Best Women’s Snowboards For 2025-2026
Nidecker Alpha Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $519.95 / £479 / €499.95
SIZES: 148, 153, 158, 162W
FLEX: 4
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Setback Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Extruded
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Nidecker Alpha:
Nidecker’s Bio Series has proven itself over a few years now. These boards blend eyecatching shapes with serious technology, led by the all-terrain Alpha model. Plus, the latest version boasts one of the nicest graphics we’ve seen this year – seriously, the topsheet and base on this thing are goddamn gorgeous.
Who is the Nidecker Alpha for?
The Alpha is built for riders who prioritize flow over brute force. Think Mathieu Crepel. Whether you’re carving deep pow turns, threading technical tree lines, or just want a board that makes every descent feel effortless, the Alpha encourages creative line choice and smooth riding style. And while it’s obviously great in natural terrain, it works brilliantly for anyone seeking an all-round resort board that can handle switch take-offs and landings when needed.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Alpha features a directional silhouette with a slightly pulled-in tail to help it sink better in deep snow, but it’s not a pure powder board at all – there’s still plenty of party in the back, as the modern mullet kids say. The nose is slightly spooned to help glide through turns and surf over slush and chop. The ‘Surfy CamRock’ profile is essentially a setback camber that’s grippy underfoot with a little more lift in the nose. The full length ‘Master Core’ blends poplar and paulownia, with carbon at the tip and tail to add snap to your ollies and dampen the ride. The layup includes sandwich construction and a dense extruded base that’s the best in its class, but if you wanna spice things up there’s an APX version with a sintered base and wraparound Power Rails for more knife-like performance.
Tester Verdict
Chris Kyte
“This board’s got your back. It had great edge hold, even through ice on a dicey heelside turn. The ample nose kept me floating in the soft stuff.”
Buy the Nidecker Alpha Snowboard 2025-2026: from $519.95 at evo.com
Buy the Nidecker Alpha Snowboard 2025-2026: from €549.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Burton Counterbalance Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $659.95 / €680 / £610
SIZES: 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 154W
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Setback Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Burton Counterbalance:
Burton’s newest quiver-killer borrows DNA from their legendary Custom while adding modern tech that makes one board do what used to require three.
Who is the Burton Counterbalance for?
Riders of all sizes and sexes who want to surf pow when the lifts open, session the park when it’s tracked out, and hunt out side hits on the home run. It’s a genuine all-rounder with a slightly directional shape that will reward those who love to go fast and turn above all else.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
All the talk is of this thing replacing the Deep/Free Thinker models. But in this writer’s opinion, The Counterbalance draws heavy inspiration from Burton’s mid-90s shapes – both the original Custom and the Johan Oloffson pro model. Both were slightly directional outlines that blurred the lines between freeride and freestyle; both helped define a generation of riding. The profile combines setback camber underfoot with extended nose rocker, delivering stability through variable conditions while providing effortless float in soft snow. Burton’s patent-pending Squeezebox core technology varies thickness throughout the board – thinner sections underfoot increase flex and manoeuvrability, while beefier areas outside the stance provide stability and snap when carving or boosting. The Super Fly II core keeps weight down without sacrificing durability, while 45° Carbon Highlights add tip-to-tail carbon reinforcement for precise energy transfer and reduced weight. The board is also available in dual graphic options as part of Burton’s new gender-neutral sizing system – skate-deck-like ‘Hallucinate’ and 90s-looking ‘Deco’. Choose your poison.
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“The board everyone was talking about at this demo event. With 8mm of taper I believe this board would be great in powder but didn’t get to put it to the test. In true Burton fashion, this board is very lively and poppy. It boosts off side hits and rollers and is super stable when landing. It also held an edge incredibly well when carving on groomers but didn’t feel twitchy. I was hesitant about the price but after riding it I think it’s worth the money and will be one of the top boards next winter.”
Buy the Burton Counterbalance Snowboard 2025-2026: from $659.95 at evo.com
Bataleon Whatever Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $579.95
SIZES: 138, 144, 148, 151, 154, 157, 156W, 159W, 162W
FLEX: 5
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Bataleon Whatever:
Newly reshaped for Winter 26, the Whatever’s deceptive directional outline hides a twin contact surface, delivering the ultimate all-terrain board for riders who want to keep their quiver simple.
Who is the Bataleon Whatever for?
