The Season Equipment Aero snowboard excels at hardpacked groomer runs. By the end of the day, I was riding better than I had in years.
As I glided off the lift and strapped into the Season Equipment Aero snowboard, I was giddy with excitement. It’s not every day I test gear designed by a pro snowboarder who’s also my friend.
Austin Smith co-founded Season Equipment, a new ski and snowboard company, with Eric Pollard, a professional freeride skier, artist, and filmmaker (check out his latest amazing film here).
Smith, who has been riding since he was 10, is in charge of all things boards. And Pollard, who turned pro when he was 15, is in charge of all things skiing.
I took the new Season Equipment Aero snowboard ($499) out on some groomers to see how it performs. Short answer? I’m stoked on it.
Season Equipment Gear: A Perfect Team
Unlike many ski and snowboard companies (K2 and Salomon, for example) where the two categories are like oil and water, Smith and Pollard work very well together.
While they see the differences between going down on two planks versus one, they also see many similarities, which is where their focus lies.
Multiple Plank Options
As someone who went from skis to snowboard, telemark, back to skis, then back to snowboarding, I appreciate what Smith and Pollard are doing.
Season Equipment offers three options: the Aero, Nexus, and Forma. Not only do these span many types of skiing and riding, but they even come in one- and two-plank varieties. I love the idea of going out with my husband, who’s a skier, and having a similar experience even though I’m on a board.
Aiming for Sustainability
What impressed me most, however, was the fact that the brand’s equipment comes with full service. Wait, what? Yes, that was my reaction as well. Every plank comes with unlimited complimentary machine wax, a yearly tune-up, and 30% off additional repair services.
But it does come with a catch: You have to live near an evo shop to get full service. Season Equipment’s goal is to create a product that lasts forever. There will be no “new” color schemes or designs every season to make people crave the newest, latest piece of equipment. Instead, Smith and Pollard aim to create a product that spans decades.
“Don’t tell me how you like it now. Let me know in 2040 — then I will know how we did,” Smith said.