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Best Women’s Snowboards For 2022-2023

Need a snowboard to ride park, piste, powder and everything in between? Here's a list of our favourite women's snowboards for this season.

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.

Fresh snow = grins all round | PC: Ed Blomfield

What To Look For When Buying A Snowboard

Shape

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 2022/23”

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 2022/23.

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Best Women’s Snowboards 2022-2023


Amplid Singular Directional Snowboard 2022-2023

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Unisex All-Mountain Snowboard
PRICE: €660, $660

The name says it all: the Amplid Singular Directional aims to go full Marie Kondo on your board bag. Never mind the quiver approach; just get one of these all-terrain vehicles in there, and prepare to spark a whole load of joy. This message is only slightly undermined by the fact that there are actually *two* Singulars – this one, and a true twin version.

Who Is The Amplid Singular Directional For?

Everyone! Again, that’s not just marketing spiel; as well as being equipped for all terrain and conditions, the range of sizes caters for everyone from Sophie up to the BFG. Park nuts will obviously want to look at the true twin version, but this would see them right as well.

MORE INFO:
AMPLID.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Amplid Singular Directional here

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Slash Happy Place Snowboard 2022-2023

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Unisex Freestyle Snowboard
PRICE: £399

There aren’t many snowboards that are coming in under the £400 mark these days, especially not ones with sintered bases, carbon lay up and Gigi Rüf’s seal of approval.

The brainchild of everyone’s favourite OG rider, Gigi Rüf, Slash make some of the best thought out boards in the game, consistent winners in the Whitelines 100, the Happy Place is a soft, jibby option that has more than meets the eye. The Happy Place is unabashedly a freestyle board, but it’s certainly one that can handle a range of terrain and a multitude of conditions. Park, piste or pow, there’s something for everyone here.

Who Is The Slash Happy Place For?

Thanks to its easy going flex and versatile profile, there’s so much potential here. And thanks to the true unisex sizing, pretty much anyone would get on with a Happy Place. Seriously, from beginner all the way to grizzled veteran, this is a snowboard that can deliver.

MORE INFO:
SLASHSNOW.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Slash Happy Place here

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K2 Passport Snowboard 2022-2023

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Unisex Freeride Snowboard
PRICE: £465 / €530 / $530

For 2023, K2 have expanded their unisex offering with the all-new Passport. This is your ticket to ride just about anything, with a lively personality and rider refined features that focus on piste and pow.

The Passport is built for deep days and steep days. It’ll be a reliable companion for specialised riding and, while it will prefer a blower day after a couple feet of fresh snowfall, you’ll still get that high-end performance on an overnight light dusting. The stiffer flex and performance oriented construction do place a bit of a barrier to entry here, so rookies might want to look toward something a bit more mellow.

Who Is The K2 Passport For?

You’re a confident rider who prioritises powder missions and days spent carving up the corduroy. Your park days are probably mostly behind you (or you have a specific freestyle quiver deck for party laps). You ride fast and hard and need a snowboard that can accompany you when you want to push your limits.

MORE INFO:
K2SNOW.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 K2 Passport here

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Bataleon Push Up Women’s Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £440, €500, $500

A perennial favourite in the women’s Bataleon line up, the Push Up is their versatile, fun-loving, all-mountain machine. Our crew was united in their opinion on this one – it rips. “Smooth” was a word that was thrown around a lot from those who rode it, but this thing can still rip a carve, straight line a piste and charge through crud and chopped up conditions.

This isn’t a question of what the Push Up can do, it’s more like, what can’t it do?

Who Is The Bataleon Push Up For?

It’s a safe bet for pretty much any rider, especially those who don’t want to pigeon hole their snowboarding. There’s so much potential here, and anyone who wants to progress across the whole mountain should definitely take a closer look. The Push Up was comfortably one of our best in test women’s snowboards.

MORE INFO:
BATALEON.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Bataleon Push Up here

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Burton Hometown Hero Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £590, €660, $660

There have been several new additions to the Burton Family Tree this season, but we’re still enamoured by the ol’ faithful. The Burton Hometown Hero is precisely that: a favourite amongst locals; a reliable and consistent workhorse that can keep up with the stallions; and prance with the show ponies just as easily.

Designed to pay homage to Burton’s heartland Vermont, and built to last winter after winter the Hometown Hero is a charger for deep and steep powder days, tree run tango’s, laid out carves and everything in between.

Who Is The Burton Hometown Hero For?

Well, thanks to the multitude of Heroes (Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Split) the range of users is about as broad as can be. Riding-wise, though, it errs more on the freeride side of all-mountain, with a chargey personality and a precise nature. So if that sounds like your bag then come on in.

MORE INFO:
BURTON.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Burton Hometown Hero here

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Drake Tao Of Drake Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: €400, $450

In reality, the gender categories for snowboards are far from cut and dry. Over the years we’ve seen female-specific boards take a heavy influence from a men’s model, and (latterly, and to a lesser extent) vice versa. It’s also not uncommon to find a rider using a board that’s technically aimed at the opposite gender, because it better suits their physical profile.

What you still don’t see very often, though, is a board that wears its suitability for both men and women as a badge of honour. That’s what Drake’s new Tao of Drake snowboard does, and you’ll now find it under the feet of the brand’s team riders regardless of chromosomes.

Who Is The Drake Tao Of Drake For?

Despite this novel approach, this certainly isn’t for everyone. Unless you favour the JP Walker approach of riding park to warm up for the street, you’d be better off on something with an all-mountain focus. Freestyle fiends will love it though.