The Whatever embodies its name perfectly – it’s built for riders who want to do whatever, wherever. Whether you’re sessioning park features, surfing pow, or just running into Kiki at the beach, this board’s like “Yeah whatever.”.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Whatever’s genius lies in its contradictions. While the updated outline appears strikingly directional, the contact surface remains true twin – offering the best of both worlds. Bataleon’s signature 3BT shaping provides medium nose and tail uplift, reducing edge catch while maintaining camber’s pop and precision. Under the hood, the Light Core keeps things lively, while carbon stringers add snap without sacrificing playfulness. Dual carbon “SuperTubes” enhance the board’s natural spring even further, and a sintered base delivers reliable glide from kicker in-runs to cat tracks. Urethane sidewalls provide enhanced dampening and durability, while BackSeat Inserts complete the package, creating a board that truly lives up to its anything-goes philosophy.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“Playful and responsive energetic board. Great on piste holding an edge through turns and nice poppy ollies. Great also on the jumps and boxes. My favourite all mountain / freestyle board.”
Buy the Bataleon Whatever Snowboard 2025-2026: from $579.95 at evo.com
Drake DFL Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: €439
SIZES: 145, 148
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Drake DFL:
We love a bit of bang for our buck, and the DFL’s a nifty little board with a bunch of all-terrain adaptability for the price.
Who is the Drake DFL for?
We’d say it’s a bit too much snowboard for a beginner who’s still finding their feet, but any rider who can confidently cruise will find something to enjoy here. As a ‘Jacqueline of all trades’, the DFL would suit those looking to expand their horizons across a variety of terrain and experiment with different riding styles without having to invest in an entire quiver of snowboards.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Versatility is the name of the game with the Drake DFL, with the design team using tried and tested ingredients to create a snowboard that’s as happy munching miles on the hardpack as it is sniffing out powder stashes and gobbling sidehits. With its directional twin shape and 20mm setback, you’re able to easily shift your weight over the tail to keep the nose up and out in deeper snow. On the hardpack, the positive camber bend offers stability at speed, solid edge hold and a dynamic personality for pumping in and out of turns. And thanks to the cambered bend and blunted tips, you’ve got a lowered swing weight and a snowboard that wants to pop, lock, press and spin.
Tester Verdict
Simona Silvestri
“The DFL is a great all-rounder. I tested it on a day of riding mostly red and blue runs in Val Gardena, and was impressed by the edge hold, the ease with which it turned and the speed of the base. My regular board is definitely a bit stiffer, so that’s what I’m used to, but I think the soft flex of this would be great for more intermediate riders, and people who spend a lot of time on the pistes. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it in powder (it wasn’t a very good winter in the Dolomites!), but I guess it would handle OK, although my preference would be for a stiffer board.
Personally, the pink colour is a bit too stereotypically ‘girlie’ for me, but the graphic had a kind of 90s revival vibe, which I liked.”
Buy the Drake DFL Snowboard 2025-2026: from $483.99 at NORTHWAVE.COM
Rome Boneless Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $529.95 / €499.95
SIZES: 138N, 141N, 144N, 147N, 150, 153, 156, 159, 157W, 160W, 163W
FLEX:5
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Rome Boneless:
The East Coast hardcore at Rome know a thing or two about board design, so when they announced a brand new model we were naturally excited. The Boneless does not disappoint. It’s a fresh take on unisex versatility. blending playful twin geometry with serious all-terrain capability.
Who is the Rome Boneless for?
As you’d expect from the all-mountain category, it’s for riders who refuse to be boxed into one riding style. Whether you’re perfecting your park skills, exploring tree runs, or just want a board that adapts to the conditions in front of you, the Boneless delivers that rare combination of freestyle fun and carveability. With its mellow flex, it’s perfect for creative-minded riders in the market for a quiver of one.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Boneless’s versatile performance stems from some smart design choices. Its Fusion Camber profile combines rocker in the nose and tail with camber underfoot, delivering the best of both worlds – playful turn initiation and reliable edge grip when you need it. The Twin Diamond 3D base contours enhance float and reduce catch, while the bamboo Omega HotRods provide responsive snap without being overly aggressive. Rome’s True Twin Tri-Radial sidecut ensures identical performance whether riding regular or switch, making it ideal for park progression and side hits. The medium flex strikes that perfect balance between forgiving and responsive, while flax impact plates add vibration dampening for a smoother ride across variable terrain.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“A good all-round, all-terrain board.”
Buy the Rome Boneless Snowboard 2025-2026: from $529.95 at evo.com
Burton Family Tree Sketch Artist Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $729.95 / €730 / £660
SIZES: 147, 151, 155, 159, 163
FLEX: 8
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Burton Family Tree Sketch Artist:
Art meets nature’s canvas in this wide-bodied freeride deck that promises to turn the mountain into your own personal masterpiece every single run.
