s got pop but not a crazy amount. It’s quite flexy, and engaging the nose or tail into a butter couldnt be easier.

　　Read More

　　

　　Testing all-mountain snowboards at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips) All-Mountain Snowboard Comparison Chart Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Profile, Shape, Flex, Sizes.

　　

All-Mountain Snowboard	Price	Profile	Shape	Flex	Sizes
W Stranda Descender Snowboard	$679	Camber, rocker	Directional	7 (medium)	152, 148
W GNU Ladies Choice	$630	C2x profile	Asymmetric	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 Never Summer Nokhu 161 DF	$690	Hybrid triple camber	Directional	5 (medium)	152, 155, 158, 161, 161DF
W Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard	$400	Camber to rocker	Twin	2 (soft)	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 blend	Directional twin	7 (medium-stiff)	145, 149, 153, 156
W Never Summer Infinity Snowboard	$550	A mix of wide, camber, gradual	Directional	5 (medium)	142, 145, 148, 151
M CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome	$500	Camber, rocker	Twin	5 (medium)	148, 150, 152, 153W, 154, 155W, 156, 157W, 158, 159W, 160, 161W, 162, 163W
M Arbor Element Camber	$500	Camber	Directional twin	4 (medium soft)	153, 156, 159, 160MW, 161W, 162, 165W
M Burton Custom Flying V	$660	Camber, rocker	Directional twin	3 (soft)	150, 154, 154W, 156, 158. 158W, 162, 162W, 166W 158W, 162, 162W, 166W
M Ride Warpig	$530	Directional rocker	Tapered and directional	4 (medium soft)	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 Ride 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. Hello	$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	Moderate-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

　　

　　A snowboards sidecut radius influences how big and long the arc of your turn will be, with a shorter radius being fun and quick while a longer radius is huge and sweeping; (photo/Eric Phillips) How We Tested All-Mountain Snowboards Our snowboard crew of GearJunkie product testers and writers includes a range of expert snowboarders.

　　Our Expert Testers Leading the gear testing, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has been snowboarding since 2002, when she switched from two planks to one, which she started at age 4 on the steeps of Telluride Ski Resort in her hometown. Over the years, shes competed in Slopestyle comps, backcountry tours, pow surfs, and still pulls on skis. While she coordinates the testers, she gets out in the field as much as possible. She tested all-mountain snowboards for 104 hours across 34 days in 2023. To date, in 2024, she has tested all-mountain snowboards for 135 hours across 38 days.

　　Contributing photographer and tester Eric Phillips is a formerly certifiedLevel IIPSIA-AASI instructor and big mountain pow surfer when hes not at the resort or on splitboard tours.

　　Other contributors include Wyoming-based Austin Beck-Doss and Crested Butte-based shredder Will Martinez.

　　

　　All-Mountain snowboards are the most common and versatile type of snowboard; (photo/Eric Phillips) Our Testing Grounds Weve tested snowboards in a range of conditions, from Vancouver Island to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our snowboards have carved steep, groomed, icy terrain, wiggled through tight trees, and floated through deep powder.

　　The GearJunkie team meets for an annual on-snow test week to grind out turns and swap notes, including two previous gatherings at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is known for its expert terrain.

　　Our Testing Process While testing all-mountain snowboards, we consider versatility, stability, flex, stiffness, carveability, edge hold, and overall value. We also take into consideration the most novel, style-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points.

　　

　　A traditional all-mountain snowboard typically has a stiffer directional flex pattern and a bit of a setback stance; (photo/Eric Phillips) The Best All-Mountain Snowboards: A Buyer’s Guide What is an All-Mountain Snowboard? All-mountain snowboards are designed to handle various riding styles and types of terrain. A true all-mountain snowboard will perform relatively well on groomers, powder, hardpack, and everything in between.

　　If you’re the kind of rider who likes to mix it up and hit the park on one run and a powder stash on the next, an all-mountain snowboard is the right choice for you.

　　All-mountain snowboards are also well-known for their value. Instead of owning multiple specialist boards for different styles and conditions, a single all-mountain board can be your answer to everything — kind of like a Swiss Army knife.

