Standup comedian didn’t set out to make fun of mountain biking, snowboarding, and other recreational activities on his Instagram feed. Like many professional comics, Losse, 44, spent several years recording videos of his observational humor to see what resonated with his audience.

He mused on the banalities of middle-aged life, weather in Seattle, and shopping at Costco. But then, about year ago, Losse posted a from his local mountain biking park, Duthie Hill. In the video, Losse showed viewers the park’s gnarly jumps and massive drop offs, and then pointed out the easy trails that he uses to circumnavigate the hard stuff. “The fire road is running really good鈥攕uper loamy,” Losse says in his trademark sardonic, dry tone.

A few months later, Losse published another video about the absurdity of snowboarding. “Do you enjoy nature but wish it was more stressful? Try snowboarding at a resort on the weekend,” Losse said into camera.

Both videos generated tens of thousands of likes, as the Instagram algorithm distributed them throughout the outdoor community. After that, Losse began in his standup routine, and also in his videos on Instagram. His angle: joke about the very specific and very absurd elements of cycling, snowboarding, and getting outdoors.

We caught up with Losse to understand why cyclists, snowboarders, and other lovers of outdoor activities enjoy his jokes.

OUTSIDE: How did you decide to start making fun of outdoor recreation culture?
Losse: I’d been doing standup for 12 years and had posted videos of my comedy shows forever without getting much traction. A few years ago I started posting videos of me just talking into the camera鈥攐bservational stuff. I posted one about the absurdity of Microsoft Excel, and how if you want to get ahead in corporate America you just need to know a few excel formulas. That one was a hit,听and for a while I thought I was going to be the office comedy guy. But it never took off.

Then last spring I got back into mountain biking after a few years off, and I realized that the actual media around mountain biking鈥攖rail reviews, especially鈥攍eaned so heavily into the gnarliest and most extreme terrain. It’s all just rock rolls and huge gaps and features that felt so unattainable. I thought it would be funny to make fun of those. It’s like, I don’t want to ride the trail named “Predator” at Tiger Mountain, I want to know how to ride around that trail without hurting myself.

I made the video about going around the gnarly trails. Honestly, I just thought it was stupid and only funny to me. I didn’t think anybody else would like it. But it turns out a lot of people who love mountain biking aren’t trying to attain mastery. My video struck a chord within the community and got distributed by the algorithm, and it got huge pickup. My buddy joked that I picked up a mountain bike and became an influencer within 60 days.

What elements of outdoor recreation are inherently funny?
There’s a super-obsessive part of biking culture that people don’t really talk about. There’s gear obsession, Strava obsession, and a fixation on parts upgrades and how they will make you better. It’s ridiculous, and all of know it is, but nobody acknowledges it. If anything, I’m shedding light on this collective mental illness we all share. You don’t find that in snow sports quite as much, but in cycling it is very apparent. You buy a new bike and the first thing you do is upgrade the parts. I need new handlebars and new grips. There’s an entire industry built around people being insecure about what they are riding.

Your humor is very much focused at the core audience of these sports, and not at casual followers of outdoor rec. What’s the challenge in reaching hardcore groups?
I feel like it would be easy to make videos where I make jokes about mountain biking in such broad terms that anybody could like it. But that would be boring to me. I just don’t think it’s as funny as being super specific to the things that people obsess about in these sports. Because those are things that I am guilty of. I don’t want to talk shit about activities that I’m not also doing. For instance, I made a video where I joked about gravel biking. I did it because at the time I was building up a gravel bike.

I do think it’s what makes my comedy different. It’s reverential. I am making fun of hyper-specific actions done by people in a group that appeals to people in that sport. And I’m trying not to be corny.

How do you straddle the line between joking and being mean?
My comedic sensibility is that I won’t make fun of something that isn’t part of myself. I don’t seek out communities to make fun of that I’m not part of. That helps. I think that when you make fun of a community you’re not part of, it’s easier to be mean. It’s less reverential, and people can tell.