Who is the Burton Family Tree Sketch Artist for?
Creative riders ready to graduate from their twin-tip comfort zone will find (ahem) fresh inspiration here. This isn’t a board for newbs – its stiff flex and camber profile demands commitment, but rewards skilled shredders with stability, float, and razor-sharp precision.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Part of Burton’s Family Tree Line, the Sketch Artist’s substantial width and aggressive 18mm taper create a platform for freeride expression. Its progressive sidecut design delivers more drive and energy through turns when riding in your natural stance, while the wide nose provides bomber stability for launching natural features and floating through powder. Classic camber underfoot ensures maximum edge grip and pop, while the Super Fly II core keeps things lightweight and agile. 45° Carbon Highlights in the layup provide extra snap from tip to tail. The short directional tail sinks naturally in deep snow but maintains enough surface area for confident landings.
Tester Verdict
Pat Nichols
“Amazing board for freeriding and carving, but I disagree with Burton’s claim that it’s a 10/10 all-mountain board. It has a huge taper, a directional shape and a stumpy tail, so it’s clearly a ripper for groomers, powder and charging freeride lines. It was super responsive while still being damp which made for really effortless edge changes with great grip.”
Buy the Burton Family Tree Sketch Artist Snowboard 2025-2026: from $729.95 at evo.com
Buy the Burton Family Tree Sketch Artist Snowboard 2025-2026: from €729.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Korua Pin Tonic Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £479 / €549 / $629
SIZES: 159, 166, 172
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Korua Pin Tonic:
Who says longer boards can’t also be nimble? The Pin Tonic combines straightline speed and stability with a truly eyebrow-raising amount of manoeuvrability.
Who is the Korua Pin Tonic for?
Even amongst the Korua-curious – already a bold bunch – the Pin Tonic is for those who truly want a break from the norm, and are happy to sacrifice airtime to get it. Now that a (relatively!) smaller size has been added for 2025/26, more riders than ever can experience its unique appeal.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Yes, it’s a big ‘un, but the relatively short effective edge means that the Korua Pin Tonic will feel a bit more conventional on piste than you might expect. Get it into powder, however, and you’ll learn that size does indeed matter. Even on the shallowest of pitches or the stickiest of spring pow, you’ll stay afloat, aided by the pronounced taper and rockered nose – as well as the pin tail, of course. It’s wide as well as long, but the biax fibreglass doesn’t have to be worked too hard when you want to twist the waist and crank your turns.
Tester Verdict
Pat Nichols
“This is a fantastic board for carving and freeriding. Amazing edge grip, but with enough flex that you can push through and adjust the turn radius. It has a shorter effective edge than the length would suggest, which makes it super stable through chop, but it still handles trees. At this size, it’s not the easiest to fully swing round for a nimble slash – but I’d still quite like to own it as my big board!”
Buy the Korua Pin Tonic Snowboard 2025-2026: from €549 at KORUASHAPES.COM
Nidecker Beta Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $519.95 / £479 / €499.95
SIZES: 151, 157, 162, 165W
FLEX: 4
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Extruded
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Nidecker Beta:
Nidecker’s Bio Series hits different when it comes to powder performance – the Beta’s 3D nose and swallow tail geometry makes deep snow riding feel almost supernatural.
Who is the Nidecker Beta for?
Maybe you like mushrooms and stoner rock. Maybe you’ve fallen down a few Illuminati rabbit holes in your time. Or maybe you just appreciate a sick graphic when you see it. Either way, you most definitely live for stormy tree laps and bluebird powder days where you can fully connect with the mountain.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Beta’s shape tells the whole story – this is a directional powder slayer with an extended spooned nose and a distinctive swallow tail that looks a little (OK, a lot) like a chip fork. But that tail design isn’t just an ode to battered sausages; it maximises the running length for groomers while sinking naturally in deep snow, eliminating back-leg burn. The ‘Surfy CamRock’ profile doubles down on this glidey feeling – it features a setback camber that’s fully carvable on hardpack and an extended nose rocker to help you surf through freshies and variable snow. The full-length ‘Master Core’ blends poplar and paulownia for lightweight control, while Pop Carbon sections reinforce the tips (particularly that long nose) and help smooth out the ride. Classic sandwich construction keeps the layup simple and durable. Like other boards in the Bio Series, the Beta features a ‘Hybrid’ base that’s denser than a typical extruded base and plenty fast, but purists can upgrade to the APX version for sintered p-tex, extra carbon and wraparound Power Rails that deliver more aggressive turning performance.
