Our favourite women's snowboards for 2024-2025 tested, chosen and reviewed by the Whitelines Team
Over the last few years we’ve seen an incredible explosion of talent on the women’s scene, and as such, brands have been scrambling to get their women’s selection up to scratch. While it’s not quite hit the 50/50 mark just yet, there’s no denying that some of the female specific options on offer this season far outdo the men’s equivalent. They’ve grown out of the ‘shrink it and pink it’ stage, and now women’s snowboards are manufactured to cater purposefully for the women’s market.
“We spent last season riding hundreds of snowboards to find the crème de la crème’
So, what is the best snowboard? Is there even such a thing? Or is this a wild goose chase akin to circumnavigating the globe hunting for the lost Ark of the Covenant? The truth is, that much like people, snowboards are all different. There’s a time and a place for each and every one, the choice is personal, and it takes a little bit of introspection to decipher which snowboard is the right one for you.
We spent last season riding hundreds of snowboards to find the crème de la crème and each one listed below consistently impressed our team of testers. Our list includes a few big hitters, a couple of curveballs and some newcomers that made one hell of a splash. A mix of freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain, something to suit every ability and budget, different style preferences and most importantly, all made for ladies who rip.
The shape is probably the first thing you’ll notice when seeing a snowboard, is it a super directional charger with a fat swallow tail, or does it sport a classic look with a twin outline? There’s no ‘correct’ shape for a snowboard, it all depends on what you’re going to be using it for. All-mountain snowboards tend to roll with a directional twin outline, freestyle focused decks traditionally rock a true twin shape, and freeride boards normally stick to the directional end of the spectrum. Have a think about your style of riding and go from there.
Profile
There are an abundance of different profiles on the market, each brand seems to do things slightly differently, but again it will come down to preference and riding style. More aggressive riders tend to favour cambered profiles, delivering pop, precision and power but they can ‘submarine’ in deeper snow, while rocker offers increased manoeuvrability, float in powder and forgiveness but can feel unstable at speed.
Many snowboards these days adopt a hybrid profile, combining camber, rocker and even flat sections to bring a versatile and adaptable experience to the table.
“We believe the following boards should be serious contenders for your weapon of choice for 2023/24”
Construction
Flex ratings are scored out of ten, and it all comes down to the type of rider you are, and the type of terrain you’ll be spending most of your time on. Softer boards are generally more suited to newer riders, or those who’ll be spending their time playing around and jibbing between the park ropes. The stiffer the flex, the more aggressive the ride, and they’re more geared towards charging big mountain lines, or slicing up freshly groomed corduroy.
It’s worth bearing in mind most of these boards feature women’s specific construction, they’re ideal for smaller frames or feet, more easily manoeuvrable and thankfully, not all pink and sparkly.
As with most things in life, there’s no right or wrong with it, the choice is very subjective. But whatever your ability, budget, or riding style, we believe the following boards should be serious contenders for your weapon of choice for this season.
Best Women’s Snowboards For 2024-2025
Amplid Singular Directional Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €660 / $660
What is the ultimate ‘Swiss Army knife’ snowboard? You know, one that can float well in powder, carve up a piste, hold its own in the park, and wouldn’t surprise you if it had a discreet pair of tweezers embedded somewhere in the sidewall?
Step forward the Amplid Singular Directional snowboard, the product of an exhaustive R&D process that aimed to iron out all the well-established issues with supposedly ‘go-anywhere’ options. Its subtle taper, mid-range flex and early-rise camber profile give it a solid foundation for groomers and backcountry lines alike, yet our test team reports a negligible effect on its ability to handle kickers and rails.
It also features a massive dollop of the kind of tech advancements with which Peter Bauer’s company has become synonymous, including vibration-cancelling additives in the nose and – new for 2024/25 – additional carbon reinforcements through the waist.
There’s also a true twin version of the Singular, but for our testers this one ticked a greater number of boxes overall. They also reckon it’s avoided the biggest pitfall faced by all-mountain boards, in that it actually has its own personality and doesn’t feel like a compromise. You’ll have to bring your own tweezers, though.
Ask any splitboarder what would make their life easier, and the answer will usually be the same: a lighter setup for the way up that still rips on the way down. Each year, tons of work goes into cracking this particular nut, but few have managed it quite like the Amplid Milligram.
These days it’s undergone a bit of a facelift, borrowing elements from the now-retired Millisurf, including the urethane-coated inner sidewalls. Those ensure that both halves fit together perfectly in riding mode, and stay that way until you’re ready to transfer again – a process which, thanks to the skin-hook holes in the nose and tail, couldn’t be easier.
Overall, though, it’s got the same weight-saving properties that have made it a hit for years – from the insanely light core to the carbon laminates. The topsheet even reflects heat, preventing snow from sticking to it and adding unwanted grammes for the skin up.
When you’re all about shaving weight, there’s always going to be a little bit of a trade-off in terms of stability when riding, especially in crud or heavy slush. But our tester’s verdict was that it was one worth making, and would opt for this over the alternative every time. Top
Nidecker Mellow Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €520 / £499 / $520
Nidecker’s snow.surf series brings surfboard design principles to the snow. While the pocket-sized Mosquito and the huge 174 Gun might attract more attention, the Mellow sits pretty in the middle of the (ahem) lineup. But don’t be fooled by the name – this board is far from laid-back.