But not everyone knows that I’m making fun of activities I love. I made a joke about gravel biking鈥�do you like mountain biking but wish it were less fun? Try gravel cycling!鈥攁nd people were pretty fired up. A lot of folks didn’t appreciate that one. There are very specific communities within cycling, and some of them take themselves way more seriously than others. Most people who get upset don’t see that it’s satire, or they aren’t familiar with me and don’t know that I also do it. So I try to always nod my cap that I love the sport I’m making fun of. I want the community to be clear that they’re not being attacked by an outsider.

What’s the difference between telling jokes in front of a live audience and telling them on Instagram?
My stand-up humor is more autobiographical and observational. It’s a lot about stories growing up in Washington State, being married, and other normal topics. I tell stories about riding my mountain bike, but they are longer, and tend to take weird twists.

Making jokes online that connect with people is hard. I explain that it’s like trying to get struck by听lightning. It’s pure luck. Luck and repetition. I’ve found that, since getting a bigger audience, you find your lane and stick with it. And mountain biking and snowboarding became my lane in a very unexpected turn of events.

This interview was edited for space and clarity.听

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Shaun White has been the face of snowboarding for two decades. So what is he doing in retirement? A lot. He鈥檚 launching his own snowboard brand. He鈥檚 raising money to protect public lands. He鈥檚 even starting his own half-pipe competition. In this live interview from The 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival in Denver, former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones talks with White about life after pro sports and how the keys to his past success play a role in his future.

Tickets to the 2025 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival and Summit are on sale now at early bird prices at

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Shaun White鈥檚 snowboarding bona fides are unmatched. Over the course of his career, he racked up three Olympic gold medals on top of 13 X Games victories and forged a legacy as arguably the most well-known and decorated rider of all time. But competitive success is only the beginning of White鈥檚 journey. Having pushed board-riding boundaries for more than 20 years, he鈥檚 now pouring that experience, knowledge, and vision into his own brand.

WHITESPACE, founded in 2021 with Shaun鈥檚 brother, Jesse White, makes world-class snowboards and snow apparel for riders who want to max out both their performance and style. Thanks to a design process that incorporates on-snow rider testing, as well as Shaun鈥檚 insights into what makes a perfect piece of gear, WHITESPACE is doing what Shaun does best: reshaping the snowboard and winter sports scene.

鈥溾�嬧�婽he brand embodies Shaun鈥檚 unique point of view, his ability to see opportunities for creative expression, and his competitive excellence,鈥� says Jesse White, chief creative officer for WHITESPACE. 鈥淲ith WHITESPACE, he wants to encourage athletes to express their own unique point of view. That鈥檚 what brings excitement and individuality back into the sport.鈥�

For winter 2024鈥�2025, WHITESPACE is offering a newly dialed lineup of snowboards and apparel. Here are the highlights.

Snowboards

Every great snowboard brand has a flagship model, and the is the embodiment of WHITESPACE design expertise. Shaun dreamed up and tested this board, and his signature versatility is its calling card. Whether you鈥檙e carving down groomers, gliding through untracked powder, or spinning park laps, the Freestyle responds to your every move with pop and personality. Tip-to-tail carbon construction keeps this board light and snappy, while its directional twin shape, sintered base, and responsive camber profile make this a true do-it-all machine.

New for this season is the Freestyle鈥檚 hard-charging companion, the . This women鈥檚-specific board is designed and sized for female riders and features all of the cutting-edge tech that makes WHITESPACE models so playful. A poplar-paulownia core blends the right amount of weight, stability, and flex with a dense fiberglass weave across the board that maximizes lively response for nailing park tricks. Its camber profile lets riders rocket through turns, adding to this board鈥檚 well-deserved reputation as an all-mountain performer.

