Home > Winter > Snowboarding

The Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024

Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned rider, here are the hardest-charging, liveliest snowboards for exploring in-bounds terrain mountain-wide.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing all-mountain snowboards at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

All-mountain snowboards are like hot sauce — they’re good on just about anything. From aggressive carving over groomers to carefree floating through powder, the boards featured on this list offer true quiver-of-one versatility.

Though the definition of “all-mountain” varies by retailer and brand, all of the snowboards on this list perform well across a broad range of riding styles and snow conditions.

There are lots of excellent snowboards on the market, and innovative models are introduced with each upcoming season. To compile this list, we sifted through the crowded field and selected only the very best all-mountain snowboards of the season.

Our extensive list includes powder-leaning models, park-friendly prize winners, and everything in between. No matter your budget or riding preferences, we’re confident this list includes the perfect all-mountain snowboard for you.

If you’d like to learn more about all-mountain snowboards and their features, jump down to our buyer’s guide and FAQ at the bottom of this article. Make sure to check out our comparison chart to help steer your decision-making. Also, feel free to scroll through and check all of our recommended buys.

Editor’s Note: We updated our All-Mountain Snowboards buyer’s guide on November 21, 2023, with a fleet of freshly tested snowboards.

The Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024

Pros

  • Traverses with a champion grip
  • Easy to steer through tight terrain
  • Stout yet poppy for variable or deep snow

Cons

  • Directional shape doesn’t excel at riding switch
  • Huge sweeping turns aren’t as fun with this shape
Best Budget Women's All-Mountain Snowboard

Burton Stylus Flat Top Snowboard

Pros

  • Easy to control
  • Slow, non-grabby edge-to-edge transfer alleviates quick catches

Cons

  • Does not wrestle steep, rough, challenging terrain or love higher speeds
  • Channel board mount is directly compatible with Burton bindings. Otherwise, you’ll need specific additional hardware to connect bindings to the board
Best Runner-up Women's Overall All-Mountain Snowboard

GNU Asym Ladies Choice C2X

Pros

  • Magne-Traction edge hold
  • Lightweight core
  • Well-rounded

Cons

  • Not the stiffest for aggressive carving
Best Women's All-Mountain Snowboard for Beginners

Lib Tech Cortado C2

Pros

  • Magne-Traction edge hold
  • Partially stiffer fiberglass for moderate give

Cons

  • Not the parkiest board in the lot
  • No upgrade to the C2x
Best Women's Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard

Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard

Pros

  • Fast-charging with no give
  • Rips high-angle slopes

Cons

  • Less playful for mellow spring days

Pros

  • Queen for big turns
  • Handles high speeds

Cons

  • Not your jib stick or pipe vehicle
Best Women's Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard

Never Summer Infinity

Pros

  • Durable for the long haul
  • Playful yet dependable on hardpack

Cons

  • The Vario Power Grip sidecut utilizes extra contact points, but we prefer the serrated edge of Magne-Traction
  • Not the ideal powder board
Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Snowboard

CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Stable
  • Lots of pop

Cons

  • Aggressive handling takes some getting used to
Best Budget Men's All-Mountain Snowboard

Arbor Element Camber

Pros

  • Great value
  • High-quality construction

Cons

  • Chatters at high speeds
Best Men's Snowboard for Beginners

Burton Custom Flying V

Pros

  • Fun and forgiving ride
  • High-quality edge and base materials

Cons

  • Not ideal for aggressive carving or riding at high speed
Best Men's Powder-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard

Ride Warpig

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Playful
  • Good value

Cons

  • Not the best for long radius turns at high speeds
Best Men's Snowboard for Hard Carving

GNU Essential Service

Pros

  • Excellent edge hold on hard surfaces
  • Top-notch carving ability
  • Super fast

Cons

  • Aggressive handling is not ideal for beginners
Best Men's Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain Snowboard