　　Because these boards aren’t specialists, they generally make some compromises in order to work well all over the mountain. For example, a good all-mountain board should ride well in the powder, but it probably won’t perform quite as well as an aggressively directional powder surfing specialist.

　　

　　Editor Austin Beck-Doss riding the Burton Custom Flying V at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips) Types of All-Mountain Snowboards On this list, weve included many types of all-mountain snowboards. Each leans toward a certain style of riding. For example, our pick for the best powder-leaning all-mountain snowboard will certainly rip all over the mountain, but it will truly shine when riding pow. Weve also included freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards and hard-carving all-mountain snowboards.

　　Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Powder-leaning all-mountain snowboards are the perfect tool for the deepest of days. Generally, snowboards in this category have a directional shape with a large, wide nose and a tapered-down tail. This is the ideal shape for maximum float in untouched snow.

　　Additionally, powder-leaning all-mountain snowboards usually have a rockered or hybrid rockered profile, which creates lift and keeps you happily afloat. On this list, the Ride Warpig and the Jones Women’s Flagship are our favorite boards for riding powder.

　　

　　A volume-shifted snowboard is when the length is shortened and the volume is redistributed elsewhere — into the width; (photo/Eric Phillips) Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards will display their full potential in the terrain park. Designed with jumps, rails, and side hits in mind, these boards feature ample pop, skate-like snap, and stability to stick the landing in style.

　　Most freestyle-leaning snowboards have a true twin or slightly directional twin shape. Boards in this category tend to have relatively flat or mildly rockered profiles, though there are some exceptions to this. On this list, our favorite freestyle-leaning boards are the Never Summer Infinity Snowboard and the YES. Typo.

　　

　　All-mountain snowboards can be more freestyle-oriented with a twin shape, more playful profile, and more flexibility; (photo/Eric Phillips) Snowboard Profile Shape A snowboard profile is the silhouette of a snowboard when viewed from the side if you were to set the board flat on a table and look at it lengthwise.

　　The profile is technically separate from the snowboard’s overall shape, but it’s also an ingredient that influences the shape category a board lands in — like adding cilantro or jalapeño to guacamole.

　　Imagine looking straight down at a snowboard that’s flat on the ground. The board’s shape is literally its outline, which is defined by the width from any side-to-side point, as well as the frame of the nose and tail.

　　Together, the board’s shape and profile create a unique feel underfoot. The various shape categories for snowboards listed below (directional, true twin, directional twin, asymmetrical, asymmetrical twin) are based on the profile and shape as well as the core materials and the flex they create.

　　

　　If youre not riding an all-mountain board, youd be on a more specified design for powder, freeride, or park and freestyle; (photo/Eric Phillips) Types of Snowboard Profiles Camber This is the most traditional, old-school snowboard profile. With a cambered design, the center rises, and the far ends of the board meet the ground where the nose and tail upturn. The sides curve upward a bit, too.

　　Boards with camber offer excellent edge control and a precise, aggressive, stable ride.

　　Rocker Rocker is the opposite of camber, and it’s often called reverse camber. Lib Tech started this revolution with the original Skate Banana rocker board, so some folks refer to this feature as banana technology. It is a banana shape!

　　Instead of camber, the belly of the board presses into the ground, so it’s a convex or U-shape. The result is a superb float in powder, a more forgiving edge-to-edge experience, and a more surf-life experience in carves.

　　

　　The base is the very bottom of the board and is the surface that touches the snow; (photo/Eric Phillips) Flat Flat boards are exactly what they sound like: flat. But without the camber and upturned edges, those can more easily catch. But a flat segment of a board does provide a loading zone for popping as well as a great surface connection for rails or other jibs.

　　Hybrid Rocker/Camber Some riders prefer the stability of camber or flat with the playfulness of rocker. There are countless combinations of these two profiles across nearly every brand.

　　One hybrid, for instance, is to have rocker between the feet, camber underfoot, and rocker on the nose and tail — a mustache, if you will. Others have a dual combo of flat or camber underfoot followed by a healthy dose of rocker throughout the nose and tail (or vice versa). But some have a tiny bit of rocker toward the tip and tail.

　　These incremental differences give each board a unique personality on the mountain and plenty of options for riders.