Tester Verdict
Pat Nichols
“A fun board for pow days and hitting slashes. The short tail meant the 162 I was riding felt like a much smaller board – it’s super easy to throw up spray and do nimble turns. It absorbs landings well, too, but it’s pretty damp, and the flipside of a shorter tail is that it lacks the pop to get much boost on the takeoff.”
Buy the Nidecker Beta Snowboard 2025-2026: from $519.95 at evo.com
Buy the Nidecker Beta Snowboard 2025-2026: from €499.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Signal Ludo Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £529/ €579/ $549
SIZES: 150, 154, 158, 162
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Signal Ludo:
This is an all-mountain board that flirts with the unconventional, without going fully off the reservation. The Ludo offers up a refreshing take on the quiver killer.
Who is the Signal Ludo for?
Let’s face it: we could all use a big guy that will get you out of a jam – and that’s exactly what the Signal Ludo is. It’s wider than most, and the nose is fairly sizeable too, so those seeking a stable, reliable platform will get on well with this.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Signal Ludo has a slight taper, which combines with the chunkier waist to make this an absolute trench-digger on piste. Profile-wise, the cambered middle section is flanked by rocker sections, delivering a nice balance of edge grip and butterability. The rocker is a little more pronounced in the nose, but switch riding is still very much on the table.
It’ll pop up nicely thanks to two thin carbon stringers run the entire length of the board, but it’s still not that stiff from end to end. It is fairly rigid from edge to edge, however, due to the triax glass.
Tester Verdict
Ed Leigh
“I loved this board – playful, but with great edge hold. Stable at speed, confidence-inspiring in the air and great on landings. It’s going to make you a better snowboarder. I would buy this board.”
Tester Verdict
Matt McCormick
“A really enjoyable board to ride all round, especially for those not wanting to charge really hard. For those just wanting to enjoy piste riding and side country, it’s a perfect board. Just simply fun.”
#YES. Airmaster Women’s Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £440 / €500 / $530
SIZES: 146, 149, 152
FLEX: 8
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the #YES. Airmaster Women’s:
The consummate all-mountain (un)professional, the #YES. Airmaster does it all, does it well and doesn’t leave you wanting.
Who is the #YES. Airmaster Women’s for?
Anyone looking to turn the dials up to 11. The Airmaster lays on a veritable buffet, so load up your plate and say grace. Think a hearty portion of bombing hills, a full rack of boosting sidehits, a steaming bowl of all-gas-no-brakes hellraising with a saucy glaze of sketchy landings for good measure. If that sounds like your kind of meal, then pull up a seat at the table and dig in.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Whilst having a full quiver of snowboards at your disposal to chop and change between might be your dream, your wallet probably doesn’t agree. #YES. uses a mix of tried and tested construction with brand-specific shaping to create a snowboard that can handle a huge range of terrain and conditions. The 3D shaping in the nose and tail pays dividends, creating more float in powder, smoother turns on groomers, and a bunch of extra forgiveness when you’re locking in new tricks in the park- it’s a win-win-win situation.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board was epic straight off the rack. Solidly holding an edge on the groomed runs, poppy and playful enough to butter and jib in the park. I didn’t want to stop riding this board.”
Buy the #YES Airmaster Women’s Snowboard 2025-2026: from $500 at evo.com
Gnu Fiction Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £350 / €400 / $400
SIZES: 133, 139, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154
FLEX:5
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Gnu Fiction:
If we’re spitting facts, we’d say the Gnu Fiction does the one thing every confidence-inspiring snowboard claims to do- makes riding easier and more accessible. (Bonus points for doing it without an eye-watering price tag.)
Who is the Gnu Fiction for?
It’s an ideal snowboard for a rider who’s looking to step up their game in a gentle and encouraging manner. And that doesn’t just mean complete beginners, whether you’re a nervous rider who’s clocked days on the hill and is looking for something to boost morale, or you just fancy something mellow to cruise around the hill, the Gnu Fiction is all about easy-going exhilaration.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
I think we can all agree catching an edge on a snowboard absolutely sucks, and the Fiction uses Gnu’s hybrid Banana profile, built around a central rockered pivot point, to alleviate the risk of these unintentional slams. As much as we’d love to be able to ride perfect snow all the time, it’s never guaranteed, and Gnu uses their Magne-Traction edge profile to offer increased grip through the length of the sidecut to help keep you in control when the going gets tough. Add the mellow flex into the mix and you’ve got a snowboard that allows for progression at your own pace, one that won’t take you for a ride if you’re not 100% on your game or kick your arse if you have slight wobbles.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board was playful and rideable straight off the shelf. Easy butters and Ollie’s and holds piste crud well, even holds the edge well enough carving on piste.”