YES. Typo

Pros

  • Capable of hitting big jumps and freestyle features
  • Versatile

Cons

  • A bit squirrely and chattery at high speeds

Pros

  • Digs into and edges hardpack well
  • Enjoys speed

Cons

  • Not the best damping when you hit chunder at high speed

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Stiffer for no mess-around
  • A lovely yet aggressive tool for charging

Cons

  • Pricier
  • More aggressive design

Pros

  • Eats up ice, steeps and speed

Cons

  • Not playful

Pros

  • Rise in the tip and tail provides playful garnish
  • Very strong build

Cons

  • Less lovable in tight trees

Pros

  • Plenty of lengths to choose from
  • Soft-to-moderate flex
  • Straightforward ride for everyday rides

Cons

  • Not the most premium build
  • If you're an expert, check out a different board

Pros

  • Fairly lightweight build utilizing strong Paulownia wood
  • Playful yet stout

Cons

  • Rocker can feel too loose for some

Pros

  • Handles turns well
  • Fun in powder

Cons

  • Not a top-shelf option for park laps
  • Less of a speed demon

Pros

  • Volume-shifted nose excels in powder
  • Playful flex pattern
  • Versatile enough for a one-board quiver

Cons

  • Softer than advertised
  • Demands power to carve well

Pros

  • Almost no chatter at speed
  • Blasts through chop and crud
  • Solid edge hold nose to tail

Cons

  • Too niche to be a daily driver for most
  • Demands power to carve well

Pros

  • Capable in a wide range of conditions
  • Playful flex pattern
  • Versatile enough for a one-board quiver

Cons

  • Sluggish factory tune
  • Narrow for carving for larger riders (via the 159 size)

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Damp and smooth ride
  • Very durable base

Cons

  • Not ideal for beginners

Pros

  • Fun to ride
  • Great for beginners

Cons

  • Chatters at high speeds
  • Not ideal for aggressive carving

Pros

  • Excellent in powder
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not ideal for hardpack and ice
All-Mountain snowboards are the most common and versatile type of snowboard; (photo/Eric Phillips)

All-Mountain Snowboard Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Profile, Shape, Flex, Sizes.