The Mellow sports a directional shape with a ‘Surfy CamRock’ profile – camber underfoot transitioning to rocker in the nose. This combo gives you the response you need when carving up corduroy, but keeps things buttery smooth when floating through pow. Our test team also found it handled choppy conditions with ease, smoothing out bumps on what was a pretty cold and firm day on the hill.
While not boasting the premium construction of its snow.surf siblings (most notably it deploys classic sandwich sidewalls rather than those gorgeous wraparound rails seen on the Mosquito et al) the Mellow is a more affordable slice of surf-inspired cool that still packs a tech punch. A Master Core of poplar and paulownia combines with Triax Plus fibreglass for a mid-stiff, lively flex, while Pop Carbon fibres either side of the inserts add extra oomph for natural hits.
The N-7000 base strikes a balance between speed and ease of maintenance. Pair that with the relatively narrow waist width (250-272mm across sizes), and you’ve got a board that’s as happy laying down euro-carves as it is weaving through tight trees.
Aesthetically, the Mellow keeps things, well, mellow. The subtle topsheet graphic won’t scream for attention in the lift line, but catch it in the right light and you’ll notice a classy metallic finish that adds a touch of understated bling.
Available in sizes from 147 to 162, there’s a Mellow for most rider weights and preferences. Just bear in mind that this is a board that rewards experience – our testers reckon it’s best suited to intermediate and advanced riders looking to level up their all-mountain game.
PRICE: €500 / £480 / $500
Nature’s playbook meets snowboard design in Nidecker’s Biomimicry Series, with the Alpha standing tall as a versatile all-mountain freestyle weapon. It’s a directional stick that’s equally at home charging natural terrain, floating through powder or taking your park tricks to the backcountry.
The Alpha’s Surfy CamRock profile marries traditional camber with an early-rise rocker nose, delivering a responsive ride with a relaxed, floaty feel. Time-tested sandwich construction provides bombproof durability, while the N-7000 base strikes a balance between speed and low maintenance. It’s not quite rocket-propelled, but you won’t be left behind on the cat track – or stuck waxing every other day.
Our test team was particularly impressed with the Alpha’s edge hold. “It’s got your back, basically,” noting how it gripped even on dicey heelside turns. The ample nose floats effortlessly in the deep stuff, while the pinched-in pintail design lets you drive low through turns like a surfer bottom-turning (check out any videos of Nidecker team rider Lewis Sonvico to see what we’re talking about) .
To be honest, though, we suspect a lot of people looking at this board are gonna be swayed by the base graphic. It’s certainly pops, and those technicolor swirls seem to have been an ever-present in the insta feed over the last year. If you’re into stoner rock, laid-back tree runs and maybe a little seasonal mushroom-picking, you’ll dig this thing.
PRICE: €660
New for the 24/25 season, Bataleon’s Cameleon promises to shake up the all-mountain market. It’s a shape-shifting stick that lives up to its reptilian namesake, adapting to whatever terrain you throw at it.
At the heart of the Cameleon’s versatility is Bataleon’s trademark Triple Base Technology with SideKick. The high nose uplift and medium tail uplift work in tandem with a medium camber profile, creating a board that rolls smoothly from edge to edge when carving groomers and fully surfs through powder.
The Cameleon’s relatively soft flex (our testers rate it at a mellow 5/10) belies its technical chops. Carbon stringers and Dual Radial Super Tubes (DRST) inject explosive pop and enhanced edge response, while the Ultra Glide S base – Bataleon’s molecule-dense 7000-grade P-tex – ensures it’s no lounge lizard.
As a relatively high end model, the Cameleon also benefits from triax glassing and a 50/50 paulownia and poplar core that strikes a perfect balance between liveliness and strength. All in all, the test team found this thing hit the sweet spot between forgiving and responsive – but it’s in deep snow that it really comes alive, thanks to that wide nose and 3BT magic.
Available in sizes from 149 to 161cm, the unisex Cameleon is a solid do-it-all choice for riders of all shapes and sizes.
PRICE: €600
Bataleon’s Push Up+ takes their popular women’s all-mountain board and elevates it to new heights. It’s a premium deck that packs in high-end tech and is perfect for riders looking to push their limits across the entire mountain.
At its core, the Push Up+ features Bataleon’s signature 3BT and SideKick technology. It’s pretty subtle, though, with low uplift at the nose and tail, so if you’ve not ridden Triple Base before you’ll soon get used to it. Overall, the ride feels responsive and forgiving, with way less chance of edge catches. An Ultra Light Core and Ultra Glide sintered base set the Plus version apart from its predecessor, offering a noticeable boost in agility and speed.
Our tester Stella was jumping back on a Bataleon for the first time in a couple of years, and was immediately impressed: “The Push Up+ felt so light and effortless under my feet,” she says. “I literally had a smile on my face as soon as I strapped in.” With a medium camber profile and a versatile mid-soft flex, it’s a board that strikes a perfect balance between playfulness and stability.