MORE INFO:
NORTHWAVE.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Drake Tao Of Drake here

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Jones Twin Sister Women’s Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £490 / €550 / $550

A master of his craft, Jeremy Jones approaches snowboard design like a guy tasked with assembling the large hadron collider- this is science and evidence based. The Twin Sister has been rigorously tested and meticulously engineered to ensure it’s one of the most impressive all-mountain snowboards available- and it shows.

Who Is The Jones Twin Sister For?

Ladies who want one snowboard to do it all, park laps for breakfast, and fresh powder for lunch, the Twin Sister is a true alpine smorgasbord. You’ll probably want to have progressed past your first few wobbly days on the hill, but otherwise there’s something for novices all the way to pros to enjoy.

MORE INFO:
JONESSNOWBOARDS.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Jones Twin Sister here

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Lobster Shifter 2022-2023

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Snowboard Graphics
PRICE:

Over the years, the Helgason brothers have made a name for themselves with their signature riding styles, off the wall aesthetic, and of course, some raucous antics. More than a decade ago, they launched Lobster Snowboards, which quickly built a reputation as one of the finest freestyle focused brands on the market, a company that fits right in with their fun-loving ethos and creative lifestyles.

The Lobster Shifter is aimed squarely at jib kids, park rats, and anyone looking to up the ante in their freestyle game. It’s a budget friendly, mellow flexing, progressive snowboard that puts the onus on fun. The kind of ride that reminds just why you fell in love with snowboarding in the first place.

Who Is The Lobster Shifter For?

Riders who prioritise freestyle, whether that’s between the park ropes, in an urban environment or simply turning the whole mountain into a playground. There’s no real need to be an advanced snowboarder here, it’s so forgiving that even complete novices will find their feet.

MORE INFO:
LOBSTERSNOWBOARDS.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Lobster Shifter here

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Nidecker Thruster Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £525 / €550 / $570

A new addition to the Nidecker roster last season, the Thruster once again impressed the crew to come up trumps and make its way back into the Whitelines 100 for the second year running.

A mash-up of the now defunct Princess and Platinum models, everything about the Thruster screams ‘Premium’- from the top shelf tech and materials used to the sleek aesthetic, this isn’t a snowboard for the faint hearted or those pinching pennies. Advanced riders looking for something that’ll track like a ballistic missile, but that isn’t just limited to digging trenches on freshly groomed corduroy should definitely consider taking a closer look at the Thruster.

Who Is The Nidecker Thruster Pro For?

Who’s the Thruster for? Well, it’s easier to say who it’s not for: it’s one of the stiffest, most aggressive snowboards in the Nidecker line. A real wolf in wolf’s clothing. Inexperienced riders will likely find it a bit much to handle.

MORE INFO:
NIDECKER.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Nidecker Thruster here

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Ride Shadowban Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £415 / €480 / $500

With the success of their Pig line, it’s cool to see Ride veer away from the porky shapes with the Shadowban. This is a new foray into all-mountain territory, with a mellow flex and some of the best tech Ride has to offer, and all for less than 500 bucks, not bad, not bad at all.

Okay, and maybe the graphic comes into play here too, we’re loving the synth-pop 80’s Stranger Things vibes. Obviously never pick your board based solely on the topsheet, but we like this one, what you gonna do? Sue us??

Who Is The Ride Shadowban For?

Your park days aren’t entirely behind you, but you’re more likely to take a few laps rather than spend all day sessioning that one rail. Instead, you’re looking to spend your time on the hunt for fresh corduroy, bombing hills and seeking out pockets of powder when the weather delivers.

MORE INFO:
RIDESNOWBOARDS.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Ride Shadowban here

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Rome Heist Women’s Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £370 / €430 / $430

It’s oft been said that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, and the Rome Heist consolidates this concept completely. Separately, the materials aren’t the highest end options in Rome’s toy box but when you add them together and mix in all the features of the Heist you end up with a really versatile, confidence boosting snowboard that’s super fun to ride.

Who Is The Rome Heist For?

Any rider who’s got to grips with the basics and is looking to expand their bag of tricks without being confined solely to the park. There’s no upper limit on rider ability for a snowboard like the Heist, so, intermediate and advanced riders, fill your boots.

MORE INFO:
ROMESNOWBOARDS.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 Rome Heist here

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YES. Basic Women’s Snowboard 2022-2023

PRICE: £380 / €430 / $430

Ask and ye shall receive. The crew at YES. are coming in hot for 22/23 with what quickly became one of our test teams favourite snowboards. This is the YES. Women’s Basic. The snowboard we know and love, with a bit of female specific flair.

Everything about this new women’s Basic is instant classic. The tried and tested outline, the versatile camrock profile, even the understated graphic is a winner. Aside from the sizing, they’ve tricked out the women’s Basic with a narrower waist width, softer flex and slightly mellower profile to make it a budget friendly resort board that can seriously go toe to toe with the big dogs.

Who Is The YES. Basic Women’s For?

It’s hard to really put your finger on who this board is aimed at, regardless of if it’s your first wobbly day strapping in or you’re a seasoned vet with 20 years of experience under your belt, there’s something to enjoy here. Snowboarding is meant to be fun and enjoyable, and the Women’s Basic really allows for that, with no fuss and no frills.

MORE INFO:
YESNOWBOARD.COM

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2022-2023 YES. Basic Women’s here

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