All-Mountain SnowboardPriceProfileShapeFlexSizes
W – Stranda Descender Snowboard$679Camber, rockerDirectional7 (medium)152, 148
W – GNU Ladies Choice$630C2x profileAsymmetric5 (medium)139.5, 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 153.5
W – Burton Stylus Flat
Top Snowboard
$400Camber to rockerTwin2 (soft)138, 142, 147, 152
W – Lib Tech Cortado C2$530C2Directional7 (medium-stiff)142, 145, 148, 151, 154
W – Jones Flagship
Snowboard
$700Directional rockerDirectional8 (stiff)146, 149, 152, 155
W – Rossignol After
Hours Snowboard
$580Rocker-camber blendDirectional twin7 (medium-stiff)145, 149, 153, 156
W – Never Summer
Infinity Snowboard
$550A mix of wide, camber, & gradualDirectional5 (medium)142, 145, 148, 151
M – CAPiTA Defenders
of Awesome
$500Camber, rockerTwin5 (medium)148, 150, 152, 153W, 154, 155W, 156, 157W, 158, 159W, 160, 161W, 162, 163W
M – Arbor Element
Camber
$500CamberDirectional twin4 (medium soft)153, 156, 159, 160MW, 161W, 162, 165W
M – Burton Custom
Flying V
$660Camber, rockerDirectional twin3 (soft)150, 154, 154W, 156, 158. 158W, 162, 162W, 166W 158W, 162, 162W, 166W
M – Ride Warpig$530Directional rockerTapered and directional4 (medium soft)142, 148, 151, 154, 158
M – GNU Essential Service$500Rocker-camberDirectional twin7 (medium-stiff)55, 157, 158W, 159, 160W
M – YES. Typo$500Rocker-camberDirectional twin5 (medium)149, 152, 155, 156W, 158, 159W, 161, 163W
W – Weston Riva$624Camber to rockerDirectional7 (medium-stiff)143, 147, 151, 155
W – Rossignol Diva
$580CamberTwin8 (medium-stiff)140, 144, 148, 152
W – Jones Stratos
$630Directional rockerTapered directional8 (stiff)143, 146, 149, 152, 155
W – Ride Psychocandy$520Flat to rockerDirectional5 (medium)138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158
W – Jones Dream Weaver
$500Directional rockerTapered Directional4-5 (Friendlier)139, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154, 156
W – Arbor Swoon Rocker$550RockerDirectional twin5 (medium)140, 144, 148, 152
W – YES. Hello$500Rocker/camber/rockerDirectional twin6 (medium-stiff)146, 149, 152, 155
Stranda Biru
$690Camber, rockerDirectional, volume-shifted6 (medium-stiff)154, 157
Jones Snowboards Freecarver 9000s
$630Full camberDirectional6 (medium-stiff)152, 156, 160, 164
WNDR Alpine The BellAire
$699Camber, rockerDirectionalModerate-to-Stiff148, 152, 156, 159, 164
M – Jones Mountain Twin$550Camber, rockerDirectional twin7 (medium stiff)151, 154, 156W, 157, 159W, 160, 162W, 163, 165W, 168W
M – Arbor Foundation$400RockerDirectional twin3 (medium soft)148, 152, 155, 156MW, 158, 159MW, 161, 162MW
M – Never Summer Swift$685Rocker, camberDirectional7 (medium-stiff)157, 162
_DSC6145
A snowboard’s sidecut radius influences how big and long the arc of your turn will be with a shorter radius being fun and quick while a longer radius is huge and sweeping; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested All-Mountain Snowboards

Our snowboard crew of GearJunkie product testers and writers includes a range of experience levels from intermediate to expert snowboarders. We have backcountry splitboarders — with AIARE 2 certifications — and backcountry snowmobilers in the field. We meet for an annual gear testing week to swap notes, too, including a recent ski week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, which is known for extremely steep terrain.

Leading the gear testing, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has been snowboarding since 2002, when she switched from skiing on two planks to one, which she’d been doing since age 4 at Telluride Ski Resort in her hometown. Over the years, she’s competed in Slopestyle, backcountry tours, pow surfs, and still pulls on skis. While she coordinates the testers, she gets out in the field as much as possible with 24 days, or 74 cumulative hours, of snowboard testing to date for the year of 2023.

Editor Austin Beck-Doss has been snowboarding since 2005. Contributing photographer Eric Phillips is a formerly certified Level II PSIA-AASI instructor and big mountain pow surfer when he’s not at the resort or on splitboard tours.

We’ve tested snowboards in a range of conditions from California to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our snowboards have carved steep, groomed, icy terrain, wiggled through tight trees, and floated through deep powder.

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

A traditional all-mountain snowboard typically has a stiffer directional flex pattern and a bit of a setback stance; (photo/Eric Phillips)

The Best All-Mountain Snowboards: A Buyer’s Guide

What Is an All-Mountain Snowboard?

All-mountain snowboards are designed to handle various riding styles and types of terrain. A true all-mountain snowboard will perform relatively well on groomers, powder, hardpack, and everything in between.

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

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

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

Editor Austin Beck-Doss riding the Burton Custom Flying V at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Types of All-Mountain Snowboards

On this list, we’ve included many types of all-mountain snowboards. Each leans toward a certain style of riding. For example, our pick for best powder-leaning all-mountain snowboard will certainly rip all over the mountain, but it will truly shine when riding pow. We’ve also included freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards and hard-carving all-mountain snowboards.