The Push Up+ shines across varied terrain. “It’s fun, stable, poppy, and easy to maneuver,” says Stella, who was stoked on its performance from buttering the piste to park kickers. Carbon stringers and dual carbon Super Tubes provide that extra pop and response when you need it.
Available in sizes from 138 to 152cm, there’s also a Push Up+ for riders of all statures. At 5’7 (172cm) Stella found her sweet spot on the 146cm, but be sure to factor in your weight and don’t be shy of going longer if you want to enjoy a little more float in pow.
While die-hard freeriders might prefer something stiffer, most female riders will find the Bataleon Push Up+ delivers a near-perfect blend of performance and fun. As Stella put it: “For me, this is a 10/10.”
PRICE: €550
The Bataleon Whatever lives up to its name in the best possible way – it’s as relaxed and versatile as a snowboard can be. This bestselling all-mountain model effortlessly transitions from park laps to powder runs with a shrug and a “whatever, dude” attitude.
As with all Bataleons, it’s built around Triple Base Technology that transforms the base of the board into a 3D hull, with medium uplift in both nose and tail. This combo creates a ride so forgiving, one of our testers claimed he “literally tried to catch edges and couldn’t.” It’s the snowboarding equivalent of having a guardian angel on your shoulder.
The Whatever sports a directional twin outline with a true twin contact surface – a clever design that offers the best of both worlds. With a medium camber profile and a playful mid-soft flex, it’s a board that begs to be thrown around. “Fun and playful” is the vibe here, with the testers especially stoked on how it performed on tight, slow sidehits.
While the softer flex and triple base make it less suited to icy halfpipes and more critical descents when you need maximum edge-hold, this board truly shines when jibbing or cruising through powder. The Light Core keeps things lively, while carbon stringers and dual carbon Super Tubes add pop and response without compromising the forgiving feel.
Available in an impressive range of sizes from 138 to 162W, the Whatever is part of Bataleon’s genderless collection, catering to riders of all shapes and sizes. So whether you’re a park rat, a powder hound, or just someone who likes to go with the flow, the Bataleon Whatever is ready for, well… whatever the mountain can dish out.
PRICE: €450 / £399 / $430
The YES Basic has been a cornerstone of affordable all-mountain performance for years, consistently proving that a snowboard doesn’t need a hefty price tag to put a smile on your face.
At its core, it features what YES calls a CamRock 3-4-3 profile, blending the pop of camber with the forgiveness of rocker. This year, they’ve fine-tuned it to offer a more subtle feel, maintaining its friendly feel without compromising drive. An UnderBite sidecut sees the edge pinched in underfoot to enhance turn initiation and edge hold, and together with the true twin outline creates a board that’s equally comfortable on groomers and in the park.
Our tester Emyr, who rode the 159 wide version, was impressed by the Basic’s versatility: “Beginners can learn to ride on this, while advanced riders who like to ride rails will enjoy the mid-soft flex.” He was stoked on how well it held an edge, while still allowing for easy nose and tail presses.
The construction is based around a full wood core – not the lightest or most exotic, but lively and durable. The extruded base ensures decent speed without requiring constant maintenance.
While our test team pointed out it’s not the best performer in powder, that’s not the Basic’s primary mission. Available in sizes from 143 to 163cm, including wide options, the YES Basic is simply a great value all rounder. And thanks to a slick new graphic by Guillaume Rousseax, it’s guaranteed to be as popular as ever.
PRICE: €420 / £379 / $400
The YES Shifter is a soft-flexing twin that blurs the lines between park, street, and cruisey resort riding. With its unisex design and a range of sizes from 142 to 158cm, it caters to riders of all statures looking to push their freestyle game.
At the heart of the Shifter is a camber profile with a three-dimensional element they call Y3D. The latter comes courtesy of YES’s recent merger with Lobster Snowboards, who’ve been using Triple Base Technology for years. The uplift on this model starts outside the contact points for a more direct edge feel, and helps create a board that’s super loose and playful. Rail riders and beginners alike will appreciate the lack of edge catches. Just be aware that as our tester Kristiin pointed out, “it’s not really suited to hard, icy conditions.”
Indeed, the Shifter’s construction is geared more towards pure freestyle performance. A carbon layup adds stiffness to the nose and tail while keeping things soft between the bindings. As YES themselves put it, this setup “makes your ollies pop as high as possible while keeping the board nice and responsive between the feet.” Meanwhile, a bombproof extruded base ensures you can confidently smash rails and features without worrying about damaging expensive sintered P-tex.
All told, the YES Shifter offers a versatile platform for freestyle fun. And if you’re a fan of “iconic Icelandic supermarkets” (who isn’t?) then check out the limited edition collab version they’ve produced with Bónus.
In 2024, some brands continue to employ cringe ‘Bic for her’-esque marketing to their women’s boards, while others seem to have overcorrected – as if the gender-specificity of their products was a secret that must be closely guarded. Twixt the two is the CAPiTA Equalizer – a name that’s abstract on the surface, but alludes to the need for more women’s boards to step up to the quality offered to men.