Buy the Gnu Fiction Snowboard 2025-2026: from $399.99 at evo.com
CAPiTA Equalizer Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £485 / €549 / $599.95
SIZES: 142, 146, 150, 154
FLEX: 5.5
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the CAPiTA Equalizer:
”If you build it, they will come”. Regardless of gender, sizing or societal norms, The CAPiTA Equalizer is one of the most tech-heavy and performance-focused snowboards on the market- period. (And we’re HUGE Jess Kimura fans.)
Who is the CAPiTA Equalizer for?
Definitely not for the faint of heart, the Equalizer is a no-holds-barred snowboard that’s catered to the kind of riders who are looking to push their limits on piste, in the sidecountry and beyond. Yes, we know the graphic is sick and everyone wants to take it home, but unless you’re throwing it down with precision and power across a multitude of terrain, this board will hand you your arse on a platter.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
At a relatively mellow 5.5/10, it’s far from the stiffest option on the market, but the Equalizer is case in point that clever shaping and carefully considered design points maketh the snowboard. Versatility comes in the form of the crossbred camrock profile, and although it most certainly has the chops to gobble up sidehits and boost kickers, we’d classify it as more of an all-mountain freeride snowboard thanks to the 0.8” setback stance and ample nose. Pop the hood and you’ll find a heavy internal layup that allows for high-octane riding with an eye-watering degree of precision by virtue of the blended fibreglass layers and tri-wood core.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board was absolutely perfect, hands down one of the best boards tested over Shops 1st Try. The board is super powerful and felt completely in control riding piste, without the board taking over. Hitting jumps, off-piste crud with ease and high-speed turns like nothing. Thank you, Capita and Jess Kimura, for the Equalizer. It was a pleasure to ride.”
Buy the CAPiTA Equalizer Snowboard 2025-2026: from $599.95 at evo.com
Jones Rally Cat Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $479.95 / €449.95 / £391.95
SIZES: 151, 154, 155W, 156, 158, 159W, 161, 162W, 166W, 170W
FLEX: 2
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Jones Rally Cat:
When you need a board that’s genuinely friendly but still capable of proper mountain performance, the Rally Cat (ahem) roars to the rescue.
Who is the Jones Rally Cat for?
It’s perfect for progressing riders who’ve outgrown their first board but aren’t ready for something too aggressive. Whether you’re starting to charge harder on groomers, exploring off-piste terrain, or dabbling in the park, the Rally Cat makes everything feel doable and gives you even more as you push it.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Rally Cat’s directional twin shape strikes that sweet spot between resort ripping and park lapping – you get the stability of a directional board for confident descents, but with enough twin DNA for comfortable switch riding and trick progression. The full camber profile provides reliable edge grip and pop without being too demanding, while Jones’s Medium 3D Contour Base adds that extra glide and flow that makes every turn feel smoother. Construction-wise, the updated Master Core keeps things light and lively, while straightforward biax glassing offers a forgiving flex that won’t punish mistakes. Factory-tuned and waxed with natural WEND wax, it’s genuinely ready to ride straight from the shop.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board rode extremely well. It was fast and responsive without being too aggressive and controlling. Holds an edge through a turn hard, all around one of my favourite boards to test.”
Buy the Jones Rally Cat Snowboard 2025-2026: from $479.95 at evo.com
Buy the Jones Rally Cat Snowboard 2025-2026: from €449.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Salomon Highpath Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £530 / €600 / $699
SIZES: 146, 150, 353, 156, 159, 159W, 162, 162W, 165W
FLEX: 8
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Salomon Highpath:
Snowboard manufacturing remains a labour, resource and energy-intensive business, so hats off to the Salomon Highpath for racking up eco points left and right without sacrificing quality.
Who is the Salomon Highpath for?
Conscientious consumers, obviously – but in terms of rider profile, the Highpath will appeal to more experienced types who like to charge. Despite a balanced camber profile and a taper you’ll barely notice, the longitudinal stiffness requires a steady hand at the tiller.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Recycled materials are ever-present in the Salomon Highpath, accounting for a fifth of the edge metal, half of the base material and a whopping two-thirds of the sidewalls. About a third of the resin holding it together comes from natural sources, too.
Of course, if recycling were all that mattered, then we’d all be riding on soggy sheets of cardboard. Salomon’s usual attention to detail is also on show here, from the milled-out and therefore lighter) Aspen wood core to the sintered bases’ pristine, speed-ready finish. The end result isn’t cheap, but it’s good news for both you and the planet.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board is a weapon. As soon as you’re strapped in, the Highpath takes control. It slices through bumpy snow with minimal chatter. Straightline through steep terrain with ease, and the confidence to know that this board can take on anything.”
