News & Previews

Borealis Snowboards | 2021-22 Gear Preview

As part of our new Envision Series, we take a first look at Borealis Snowboards' new season product line

Welcome to our new Envision Series where we’ll be bringing you the latest gear previews, with some of the most exciting new snowboard, boot, binding, outerwear and goggle products to drop for winter 2021-22. In this Envision episode, we’re taking a look at next year’s lineup from Borealis.

Since 2013, French brand Borealis have been hard at work, bringing innovative shapes and construction to the table. Despite their relative ‘newcomer’ status, they’ve grown a loyal band of fans, won a handful of coveted awards and firmly rooted themselves as a force to be reckoned with within the industry.

“Its distinctive directional-twin shape allows you to hover in deep powder and ride switch”

With a special focus on sustainable manufacturing and fostering a connection with the outside world, Borealis are “Driven by performance, and inspired by nature”. For 2021/22 we’re seeing a slew of new models, including a special new addition for Freeride World Tour veteran Clément Bochatay.

Check out our gear preview below, as well as our interview with Ben Hall, Owner & Manager, Borealis Snowboards.

What are your hero stories going forward into the 2021/22 season?
The Alpine (Pro Model). Designed and developed in collaboration with team rider and 2018 FWT chamoniard Clément Bochatay. The new Alpine is our latest collaboration with Clément, a board that meets his needs as a big mountain rider but which also allows him to send some nice tricks between two rocky ledges.

“A solid big mountain deck that stays versatile-enough for BC freestyle and comfortable piste-cruising”

Its distinctive directional-twin shape allows you to hover in deep powder and ride switch. The subtle progressive radii shifting from effective edge to the contact points combined with mild Sidewaves bring incredible grip and powder on edge, without creating drag or discomfort. A solid big mountain deck that stays versatile-enough for BC freestyle and comfortable piste-cruising.

The Marauder was a new board in the Borealis quiver for 2019/20, winning a spot in the Whitelines 100 its inaugural season. Available in 154 (and coming in a new 158 for 2021/22), this exclusively-shaped board is a dream to ride in forests, in the backcountry and for everyday cruising on pistes.

Don’t be fooled by its short size: its wide shape (272mm at its waist) increases the overall surface of the board and the super long nose allows you to stay afloat the deepest pow whilst maintaining amazing response. Riders who’ve tested it (hair and beard still covered in pow) all agree: “What a board! It feels like a powder skateboard!”. But that’s not all: its wide sidecut radius compensates for its short size and allows you to carve faster than a shark chasing its prey in the hardest conditions, whilst staying ultra-responsive thanks to its fish-tail. The Marauder has what it takes to become a true legend.

Launched back in 2015, the Artefact is a beautifully well-balanced board created to tackle pretty much anything you throw at it, although its heart remains off the beaten track, in higher Alpine terrain.
Its classic timeless shape, Blizzard Camber profile and carefully-designed flex make it extremely efficient for experienced riders looking for a reliable snowboard which will take them on any mission in the backcountry, whether it be sending tricks, shooting down lines, or slashing pow on bluebird days. The new beautiful graphics representing the natural cycle of snow were designed by Sam Card-Hall.

What product(s) are you personally most stoked on? What will you be riding next season?
– Alpine/Alpine Split
– Artefact
– Marauder

“Inspired by nature is our motto – a lot of wood, bamboo, nature-inspired lines and shapes”

What new tech and materials can we look forward to seeing for 2021/22?
-Continuing with our eco-friendly/sustainable construction process which is one of the founding pillars of Borealis
–Textured DNA Bioplastic topsheet on all our splitboards – the most resilient material out there, no chipping from sharp edges and extended durability. (We offer a 3-year guarantee on all our splits)
-The implementation of our basalt Volcanic Strips replacing carbon stringers on some of our 2022 models – a more sustainable option.
-Certified-FSC Ultra Light Forest Cores in many of our models

Have you made any specific changes or leaps within your women’s range?
We are updating our new Botanica model with a Blizzard Camber profile, new organic bamboo topsheet added to our classic eco-construction. The Women’s Pillow will no longer be available, but the Women’s Koi will be on offer.

The 2021/22 Borealis Ramen Express Splitboard

Anything special within the split line?
We’ve added 160 size to the existing Koi Split, new Alpine Split 162 and new Ramen Express backcountry freestyle twin tip splitboard, available in 156 & 160. The Ramen Express is a fun-looking, Japanese culture-inspired ultralight freestyle splitboard for riders looking to hit every natural feature they come across.

Is there an overall theme / inspiration driving your 21/22 line?
Inspired by nature is our motto – a lot of wood, bamboo, nature-inspired lines and shapes, natural environment.

“Clément Bochatay is preparing new series of extreme drone edits”

Where can we see updates or changes within the company, not product related?
Our couloirs-loving team rider Clément Bochatay is preparing new series of extreme drone edits filmed in Chamonix with a new type of camera.

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