The stick of choice for Jess Kimura, this is unsurprisingly a mid-stiff all-mountain model that can handle a stairset one day and a couloir the next. It’s as near as damnit to being a twin shape, with camber underfoot moving to rockered sections at each end.
No matter where you take this, you’ll feel the benefit from the vibration-absorbing strips made of both natural and man-made fibres. While the base isn’t the quickest in CAPiTA’s stable, it’s still pretty decent, and is a better suited than most to being dinged off rails. There’s also some beech wood in the paulownia & poplar core, running right under the inserts, to deliver even more strength and durability with minimal weight gain.
The size range is pretty limited even when compared to many female-specific models out there, but it worked for our tester. She took the Equalizer into the sidecountry – its natural habitat – and reported that it passed with flying colours.
After a decade spent building a brand in his own image as a powder hound, Jeremy Jones has recently been dipping his toes into freestyle waters. The Women’s Tweaker, new for 24/25, is the latest example. It’s a true twin hellraiser that can hold its own with the park rats while staying true to the company’s mountain-loving, eco-conscious roots.
At its core, the Tweaker rocks a full camber profile paired with Jones’ 3D Contour Base. This combo delivers the pop and precision you’d expect from camber, with a dash of that surfy Jones feel. Our tester Stella noted that while the camber adds a bit of aggression, the friendly flex kept it feeling easy to ride, and she never felt like it wanted to catch an edge.
The Tweaker’s eye-catching blunt shape isn’t just for show. It makes the most of the running length while shaving weight at the tips, so it’s easy to throw around – perfect for park shenanigans and switch riding. Under the hood, you’ll find Jones’ dual density Control Core (made from poplar and paulownia) with basalt stringers and biax fibreglass. All of this creates a lively yet easygoing ride that won’t punish you for the occasional mistake. The Sintered 8000 base ensures you’ll clear the knuckle with ease, while an eco-plastic topsheet – made from castor beans – adds durability and reduces environmental impact.
Available in sizes from 140 to 151cm, the Women’s Tweaker is an ideal choice for intermediate and up riders looking to push their freestyle skills across the entire mountain.
The Jones Storm Chaser, born from a collaboration with legendary surf shaper Chris Christenson, has been reimagined for 24/25. A longer swallowtail and a Surf Camber profile aim to take the crossover philosophy to the next level in a board that thrives being ridden off the back foot.
Our tester Tristan got to try this one out on a 30cm pow day in Italy (“pretty much a dream come true,” he admits). “The wide nose and swallow tail made it float like a boat,” he reported, noting “zero issues with back leg burn here.” But the Storm Chaser isn’t just about volume – the radical short silhouette makes this board as nimble as it is buoyant.
The Storm Chaser’s bevelled 3D Contour Base softens turn entry and, together with a medium flex, create a ride that’s both powerful and intuitive. The construction also includes a lightweight Bamboo Surf Core, complemented by biax fibreglass and Power Basalt stringers, which keep it feeling lively and stable even at speed.
While the Storm Chaser can certainly handle groomers (it was “fun on edge-to-edge eurocarves,” says Tristan) as the name suggests, its true home is in the deep stuff. “What both the board and I really wanted was to dive back into the pow as soon as possible.”
Available in sizes from 142 to 157cm, the Storm Chaser can be ridden shorter than your regular all-mountain deck and is ideal for powder hounds who value agility in tight spaces. As Tristan put it, “it’s ideal for cutting between tight trees, or throwing surf-style layback slashes.” If that sounds like your jam, then as a wise man once said: this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, man.
The Rally Cat is a brand new directional twin that injects a little more fun into the Jones line. Its bright, skate-inspired graphics are a radical departure from the brand’s usually sober and organic-looking artwork, and hint at a board that’s all about getting creative in the park and beyond.
At its core, the Rally Cat features a true camber profile, mellowed out with the addition of Jones’ 3D Contour Base and a soft flex. Overall, the ride feels cruisey and forgiving, whatever the terrain. As our tester Tristan reports, “I tried this out in a wide range of different conditions – from early morning pow to afternoon slush – all of which it handled with aplomb.”
Diving into the tech specs, you’ll find Jones’ poplar/paulownia Control Core and biax fibreglass, together with a sustainable bio-plastic topsheet made from castor beans and a sintered 8000 base that ensures you’ll maintain speed whether you’re cruising through fresh snow or hitting park features.
“The Rally Cat felt great in the powder, cruised through the slush, and was a whole world of fun when I took it for a couple of laps over the kicker line in the park,” our tester reports. While he noted it wasn’t the most stable at high speeds in choppy conditions, he acknowledged this as “pretty much par for the course for any board with a flex this soft, and the flipside of its fun, forgiving nature.”
Available in a huge range of sizes from 151 to 170W, including multiple wide options, there’s a Rally Cat for almost every rider – and for good reason, since it would be a great choice for any beginner to intermediate rider. It’s a board that invites you to push your boundaries without punishing your mistakes – you might even say it gives you nine lives. *ducks for cover*
PRICE: €499 / $599
The Korua Dart is one of those pure directional shapes that would look almost as good on the wall as it does under your feet. It’s a proper swallow-tailed powder weapon that blends high-speed carving performance with incredible natural float, making it a versatile choice for riders who want the best of all worlds when it comes to the fabled art of the turn.