　　

　　Editor Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboards on a sunny spring day; (photo/Eric Phillips) Types of Snowboard Shapes Directional Snowboards With a directional design, the nose is a different shape than the tail and has unique attributes. Generally, this means the tail is more rigid, providing an anchor when cruising fast. And the nose more easily lifts through clouds of powder.

　　True Twin Snowboards If you were to draw a line across the centermost width of the board and fold it in half, each side would be the same. This design has a symmetrical shape (including the nose and tail and sidecut radius), flex pattern, and profile. The stance is completely centered.

　　A twin setup is an ideal choice for riding switch, which lends itself to freestyle terrain or park tricks but can also be a very balanced feel for all-mountain terrain.

　　

　　The core of a snowboard is the material in the very center, sandwiched between the base and topsheet. The core gives the board its character, pop, and durability; (photo/Eric Phillips) Directional Twin Snowboards A directional twin is when there’s a slight variation on a twin design. So, the shape is nearly completely symmetrical with the same sidecut, flex, and profile for the nose and tail — except there’s a spin on an ingredient or two.

　　For instance, the profile could slightly differ between the nose and tail. The tail might have a stiffer core and flex compared to the nose. Possibly, the stance is setback rather than completely centered. Or, the nose could have a bit more rise for nice float.

　　Asymmetrical Snowboards You know how the front of your body is proportionately different from its backside? An asymmetrical snowboard aims to help balance the human body, and it certainly feels different and fun to ride.

　　There are two ways asymmetry can be introduced in a board. A snowboard can have an asymmetrical sidecut, meaning the heel side is shorter and deeper. In contrast, the toe side is longer and shallower. This allows for easier, more balanced edge transfer between the toes and heels.

　　Some snowboard designs alter the core with softer materials beneath the heels along the backside of the board, compared to firmer materials along the toeside portion. Other designs blend both an asymmetrical sidecut and core.

　　

　　For width, choose a snowboard that prevents your heels and toes from dragging; (photo/Eric Phillips) Asymmetrical Twin This design combines asymmetrical design features with twin features. The nose and tail will have the same shape, profile, and flex. But the toeside and heelside sidecut will differ, or the flex of the core material will differ between the toe and heel edge, or both.

　　Core Construction Materials A snowboard’s construction and materials fundamentally affect its riding ability and performance. Everything from flex to pop is a result of the various components the board itself is made from.

　　Perhaps the most foundational part of every snowboard is the core. Most cores are made from strips of poplar, bamboo, birch, or aspen wood. These strips are laid out from tip to tail and are pressed into a structural length of flexible plywood.

　　Materials, including carbon and fiberglass, are added above and below the core to elevate or reduce characteristics such as pop, snap, flex, chatter, and dampness.

　　The price of every snowboard is a product of the quality of its materials. For example, carbon fiber is considered a premium material, and snowboards with carbon components are known for their stability, power, relatively low weight, and relatively high price tag.

　　On this list, all of the included snowboards are built from industry-leading, high-quality materials.

　　

　　If a board is too long, itll cause issues with turn initiation, which is especially noticeable in tight glades and moguls; (photo/Eric Phillips) Snowboard Length Though some riders believe in hard and fast rules for selecting the correct snowboard length, its ultimately a matter of personal preference. Board shape, rider height, rider weight, and riding style are all factors that should play into your decision about board length.

　　Most snowboards come in multiple lengths. Generally, longer boards offer a more aggressive ride and are preferred for hard, large-radius carves. If you’re the kind of rider who likes to absolutely bomb down groomers, we recommend a longer board.

　　On the other hand, shorter boards are often lighter, better for tight turns, and excellent for floating through powder.

　　

　　Reversed camber snowboards are more playful than a traditional camber shape with better float but less power transfer; (photo/Eric Phillips) Waist Width Waist width is the width of a snowboard at its narrowest point. Width preferences vary from rider to rider, though there are a few general rules that are good to keep in mind as you choose a board.

　　Ideally, the waist width of your snowboard will allow your boots to just slightly hang over the edges of the board when placed in your bindings. When fitted properly, youll be able to use the minor overhang of your boots to apply leverage to the board and control your steering and speed.