Powder-Leaning All-Mountain

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

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

A volume-shifted snowboard is when the length is shortened and the volume is redistributed elsewhere — into the width; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Freestyle-Leaning All-Mountain

Freestyle-leaning all-mountain snowboards will display their full potential in the terrain park. Designed with jumps, rails, and side hits in mind, these boards feature ample pop, skate-like snap, and stability to stick the landing in style.

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

All-mountain snowboards can be more freestyle-oriented with a twin shape, more playful profile, and more flexibility; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Snowboard Profile and Shape

A snowboard profile is the silhouette of a snowboard when viewed from the side if you were to set the board flat on a table and look at it lengthwise.

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

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

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

If you’re not riding an all-mountain board, you’d be on a more specified design for powder, freeride, or park and freestyle; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Types of Snowboard Profile

Camber

This is the most traditional, old-school snowboard profile. With a cambered design, the center rises and the far ends of the board meet the ground where the nose and tail upturn. The sides curve upward a bit, too.

A camber board offers excellent edge control and a precise, aggressive, stable ride.

Rocker

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

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

The base is the very bottom of the board and is the surface that touches the snow; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Flat

Flat is straightforwardly flat. But without the camber and upturned edges, those can more easily catch. But a flat segment of a board does provide a loading zone for popping as well as a great surface connection for rails or other jibs.

Hybrid Rocker/Camber

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

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

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

_DSC4589
Editor Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboards on a sunny spring day; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Types of Snowboard Shapes

Directional Snowboards

With a directional design, the nose is a different shape than the tail and has unique attributes. Generally, this means the tail is more rigid, providing an anchor when cruising fast. And the nose more easily lifts through clouds of powder.

True Twin Snowboards

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

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

The core of a snowboard is the material in the very center, sandwiched between the base and topsheet. The core gives the board its character, pop, and durability; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Directional Twin Snowboards

A directional twin is when there’s a slight variation on a twin design. So, the shape is nearly completely symmetrical with the same sidecut, flex, and profile for the nose and tail — except there’s a spin on an ingredient or two.

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

Asymmetrical Snowboards

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

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

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

_DSC5961
For width, choose a snowboard that prevents your heels and toes from dragging; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Asymmetrical Twin

This design combines asymmetrical design features with twin features. The nose and tail will have the same shape, profile, and flex. But the toeside and heelside sidecut will differ, or the flex of the core material will differ between the toe and heel edge, or both.

Core Construction and Materials

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

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

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

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

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

If a board is too long, it’ll cause issues with turn initiation, which is especially noticeable in tight glades and moguls; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Length

Though some riders believe in hard and fast rules for selecting the correct snowboard length, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. Board shape, rider height, rider weight, and riding style are all factors that should play into your decision about board length.

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

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

best all-mountain snowboards
Reversed camber snowboards are more playful than a traditional camber shape with better float but less power transfer; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Waist Width

Waist width is the width of a snowboard at its narrowest point. Width preferences vary from rider to rider, though there are a few general rules that are good to keep in mind as you choose a board.

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

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

The metal edge of a snowboard allows the board to bite the snow, carve, and allows the rider to control the direction; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Flex and Dampness

The flexibility of a snowboard defines its riding experience. There are two primary kinds of snowboard flex. Longitudinal flex refers to how much the board bends along its length. Torsional flex refers to how much the board bends side to side across its width.

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

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

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

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

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

Technology like Magne-traction helps the edge shape of the snowboard grip the snow even better, especially hardpack snow, in addition to the metal edge; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Boot and Binding Compatibility

Most snowboards are compatible with most snowboard boots and bindings, but there are a few key factors to consider when rounding out your setup. Your boots and bindings should match your riding style and the performance characteristics of your board.

In the same way that some snowboards are designed to thrive in powder, boots and bindings are each uniquely crafted to perform best in certain conditions. If your snowboard is a stiff and aggressive hard-charging monster, you don’t want a pair of soft and flexy boots that are made for the terrain park.