The design centres around Korua’s Float Camber profile, which delivers stability and edge-response underfoot while the rockered nose enhances float in deeper snow. Although we weren’t blessed with blower pow conditions when we took it out, our tester Kristiin was impressed by how fun it was to ride even on hardpack: “It’s quite stiff, but the short swallow tail and rockered nose make it feel playful and surfy.”
Another element at play here is the construction. A classic poplar core and biax glassing mean that – despite the aggressive outline – this is a board most intermediate and up riders will quickly feel comfortable on. There’s none of that plank-like feel you can experience from more aggressive triax layups, and yet (as you’d expect from the Swiss turn-meisters) the Dart excels when you get low and fast. “It goes well in icy conditions, hardpack and slush,” says Kriistin. “It felt great on edge and you can really lock those turns in.”
A generous number of sizes from 147 to 164cm means there’s a Korua Dart for everyone. Just don’t expect so much choice when it comes to the colour. It’s (checks notes)… white, with a signature red base. And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want it any other way.
PRICE: €500
The Salomon Dancehaul is a board that demands a double-take. With its shorter, wider silhouette, it’s a refreshing departure from your typical all-mountain stick that’ll have you rethinking what a daily driver can look like.
Profile wise, the Dancehaul features Salomon’s Rock Out Camber i.e. flat between the bindings for stability, camber near the feet for response, and rocker at the tips for float and pressability. That all sounds pretty complicated, but it essentially feels nice and planted when you’re running flat-based, and breeds confidence – whether you’re messing around on sidehits or exploring further beyond the ropes.
The tapered directional shape adds to its versatility, improving float in the deep stuff without sacrificing hardpack performance. While it’s no park specialist, it’s actually pretty easy to ride this thing switch since the stance is less set back than many other boards in this volume-shift style. Ghost Basalt stringers provide durable pop and a smooth ride at speed, while the Popster core (which is milled out between the inserts) keeps things lively when you’re cruising at lower velocities.
With a medium flex that strikes a balance between playfulness and response, the Dancehaul caters to a wide range of riding styles and ability levels. In our experience, Salomon – along with Nidecker – routinely seem to make some of the fastest boards on the market, and the sintered base on this model is no exception.
Available in sizes from 139 to 157cm, there’s a Dancehaul for most riders (bear in mind this model likes to be ridden a little shorter than you might be used to). And for those looking to take things up a notch, there’s a Pro version available with a beefed-up spec-sheet to go with the beefed-up price.
Burton Family Tree Gril Master Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $680
The Burton Family Tree Gril Master is a beautiful tribute to the late Marko “Grilo” Grilc, who tragically passed away in 2021. Refreshed for the new winter, this board continues to embody Grilo’s love for the family shred, making it the ultimate choice for rad dads everywhere.
Profile-wise, it features a directional camber with extended rocker towards the nose for an unbeatable mix of stability and float. The twin stance gives it a solid freestyle feel when riding flat based, and makes it more than doable to go switch, but in combination with the directional outline the board is equally happy on edge or cranking quick, nimble turns. In fact our tester Sara reported that “it carved the best of all the Burton boards I’ve ridden.”
Under the hood, Burton’s Super Fly II 700G core blends lighter and harder woods for a responsive yet forgiving ride. The addition of a full carbon layer throughout the board beefs up the flex and adds a smooth, damp feel without making it overly aggressive. And to top it all off, a rapid sintered base ensures you’ll have speed on tap when you need to break free from/catch up with the sprogs (delete as appropriate).
The Gril Master’s versatility is ultimately its standout feature. Whether you’re cruising with the little ones or sneaking in some tree laps, this thing is up to the task. A subtle new graphic moves things on from the painfully sweet artwork Grilo’s kids put together for the previous model, but make no mistake: his spirit lives on.
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $670
The Burton Fish has long been the yardstick by which other powder boards are measured. Launched in 2002, when the rest of the market was essentially a sea of twin tips, it’s been helping riders stay afloat in the deep stuff for over two decades. Along the way, Burton’s iconic snow surfer has undergone the occasional nip and tuck – including a recent 3D revamp – to ensure it’s still the (ahem) big fish in an increasingly crowded powder pond.
Aside from a fresh lick of paint (that purple is well 90s, so well on trend) the standout feature of the latest edition remains its 3D shaping in the nose and tail. It’s a surfboard-inspired design that Burton claim is the result of more prototypes than any board they’ve made in years. This convex shaping blends seamlessly with a traditional base underfoot, giving you a surfy, catch-free feel in the tips without sacrificing edge control where you need it most.
As a deep snow specialist, the Fish’s outline is heavily directional, with extended rocker up front and a full 30mm of taper. Its trademark double swallow tail maintains enough running length for you to hold an edge off the lift while sinking easily when you reach the deep stuff. The short overall design results in a nimble ride that’s perfect for weaving through tight trees or getting creative in open bowls. Our testers claimed it was one of their favourite models in Burton’s freeride-focused Family Tree line – a board that begs to be ridden fast and loose, slashing banks and throwing up rooster tails at every opportunity. Just don’t forget to pack your snorkel.