　　If your board’s waist width is too narrow, your boots will overhang excessively, and your toes may scrape the snow while carving. To determine the ideal waist width for you and your foot side, always check out your board, boot, and binding manufacturers sizing charts before purchasing.

　　

　　The metal edge of a snowboard allows the board to bite the snow, carve, and allows the rider to control the direction; (photo/Eric Phillips) Flex Dampness The flexibility of a snowboard defines its riding experience. There are two primary kinds of snowboard flex. Longitudinal flex refers to how much the board bends along its length. Torsional flex refers to how much the board bends side to side across its width.

　　On this list, weve given every recommended snowboard a flex rating between 1 (soft and flexible) and 10 (stiff and rigid).

　　Snowboards on the soft and flexible end of the spectrum are generally geared toward beginners and freestyle riders. These boards require less force to turn and maneuver and are often described as playful. If you’re going to regularly press into butters, you’ll be glad to have a board you don’t have to fight against.

　　Stiff boards are better for hard-charging and aggressive carving at high speeds. When you’re riding fast, stiff boards will feel more stable as theyre less likely to vibrate and chatter.

　　Dampness is a positive trait that refers to a board’s ability to cruise at high speeds without sending uncomfortable vibrations into your feet and lower body. As a tradeoff, stiff boards require more work to turn and maneuver and thus should be avoided by beginners.

　　Many all-mountain snowboards fall somewhere in the middle of the flexibility spectrum. Not too soft and not too stiff is a good place to be for boards that aim to perform reasonably well on all kinds of terrain.

　　

　　Technology like Magne-traction helps the edge shape of the snowboard grip the snow even better, especially hardpack snow, in addition to the metal edge; (photo/Eric Phillips) Boot Binding Compatibility Most snowboards are compatible with most snowboard boots and bindings, but there are a few key factors to consider when rounding out your setup. Your boots and bindings should match your riding style and the performance characteristics of your board.

　　In the same way that some snowboards are designed to thrive in powder, boots and bindings are each uniquely crafted to perform best in certain conditions. If your snowboard is a stiff and aggressive hard-charging monster, you dont want a pair of soft and flexy boots that are made for the terrain park.

　　In other words, we recommend you match your board with boots and bindings with similar rigidity.When purchasing boots and bindings, be sure to select sizes that are compatible with the width of your board. You dont want a binding base or a snowboard boot that hangs off the edge of your snowboard.

　　Furthermore, make sure that the attachment pattern for your bindings is compatible with your snowboard. Here are several general hole patterns:

　　44: two rows of holes that are 4cm apart plus each hole is 4cm apart and three holes per row 24: two rows of holes that are 2cm apart plus each hole is 2cm apart and six holes per row 3-hole: the holes are in a triangular pattern, and three screws are used to mount bindings Channel system: this is Burtons specific mounting system where the bindings are mounted to and slide along a track

　　

　　A snowboards sidewall is the material wedged between the metal edge and the topsheet, and the sidewall protects the inner core; (photo/Eric Phillips) Effective Edge This is the portion of the edge that connects with the snow while in a turn, which influences how a board feels. Typically, the effective edge is up to 35 cm shorter than the entire length of the board.

　　Sidewalls The sidewall is the material along the edge of a snowboard. Generally, it’s a plastic that protects the sides of the sandwiched core layers. Or, the fiberglass and topsheet layer could be extended to conceal the edge. The sidewall could also be a hybrid construction.

　　

　　Testing all-mountain snowboards on steep, variable, mogul, and rock-filled slopes; (photo/Eric Phillips) Sidecut Sidecut Radius Each side of the board is curved along the edge. The depth and curvature of that sidecut influence the type of turn the board will make as well as how the ride feels. A shallower sidecut makes a wider turn, and a deeper sidecut creates a tighter turn.

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

　　To conceptualize the complete turn of a snowboard, you can visualize the sidecut extending to create a full 360-degree circle. The sidecut radius is half of that imaginary circle. When riding, each full turn is only as long as the sidecut radius, which usually ranges from 20 to 33 feet.