Buy the Salomon Highpath Snowboard 2025-2026: from $699.95 at evo.com
Buy the Salomon Highpath Snowboard 2025-2026: from €599.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Arbor Kuro Neko Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £379 / €520 / $520
SIZES: 141, 145, 149
FLEX: 5
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Arbor Kuro Neko:
Directly translated to ‘black cat’, the Arbor Kuro Neko is certainly an omen, but rather than a portent of doom, it puts the ‘super’ in superstitious.
Who is the Arbor Kuro Neko for?
While you don’t have to be bagging X Games medals to strap in, some experience riding a snowboard is definitely preferable here. With its freestyle-focused shaping and performance-oriented build, the Kuro Neko is a snowboard that allows confident riders to unlock their potential between the park ropes and beyond.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Arbor sticks to the classic triumvirate for a modern park board- true twin outline, dynamic camber profile and middle of the road flex. This is Goldilocks’ porridge in snowboard form, not too soft, not too stiff, juuuust right for freestyle domination. But that’s not to say it’s a one-trick pony, the positive bend found between the contact points is catnip for anyone who wants a dynamic and lively ride, ideal for blasting around resort.
A blended wood core with blunted tips keeps things footloose and fancy free when you’re throwing down aerial manoeuvres, whilst a high-end sintered base keeps things flowing underfoot, even in the late-season slush.
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“This board is targeted to a strong intermediate to advanced female freestyle rider. A bit stiffer, so it would be suitable for a smaller guy as well. Although a freestyle board, it railed turns and handled some light pow really well. Perfect for the girl who spends most of her time in the park but isn’t afraid to venture around the mountain.”
Buy the Arbor Kuro Neko Snowboard 2025-2026: from $519.95 at evo.com
Buy the Arbor Kuro Neko Snowboard 2025-2026: from €599.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Jones Howler Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $699.95 / €669.95 / £582.95
SIZES: 152, 155, 157W, 158, 160W, 161, 163W / Women’s: 145, 148, 151
FLEX: 4
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Jones Howler:
When big mountain legends Victor De Le Rue and Elena Hight collaborate on a board for “making steep, technical terrain your playground,” you listen.
Who is the Jones Howler for?
Speed junkies and powder hounds, basically. If you’re the type who points it straight down chunky, beat-up terrain and smiles at your mates taking the mellow route, the Howler speaks your language. This isn’t a casual cruiser – it’s a pure freeride weapon for riders who aspire to charge like the pros who designed it.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Howler’s DNA screams big mountain performance. Its High Power Camber profile delivers 8mm of camber extending to the back binding for maximum edge grip and stomping power, while the tapered directional shape cuts through variable snow like a hot knife. The Power Core combines bamboo, paulownia, and poplar in a triple-density construction that’s both lightweight and incredibly durable, enhanced by BComp Carbon Flax stringers that provide explosive pop while dampening chatter. Underneath, its bevelled 3D Contour Base ensures smooth edge-to-edge glide, while Jones’s signature Traction Tech gives you multiple contact points for bulletproof grip when the mountain gets serious.
Tester Verdict
Matt McCormick
“This board wants to go fast and in straight(ish) lines. Saying that, it’s still easy to get on and off an edge and is nice enough to ride on piste, but that’s certainly not where it shines. It charged through beaten-up, chunky snow, but at times I felt like a passenger, and I wouldn’t want to ride it in trees. Overall, a good, interesting board that deserves to be ridden in its natural habitat: big mountain faces.”
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“A super responsive board for the woman ready to go fast and steep. It holds an edge incredibly well and is stiff yet still manoeuvrable. The graphic isn’t my favourite, but I can see people loving it. An absolute weapon for freeriding.”
Buy the Jones Howler Snowboard 2025-2026: from $699.95 at evo.com
Nitro Alternator Women’s Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £520 / $580
SIZES: 142, 146, 149, 152
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Nitro Alternator Women’s:
Hailey Langland has blended her years of competitive slopestyle experience with her more recent backcountry domination to create a snowboard that’ll throw down with precision on the gnarliest terrain.
Who is the Nitro Alternator Women’s for?