PRICE: €550 / £490 / $500
The Burton Cartographer is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a slice of that premium Burton pie. This versatile all-mountain board hits a sweet spot between performance and forgiveness that’ll appeal to a wide range of riders.
With a directional shape featuring a slightly longer nose than tail and plenty of camber underfoot, the Cartographer is ready to chart a course through any terrain. The stiff nose ploughs through choppy snow, while a touch of taper and medium overall flex keep things playful when you stumble upon a pow stash. It’s a board that encourages exploration, happily cruising groomers one minute and dipping into the trees the next.
Our tester Sara found it to be the ideal choice for progressing riders: “Perfect for beginner-to-intermediates, or someone’s first board. Fun and forgiving without being too niche or too limiting as they progress.” This is exactly the kind of accessible, do-it-all vibe you want from a board in this category.
Speaking of accessibility, with sizes from 149 to 162cm, including a 159 wide, there’s a Cartographer for just about every rider, regardless of gender or boot size. Oh and a shout-out to the graphics by local Vermont artist Julio Desmont – the 24/25 topsheet is a timeless design that’ll still look fresh seasons down the line.
All in, the Burton Cartographer is a compelling blend of performance and value. It’s an excellent option for any shredder that wants to explore the whole mountain without exploring the depths of their wallet, while for beginners, it’s a board that’ll help them find their way in the snowboard world – no compass required.
Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $670
As the name suggests, the Hometown Hero was born in Burton’s backyard of Vermont. The Green Mountain State is (in winter anyway) a land of famously variable conditions, which means this board is a true all-terrain vehicle that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you, from bulletproof hardpack to knee-deep pow.
The Hometown Hero’s directional shape features just enough taper to keep you afloat on deeper days, while its twin stance offers a freestyle feel when riding flat base. Strategically placed glass stiffens up the nose and tail, giving you the power to plow through chunder, while carbon highlights boost snap and smooth out the ride, delivering a refined feel that’s equally at home on groomers or in the backcountry.
Our tester Kaelan was stoked on its versatility: “A true jack of all trades. Good at everything and perfect for springtime sends.” This all-round performance is backed up by a speedy ‘WFO’ sintered base that will get you back to the lift for another lap quicker than you can say “WTF is WFO anyway?”
With a ton of sizes available (from 145cm for smaller riders right through to the positively sasquatch 165 wide) everyone can be a Hero, while Burton’s use of bio-based Super Sap epoxy in the layup broadens the appeal even further by adding a touch of sustainability.
While the Hometown Hero might not top the podium in any single category, it’s a solid choice for riders who want one board to rule them all. Word from the WL test team this year suggests that Burton’s new High Fidelity gives it a run for its money in the all-mountain stakes, but fear not: the Hometown Hero remains a respected local legend with global appeal.
PRICE: €630 / £560 / $600
When the voice of action sports decides to design a snowboard, you’d better believe it’s going to make some noise. The Burton Alekesam, developed in collaboration with legendary X Games commentator Selema “Sal” Masekela, is a welcome addition to their freeride-focused Family Tree collection.
While it shares some surf-style DNA with Burton’s iconic Fish, the Alekesam is a far more versatile beast. Its directional shape and camber profile deliver the stability and response you need for charging groomers and navigating technical terrain, while still offering enough float for those precious powder days.
At the core of the Alekesam lies Burton’s Super Fly 700G wood blend, striking a great balance between pop, reduced weight, and strength. Its mid-wide shape provides a stable platform without sacrificing maneuverability (“The sidecut is aggressive but isn’t twitchy and feels natural,” reports Sara from our test team. “This is a really versatile one-board quiver.”).
Burton’s Channel mounting system allows for easy stance adjustment and plays well with all major binding brands, adding to the board’s versatility. And though smaller riders might be disappointed by the limited size range – it comes in a 156 and 160 (plus a wide option) – the Alekesam’s go-anywhere credentials will please pretty much everyone outside pure park shreds.
“Absolutely loved it,” our tester summed up. “One of the best Burton boards I’ve ever ridden.” The Big B have done Sal proud here, creating a smooth all-terrain operator that reflects his fluid commentary style – and in the spirit of the big man’s word skills, it also boasts one of the best pun-based names we’ve ever come across. Alekesam… Masekela… geddit?
PRICE: €660 / £585 / $620
When Burton gives their team riders free rein to design a board, you know you’re in for something special. At first glance, the Blossom might seem understated with a weathered grey topsheet supposedly inspired by “an old eroded rock” but as the brainchild of Niels Schack – a rider whose creativity extends well beyond the snow – there’s more to it than meets the eye. The graphic is actually temperature reactive, shifting colors when the mercury drops. Flip it over, and you’re greeted by a vibrant base (the “crystal inside”) that somehow hints at this board’s split personality.