　　

　　A sintered base on a Weston snowboard; (photo/Eric Phillips) Snowboard Base A snowboard’s base is the layer of material that makes contact with the snow as you ride. In order to get the best performance out of your board, its important to take good care of your base, repair it when necessary, and wax it regularly.

　　There are two kinds of snowboard bases. Each has its own pros and cons.

　　Extruded Base Extruded bases tend to be found on entry-level and park-leaning snowboards. Made from melted polyurethane pellets, these bases are essentially one large piece of flat plastic. Because of this unified structure, extruded bases are durable and not very porous.

　　The main benefit of extruded bases is they require minimal maintenance. These bases are less likely to suffer gouges from riding over rocks or trees, and they usually only need to be waxed a few times per season.

　　Most extruded bases come pre-waxed when purchased new.

　　

　　A few hole patterns exist for binding attachments to be sure to know which one youre buying; (photo/Eric Phillips) Sintered Base Sintered bases are found on most midlevel to high-end snowboards. Unlike extruded bases, sintered bases are highly porous.

　　To keep sintered bases functioning at their best, frequent waxing is essential. Riders with sintered bases should be especially aware of thin spots and obstacles, as the porous material is relatively fragile and can be easily gouged or damaged.

　　Repairing a sintered base tends to be more expensive than repairing an extruded base. When properly maintained, sintered bases offer a faster ride — especially in wet, sticky snow.

　　

　　The hole patterns on a snowboard could be four-hole, channel system, or 3-hole; (photo/Eric Phillips) Backcountry Snowboarding Splitboarding All of the snowboards on this list have been designed with in-bounds resort riding in mind. With that said, many of them would work in certain backcountry situations if you do not have a splitboard or your tour doesnt require split-skis. For instance, if you plan to enter a sidecountry gate (aka slackcountry) at a ski resort, be dropped off at the top of a route via vehicle, if you can follow a bootpack up, or if you plan to snowshoe to a slope.

　　If youre considering riding in the sidecountry or backcountry, its extremely important to be well-prepared. A beacon, shovel, and probe are non-negotiable gear, and an AIARE 1 avalanche safety training course is essential, too.

　　While strapping a snowboard to your back and hiking through the backcountry in snowshoes is a reasonable short-term plan, most backcountry riders will eventually want to transition to a more efficient splitboard.

　　Splitboards divide in half and can be used with skins just like backcountry skis. Once you’re ready to descend, the splitboard snaps back together and is ready to ride.

　　Though splitboarding can be a wonderful way to express your riding skills in the backcountry, the significant learning curve and financial investment required are barriers for many snowboarders.

　　

　　The flex of a snowboard typically is considered on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the stiffest, but there is no universal test; (photo/Eric Phillips) Eco-Friendly Design Features Some snowboard designs incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly materials. For example, the Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard incorporates recycled plastic for the sidewalls. And Lib Tech manufactures snowboards in the U.S.

　　A leader in the realm of sustainability is Arbor. For instance, the Swoon Rocker has recycled steel edges, sustainably harvested bamboo, and bioresin from waste products that replaces petroleum-based resin. At large, the brand sources materials from highly renewable, well-managed forests.

　　Arbors wood and bamboo cores and the majority of their top sheets are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a third-party nod that the materials are derived from responsibly managed forests. Its entire production line is solar-powered, too.

　　

　　All-mountain snowboards are generally happily ridden all over the ski area — but there is still plenty of variety to choose from; (photo/Eric Phillips) Price Value Budget Snowboards that are more flexible and forgiving typically lack materials that drive up the cost. These boards can also be more squirrel-y on ice, in the steeps, and not offer as much rebound and power if youre whipping at a top rate — so theyre more ideal for beginners and those who want to keep the shredding to mellower terrain or park riders that want a lot of spring. One example is the Burton Stylus FlatTop Snowboard ($400), and another softer option is the Never SummerInfinity Snowboard ($550).

　　Mid-Tier The majority of our picks are in the neighborhood of $600. Youll typically find higher-end materials and more complex profiles and construction. A few examples include the Jones Stratos ($630), GNU Ladies Choice ($630), and the Stranda Descender Snowboard ($679). These boards usually offer a sweet spot of power and forgiveness while also being able to hold an edge, keep down chatter, and be maneuverable underfoot.