In other words, we recommend you match your board with boots and bindings with similar rigidity. When purchasing boots and bindings, be sure to select sizes that are compatible with the width of your board. You don’t want a binding base or a snowboard boot that hangs off the edge of your snowboard.

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

  • 4×4: two rows of holes that are 4cm apart plus each hole is 4cm apart and three holes per row
  • 2×4: two rows of holes that are 2cm apart plus each hole is 2cm apart and six holes per row
  • 3-hole: the holes are in a triangular pattern and three screws are used to mount bindings
  • Channel system: this is Burton’s specific mounting system where the bindings are mounted to and slide along a track
A snowboard’s sidewall is the material wedged between the metal edge and the topsheet, and the sidewall protects the inner core; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Effective Edge

This is the portion of the edge that connects with the snow while in a turn, which influences how a board feels. Typically, the effective edge is up to 35 cm shorter than the entire length of the board.

Sidecut and Sidecut Radius

Each side of the board is curved along the edge. The depth and curvature of that sidecut influence the type of turn the board will make as well as how the ride feels. A shallower sidecut makes a wider turn, and a deeper sidecut creates a tighter turn.

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

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

Sidewalls

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

_DSC2776
A sintered base on a Weston snowboard; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Snowboard Bases

A snowboard’s base is the layer of material that makes contact with the snow as you ride. In order to get the best performance out of your board, it’s important to take good care of your base, repair it when necessary, and wax it regularly.

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

Extruded Bases

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

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

Most extruded bases come pre-waxed when purchased new. On this list, the Men’s Arbor Foundation is a great board with an extruded base.

A few hole patterns exist for binding attachments to be sure to know which one you’re buying; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Sintered Bases

Sintered bases are found on most midlevel to high-end snowboards. Unlike extruded bases, sintered bases are highly porous.

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

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

The hole patterns on a snowboard could be four-hole, channel system, or 3-hole; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Backcountry Snowboarding and Splitboarding

All of the snowboards on this list have been designed with resort in-bounds riding in mind. With that said, many of them would work for the backcountry if you do not have a splitboard or your tour doesn’t require split-skis. For instance, if you plan to enter a sidecountry gate (aka slackcountry) at a ski resort, be dropped off at the top of a route via vehicle, if you can follow a bootpack up, or if you plan to snowshoe to a slope.

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

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

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

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

The flex of a snowboard typically is considered on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the stiffest but there is no universal test; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Eco-Friendly Design Features

Some snowboard designs incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly materials. For example, the Jones Women’s Flagship Snowboard incorporates recycled plastic for the sidewalls. And Lib Tech manufactures snowboards in the U.S.

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

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

Contributors Morgan Tilton and Austin Beck-Doss testing snowboards from Weston and Burton at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips)

FAQ

What is an all-mountain snowboard?

An all-mountain snowboard is designed to ride in a wide variety of styles and conditions. While some snowboards are purpose-built for a certain kind of riding — such as park or powder — all-mountain snowboards can handle both and more!

What is the best snowboard for beginners?

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

The stiffer a snowboard is, the more pop, speed, and quick turn-transfer the board can deliver; (photo/Eric Phillips)
How do I choose the right snowboard size?

When you choose a board, the brand will have a recommended size chart based on weight and boot size. You want to be sure to not have any boot drag off the side of the board!

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

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

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

What boots and bindings are best to pair with an all-mountain snowboard?

No all-mountain setup is complete without a good set of boots and bindings. The boots and bindings you choose should be aligned with your riding style and ability.

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

If you weigh more, we advise opting for either a longer or stiffer board; (photo/Eric Phillips)
What are the differences between men’s and women’s snowboards?

Often the biggest differences between men’s and women’s snowboards are sizing and shape. This includes the length, width, and sidecut ratio. Another big difference is the materials sandwiched in the core. Often, brands choose softer woods or laminates to better match the average woman’s stature.

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

How do I maintain and repair an all-mountain snowboard?

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

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

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

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

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!