Unless you’re looking to get your flabbers gasted, novices need not apply here. Big, beefy and slicker than snot on a doorknob, the Altenator delivers crazy response in conditions where it matters the most, so confident riders who value precision, power and adventures off the beaten track will suit this to a tee.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Hailey’s gone full camber for the Alternator, and while this may not be the classic backcountry profile, it does lend the board an increased versatility and energy for hardpack. Despite not having the ‘go-to’ profile for pow, the Altenator uses a tapered shape and setback stance to give more volume in the nose and to shift your weight towards the tail to do the heavy lifting in deeper snow.
Paired with the dynamic camber bend, the Alternator uses tip-to-tail carbon stringers and dual sidecut to supercharge the board’s response and drive through turns. Rider input is channelled directly where it needs to go for a snappy and reactive ride when you’re threading couloirs, laying it down on groomers or picking your way through technical terrain.
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“Board of the day. A woman’s all-mountain board for a strong rider. Super poppy and responsive yet stable at high speeds. Rode this on groomers, in the chop, through the park and handled everything beautifully. I would have loved to test it more in powder – quiver killer.”
Buy the Nitro Alternator Women’s Snowboard 2025-2026: from $579.95 at evo.com
Buy the Nitro Alternator Women’s Snowboard 2025-2026: from €569.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
#YES Rival Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £435 / €500 / $530
SIZES: 140, 144, 149, 152
FLEX: 6
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the #YES Rival:
It’s a women’s-specific freestyle board that rivals anything else in its category – delivering playful performance without patronizing design or dumbed-down features.
Who is the #YES Rival for?
Female riders searching for a legit freestyle deck will find their match in the Rival. Whether you’re progressing through park features, perfecting your switch riding, or exploring all-mountain terrain with a creative mindset, this board consistently delivers. With its stable shape and fun flex, it’s equally suited to new riders stepping up their game or experienced shredders (like #YES’s Icelandic talent Hundi) who appreciate a responsive, confidence-inspiring ride.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Rival showcases YES’s commitment to designing women’s boards with the same technical innovation as their unisex models. Its MidBite edge profile provides enhanced grip and stability without sacrificing the playful character that makes twin tips fun. The Mid Camber profile aims for a balanced approach – enough camber in the middle for pop and edge hold, flattening out towards the tips for easy turn initiation and reduced catch. ‘Freestyle L’ fibre reinforcement keeps the board light and responsive, while biax glassing provides a forgiving flex that encourages progression. Last but by no means least, a sintered base ensures you’ll be carrying plenty of speed into jumps (or the lift line).
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“This board was super poppy and playful – a perfect all-mountain board. It can ride pow if you set the stance back, and it’s supportive when landing big jumps. Easy to spin, butter, and ride switch.”
Buy the #YES Rival Snowboard 2025-2026: from $529.95 at evo.com
Salomon Dancehaul Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £440 / €500 / $549
SIZES: 139, 143, 147, 152, 154, 157
FLEX: 6
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Salomon Dancehaul:
One of Salomon’s modern classics, the Dancehaul has built up a legion of admirers thanks to the way it rewards creativity and a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude.
Who is the Salomon Dancehaul for?
Despite the name and the pinstriped hotrod-red design, this one isn’t for speed freaks – but men or women looking for an all-mountain board that prioritises nimble, and spontaneous riding will get on famously with this one. If you ride somewhere with a lot of trees, it’s a no-brainer.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Salomon Dancehaul is a little chunkier than most, allowing you to downsize a little and really make the most of its tight radial sidecut and tapered, notched tail as you squeeze between trunks and branches. The profile of the Dancehaul is essentially camber, with basalt stringers running along its full length, so even with a shorter tail there’s still plenty of pop to be had. Blasting around on piste is great fun too, especially with its sintered base and the varying radii of the sidecut. Mercifully for a wider deck, it features biax fibreglass that is much easier to twist through the waist than its triax or carbon-infused alternatives.
Tester Verdict
Kevin Frank
“Everybody loves the Dancehaul for a reason! Soft, very easy to control, very manoeuvrable and just a really good time. It definitely falters a bit at speed, and in areas where you would need a bit more board to rely on – but if you’re looking for a laid-back do-it-all board, this is it”.
Buy the Salomon Dancehaul Snowboard 2025-2026: from $549.95 at evo.com
K2 Sky Pilot Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £640 / €600 / $629
SIZES: 148, 151, 154, 157, 160, 163
FLEX: 6
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Setback Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the K2 Sky Pilot:
This is one half of Sage Kotsenburg’s ‘good vibes only’ capsule collection for K2, and the more freeride-focused of the pair. All music to our ears.
Who is the K2 Sky Pilot for?