　　Premium Reaching towards $700, youll find the WNDR Alpine The BelleAire ($699), Stranda Biru ($690), and Jones FlagshipSnowboard ($700) — the most premium builds. These boards have even more complexity and unique materials like the algae-derived oils in the WNDR, while the Biru is a volume-shifted construction from a boutique brand that produces extremely durable and fun, surfy boards.

　　

　　Contributors Morgan Tilton and Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboardsfrom Weston and Burton at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips) Frequently Asked Questions What is an all-mountain snowboard? An all-mountain snowboard is designed to ride in a wide variety of styles and conditions. While some snowboards are purpose-built for a certain kind of riding — such as park or powder — all-mountain snowboards can handle both and more!

　　What is the best snowboard for beginners? On this list, weve selected the Burton Custom Flying V and the Lib Tech Cortado as our picks for the best all-mountain snowboards for beginners. Both of these snowboards are progression-oriented. Theyre each relatively easy to control and maneuver, yet they offer high-quality construction and features that will support you as your riding improves.

　　

　　The stiffer a snowboard is, the more pop, speed, and quick turn-transfer the board can deliver; (photo/Eric Phillips) How do I choose the right snowboard size? When you choose a board, the brand will have a recommended size chart based on weight and boot size. You want to be sure to not have any boot drag off the side of the board!

　　You’ll also want to consider your height and the type of riding you want to do. Back in the day, folks would stand the snowboard next to themselves and if the board reached between the chin and nose, that indicated the correct size. You can get an idea of the snowboard size with that method, but be sure to consider your weight and boot size, too.

　　Generally, if you want to ride more aggressively and in steeper, faster, rugged conditions, a longer board can help drive more control, damping, and power. A shorter board will be snappier, quicker to steer, and easier to ollie. It’s often a good choice for riding through the park, tight glades, and moguls.

　　Ultimately, the best size comes down to personal preference, so try to demo or rent a few boards before buying your own.

　　

　　Testing the Womens Rome Ravine all-mountain snowboard; (photo/Eric Phillips) What boots and bindings are best to pair with an all-mountain snowboard? No all-mountain setup is complete without a good set of boots and bindings. The boots and bindings you choose should be aligned with your riding style and ability.

　　Just like boards, boots and bindings exist on a spectrum from soft and flexible to stiff and aggressive. Softer boards generally pair well with softer boots and bindings. Similarly, stiff boots and bindings are commonly paired with a stiff board to create the ultimate aggressive and stable riding experience.

　　

　　If you weigh more, we advise opting for either a longer or stiffer board; (photo/Eric Phillips) What are the differences between men’s and women’s snowboards? Often the biggest differences between men’s and women’s snowboards are sizing and shape. This includes the length, width, and sidecut ratio. Another big difference is the materials sandwiched in the core. Often, brands choose softer woods or laminates to better match the average woman’s stature.

　　Smaller men might find women’s boards compatible with their ride needs, and taller women also often opt for men’s boards. Ultimately, sizing is about choosing the right board for you and your shred style.

　　How do I maintain and repair an all-mountain snowboard? Would you drive your rig without an oil change? Snowboard maintenance is important! Make sure to wax your snowboard on the regular — every few times you ride — with wax that’s temperature-specific to your climate and conditions.

　　After finishing laps, it’s ideal to wipe down the snowboard, secure the bindings, and hang the board to store it. Make sure the edge stays deburred and sharpened with a whetstone and file.

　　If the base gets a gouge, you can fill and fix it with P-tex. For larger repairs or general maintenance, take your snowboard to a local shop for a base grind or a full tune.

　　

　　A camber profile is a traditional profile thats very responsive with great edge control and stability; (photo/Eric Phillips)

　　

　　The Best Snowboard Bindings of 2024 Snowboard bindings are a vital piece of gear that can make or break your time on the mountain. Weve got the best of 2024 lined up and ready to shred. 

　　

　　The Best Snowboard Boots of 2024-2025 We tested all-mountain and freestyle snowboard boots for the resort and backcountry to find the best options from Burton, Vans, K2 and more.