Split personality, you say? Well yeah. Because while the Blossom has a cute name and a true twin shape that suggests pure freestyle fun, it’s pretty damn stiff. And as our tester Kristiin puts it: “It’s FAST – you’ve really got to invest in your turns.” The combination of camber and carbon reinforcement in the core delivers precision edge response and powerful pop that’s capable of demolishing features across the mountain – the bigger the better.
“It’s pretty aggressive and will suit an advanced rider,” cautions Kristiin. “Beginners should look for something softer.” But for those looking to send it hard in the park or charge every inch of the resort, this is a deck that will live up to its moniker and let you thrive. It’s a unisex model first, with sizes from 149 to 162cm – all of which naturally feature the Burton Channel system to let you dial in your stance width with pinpoint accuracy.
As our test team noted, the successor to the much-loved K2 Party Platter has some huge shoes to fill. Fortunately, the K2 Almanac is up to the task, and a worthy successor to one of the most fun snowboards of modern times.
It’s another volume-shifted design from K2, designed to be ridden around 5cm shorter than your usual fare. A bit of extra waist width makes this possible, but it’s not an extreme case like the K2 Special Effects or the K2 Niseko Pleasures. No, this one is more suited to everyday riding – all terrain, all conditions.
A mellow-flexing core, sandwiched in between layers of easy-going biax fibreglass, make getting to grips with the Almanac (and getting used to that extra girth) a piece of cake. Before you know it you’ll be carving up the piste or even getting the most out of its directional shape in the powder, and wondering why you didn’t downsize sooner.
If you want pop, there’s plenty on hand thanks to the mostly-cambered profile, enhanced with a carbon strip (also cambered) running from tip to tail. ‘Going over the handlebars’ is always a bit more of a concern on a volume-shifted board, so you may not want to take this to the XL line, but for everything else you’re golden.
The K2 Antidote – like the Jones Solution – writes a fairly big cheque with its name alone. Will this solve all your problems? Well, it depends – but for the right rider, the answer could well be a resounding yes.
The K2 Antidote is an all-mountain model that avoids the tedious pitfalls that are often associated with that label. Its twin outline, slight setback and full camber are pretty conventional, but the 3D shaping in the nose is your first clue that this is not just another bland all-rounder.
Every effort has been made to reduce the weight of the K2 Antidote. For starters, the core has lightweight bamboo and paulownia woods mapped out in a way that shaves grammes without compromising strength. On top of that, some sections have been milled out to save even more weight. Then there’s the fibreglass in the nose and tail; a bleeding-edge, extra-light variety of which you’ll feel the benefit all over the mountain, from slicing up pistes to spinning off rollers.
While it’s light, it’s also pretty stiff from end to end and from edge to edge, so this won’t be for everyone – but our test team adored it, and the hefty range means that confident riders of all shapes and sizes can take the Antidote for a spin.
Thanks to a preponderance of unisex bindings, female riders looking at K2’s line aren’t short of options. However, if you’d prefer to go with something that’s been designed specifically for women from the core up, then the K2 Extravision could be the one.
It’s not a tech-stravaganza by any means; the biax fibreglass has a bit of carbon in it to deliver added snap to your ollies, but that’s about it for additives. No, you can file this one under ‘simple but effective’. The medium flex leaves all options open, and the slight early rise in the nose makes this powder-friendly without tempting you to save this only for deep days. It’s truly one for taking all over the mountain, equally adept at unlocking the potential of the casual rider, or meeting the demands of the aficionado. Our testers were also stoked to find a women’s board with such a decent selection of wide sizes.
The K2 Extravision is new for 2024/25, but we expect it to find its audience and stick around for a while. Any blokes who like the sound of this can check out the Embassy, which follows a similar design philosophy.
The K2 Medium has been around for a few years now, but its inspirations go back quite a bit further than that. Jake Kuzyk had a hand in bringing this to life, and it looks like he set the flux capacitor to the mid-90s. On the surface – that is to say, in its true twin shape and classic camber profile – this is as ‘classic’ as a freestyle snowboard gets.
Of course, there’s plenty of modern-day tech at play here, making this a far safer bet than an eBay relic. ‘Pop’ was our test team’s main takeaway; thanks to its traditional bend and end-to-end carbon stringer, this will absolutely ping if you want it to. At the same time, the overall flex isn’t so nails that you can’t also give it a good press when the mood strikes.
From edge to edge it’s a little firmer, thanks to the triax fibreglass and carbon ‘X’ shapes under each foot. Those transfer energy to the edges, which is ideal when you’re at high speed and looking for quick response.
So it’s playful to an extent, but ready to step up to bigger stuff when you want it to – just like a good park board should.
After a very well-received first season, it’s no surprise to see the K2 Passport getting renewed for 2024/25. The ‘unisex’ design was indeed a hit with both our male and female testers, especially when they were looking to open the throttle – and the comprehensive size range (146cm all the way up to 163cm) means that there’s a Passport for every traveller. If your feet are bigger than average, look out for the two new wide sizes that have been added for this year.
The longer sidecut radius is ideal for stability at speed, but it shifts to a tighter arc at the nose to deliver easy turn initiation and navigation in tight spaces, such as tree lines. The setback camber, mid-wide waist and tapered shape are right at home in both powder and on piste, especially at speed.