Yes, it’s a freeride board, but nothing cooked up from Sage would ever rule out spontaneous, creative riding. As the name suggests, those who like getting airborne all over the mountain may find what they’ve been looking for here.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The camber bend of the K2 Sky Pilot has been pushed back slightly to allow for an extended rocker in the nose. That front end is also free of the carbon that runs longitudinally along the rest of the board, meaning you get tons of ollie power but a bit less resistance in the pow. The core is a new one for 2026, with bamboo and Aspen laid in ‘X’ shapes under each foot to quicken up the response and reduce the chances of a binding blowout. The whole thing also has a very subtle 3D bevel, delivering smooth turns on piste and even more float in the deep stuff.
Tester Verdict
Kevin Frank
“This board is phenomenal; quick edge to edge, and really fun to flick! It rips pow and is super comfortable, both switch and regular. Very, very fun for crushing resort laps, cat tracks and side hits. The spoon tech on the tip in front of the contact points leaves the nose feeling catch-free and very manoeuvrable. This could easily be the only board an intermediate to aggressive rider would ever need.”
Tester Verdict
Sara Previte
“This mid-wide snowboard is for a strong intermediate to advanced rider. As a fan of the K2 Instrument, this board has the essence of it, but feels more lively. It’s really poppy off side hits, turning you into a “sky pilot” – but it also has the special K2 sauce (a personal favourite of mine), so it’s still extremely damp.”
Buy the K2 Sky Pilot Snowboard 2025-2026: from $629.95 at evo.com
Ride Moderator Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £475 / €570 / $649
SIZES: 144, 148, 151, 155, 157, 157W, 159, 161W, 162, 165W
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Ride Moderator:
The pared-back version of the Ride Deep Fake and its all-rounder chops return for 2025/26. ‘Everything in moderation’? More like, ‘shred everything with the Moderator’.
Who is the Ride Moderator for?
Thanks to its accessible shape, medium flex, simple-but-effective tech and unisex design, the catchment group for the Ride Moderator is pretty big. We expect it to land particularly well with those who like their all-mountain board to skew towards freeride, rather than freestyle.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
It’s not uncommon for a snowboard brand to strip out the premium tech from a popular design (in this case, a slightly tapered outline with early-rise camber) to create a more affordable model – but while sometimes this means cutting back to the bare bones, that’s not what Ride has done here. The Moderator still has a sintered base, impact plates and carbon stringers, even if none is quite as high spec as what you’ll find in the Deep Fake. The result is a dependable all-rounder that still has a few tricks up its sleeve, as our test team found out while getting their elbows down on the groomers.
Tester Verdict
Kevin Frank
“The Ride Moderator is a very fun board with exceptional edge grip – I had a really great time carving on this board! It’s stiff enough at longer lengths to serve as a freeride setup, or an all mountain/ freestyle board. Wherever you take it, the Moderator definitely makes everything feel like home.”
Buy the Ride Moderator Snowboard 2025-2026: from $649.95 at evo.com
Jones Women’s Dream Weaver 2.0 Snowboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $529.95 / €499.95 / £434.95
SIZES: 139, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154, 156
FLEX: 2
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Jones Women’s Dream Weaver 2.0:
Jones completely redesigned this beloved shape for 2025, and the result speaks volumes.
Who is the Jones Women’s Dream Weaver 2.0 for?
It’s built for riders who want freeride performance without the intimidation factor. Whether you’re progressing from groomers to off-piste adventures or you’re an experienced rider who values fun turns over pure aggression, the Dream Weaver delivers confidence-inspiring performance across all terrain types.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The redesigned Dream Weaver strikes a brilliant balance between freeride capability and playful manoeuvrability. Its Directional Camber-Rocker profile combines nose rocker for enhanced float with camber underfoot for solid edge grip and response, while the tapered directional shape helps it slice through variable conditions. The Master Core uses a 1:1 paulownia to poplar ratio, creating a lightweight yet durable foundation that stays lively without being overly stiff. Jones’s Medium 3D Contour Base with 4mm spoon bevel enhances glide and reduces edge catch, while Traction Tech provides multiple contact points for reliable grip when conditions get sketchy. The result is a board that responds instantly to input while maintaining an approachable, confidence-building character.
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“This board has a lot of energy. As soon as I strapped in, I felt in full control of the board. It’s instantly responsive but not stiff, which makes it super playful. Although it’s a freeride board, I could do butters easily, and the soft tail made for even more playfulness.”
Buy the Jones Dream Weaver 2.0 Snowboard 2025-2026: from $529.95 at evo.com
Buy the Jones Dream Weaver 2.0 Snowboard 2025-2026: from €499.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