The core of the K2 Passport features three types of wood. Paulownia in the nose and tail has reduced the swing weight, with dependable Aspen complimented by strong-yet-light bamboo elsewhere. It’s mid-stiff from end to end, but the carbon-enhanced triax fibreglass makes it a little more rigid between the edges; again, ideal if you want to push the sintered base as far as you dare.
PRICE: €500 / £435 / $500
Lib Tech’s new women’s model, the Two Time, is a twin-shaped park and street destroyer. Designed in collaboration with pro rider Katie Kennedy, this board embodies Lib Tech’s commitment to both high performance and environmental responsibility.
Although they’re famous for Banana Technology (aka reverse camber), Lib Tech have always included a variety of profiles in their line-up, and the Two Time features traditional positive camber. Together with a mid-stiff flex and Magne-Traction serrated edges, it’s a recipe for exceptional grip and control. “I really, really enjoyed riding this board. It’s so fun,” reported our tester Stella. “It’s super stable; I did not feel like it was gonna catch an edge at all.”
Built at the legendary Mervin factory near Seattle, the Two Time boasts a core made from 75% aspen and 25% paulownia – both sustainable, FSC-certified woods. An eco-sublimated topsheet further underscores its environmentally conscious credentials.
While it excels on park jumps, the Two Time is equally at home hitting rails and street features, and its poppy, responsive feel makes it perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking to push their freestyle skills across both man-made and natural terrain. Cool kids like Katie will no doubt appreciate the understated graphic, too, which leaves plenty of room for stickers and doodles.
PRICE: £439
The Slash Happy Place is a board designed to spread the love. A staple in the line-up of Gigi Rüf’s brainchild brand, it embodies the legendary Austrian rider’s vision of accessible, high-performance snowboarding.
Geometry-wise, the Happy Place features a true twin freestyle outline and a versatile CamRock profile. This combo of camber between the feet and rocker at the tips delivers a ride that’s both playful and precise. It’s a board that encourages progression, whether you’re a park rat or an all-mountain explorer.
Despite its wallet-friendly price point, the Happy Place doesn’t skimp on tech. A lively dual-wood core is wrapped in torsionally soft biax fiberglass, while carbon X-bracing outside the inserts (and visible through the blank topsheet) adds pop and responsiveness where it counts. Overall, it’s a soft and confidence-inspiring flex that intermediate riders will love. A sintered base – a rarity at this price – keeps you gliding when others are stuck.
Slash’s approach to graphics is nothing less than inspired. You can either ride it blank – a clean, translucent look that lets the board’s construction speak for itself – or choose from a selection of roll-out ‘Topart’ that you stick on yourself. Heck, you can even keep the same board for years (thus doing your bit for the planet) and refresh the graphic whenever you feel like it. Genius.
Available in a unisex size range from 146 to 163w, everyone can find their own Happy Place. As for ourselves, the WL test team found it lives up to the freestyle billing but is far from a one-trick pony. From side hits to powder stashes, it’s a genuine go-anywhere board that can handle all but the gnarliest situations.
This one made a splash last year, so we’re delighted to see it back in Ride’s line. The Ride Deep Fake is an all-rounder, which – like most of the best boards in this category – leans a little more into certain riding styles than trying to be all things to all snowboarders.
You can truly ride this anywhere, but only if you’ve got your wits about you. It’s stiff, it’s aggressive, and you get out what you put in. Multiple carbon stringers transfer energy from your feet to the contact points, while the three-wood core delivers pop at the drop of a hat. A slight early rise to the camber profile helps out in the powder, as does the tapered outline.
The sidewalls feature a strip of aluminium alloy, not unlike what you’ll find in a lot of race-ready skis, alongrise Ride’s signature ‘Slimewall’ urethane. This improves the dampening and overall edge hold, which is ideal given the long, speed-friendly sidecut. If you’re one for redlining it on a deserted motorway groomer, this will come in very handy – as will the carbon-infused base.
Our team’s verdict was that this is “an absolute weapon on the piste”, whilst also being more than suitable for other areas of the mountain.
Elon Musk may not agree, but there’s a lot to be said for moderators – especially when they’re as tidy as this new offering from Ride. The Ride Moderator shares its shape – and comprehensive size range, from 144 up to 165W – with the Ride Deep Fake, so its purpose is much the same. However, a dialling-back of the tech makes it a better fit for less gung-ho riders.
There’s a bit less carbon in the build, and it’s been taken out of the base altogether – so while you still get plenty of response and speed, there’s a bit more margin for error. Inkeeping with this approach, there’s also no ‘titanal’ alloy in the edges, but only the true speed freaks will miss it.
A lighter, mellower-flexing core makes this more accessible for less powerful riders – our tester’s verdict was that even beginners could get to grips with this. It’s no noodle, though; those with more experience will enjoy its considered, varied sidecut and tapered shape on the piste, as well as the pow-friendly rocker in the nose.
The Ride Moderator is proof positive that a board’s personality comes from much more than its outline and profile. If you’re more of a cruiser than a charger, but like to keep your options open all the same, then this is definitely one to look at.
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