Men鈥檚 Outerwear

The brand鈥檚 apparel benefits from the same rider-focused approach as its boards. Shaun wore plenty of jackets during his competitive years, and the incorporates the must-have elements of the best of them. A two-layer waterproof-breathable shell keeps snow and moisture out, while 40-gram insulation fights off the cold. This jacket is packed with thoughtful features: Side vents dump heat if the weather warms, and plentiful low-profile pockets stash everything you need for a day on the mountain. And, of course, there鈥檚 the aesthetic: a sleek, military-inspired look that effortlessly blends progressive styling with uncompromising performance.

The matching replicates the magic, incorporating the same waterproof-breathable fabric, PFC-free DWR, and insulation as the jacket. Articulated knees and a mobility-enhancing fit let riders freely slash, spin, and air out. The bib portion and cargo pockets provide even more storage, and like the jacket, side vents help regulate temps. Reinforced Kevlar kick pads, ripstop boot gaiters, and sealed seams boost durability, making this piece ready to last season after season for riders of all abilities.

Women鈥檚 Outerwear

Effortlessly blending fashion and on-snow function, the will turn heads. Its eye-catching monochrome colorways, oversized silhouette, and modern cropped fit create a look that stands out on any mountain. That style is backed by plenty of tech: a two-layer waterproof-breathable membrane, PFC-free DWR, and cozy synthetic insulation provide warmth, protection, and a luxurious feel. Zippered hand pockets and an internal stash pocket hold the essentials, while adjustable everything鈥攈ood, hem, and cuffs鈥攁llow riders to dial in the perfect fit.

Complementing the puffer, the brings even more durability and waterproofing to the party thanks to its three-layer twill material. The technical fabric is still soft and supple, and its brushed-fleece backer means you won鈥檛 peel off this bib even when it鈥檚 time to apr猫s. A high-waisted fit, articulated knees, and adjustable suspenders make all-day comfort a cinch. The bib鈥檚 smooth zipper, boot gaiters, and zippered hand pockets round out its thoughtful feature set. And as with all WHITESPACE products, this piece is created for riders, by riders.

is a performance snow brand created to inspire riders to forge their unique path, transcend boundaries, and write their own story. Headquartered in California and established in 2021.

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How do you cap a world-class snowboarding career? Make world-class snowboards and riding apparel. That鈥檚 the path Shaun White is on, and everyone who loves winter stands to benefit. After a record-setting gold medal run, White teamed up with his brother, Jesse, to create . Here, chief creative officer Jesse White shares what makes the brand special.

国产吃瓜黑料: Why did Shaun White create WHITESPACE?

Jesse White: Shaun has always forged his own path. So, when he retired from his snowboarding career, he wanted to build a brand that focuses on performance and quality to meet athletes鈥� needs. Using the knowledge Shaun gained over 20 years as a sponsored athlete, WHITESPACE creates best-in-class products that are rider tested.

The brand embodies Shaun鈥檚 unique point of view, his ability to see opportunities for creative expression, and his competitive excellence. With WHITESPACE, he wants to encourage athletes to express their own unique point of view. That鈥檚 what brings excitement and individuality back into the sport.

What makes WHITESPACE different?听

It sounds corny, but our approach to snowboarding has always been different. Growing up in SoCal during the 鈥�90s, Shaun and I enjoyed a sport that was about being an individual, being authentic to your style, being unconventional. Those are our roots. Now, we want to open the door to others who might love to ride but feel like there isn鈥檛 a brand for them.

What products are you most excited about for the coming season?

The boards are incredible. When you hop on a Freestyle Shaun White Pro or the Montano, you can feel the snap and responsiveness immediately. In addition, our men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 outerwear is super exciting. We really hone in on the details, from exciting colors to technical features, down to the little things like keeping your phone warm and your keys from flapping around.

What does the WHITESPACE community look like?听

The community we are building is the backbone of our brand. This is something that we learned growing up with Jake [Burton] as an important figure in our lives and sport. Talking to our riders and listening to their needs have shaped the products we make. It takes a village to create a brand, and we鈥檙e extremely humbled and grateful for everyone who has supported us to get here.

WHITESPACE is a performance snow brand created to inspire riders to forge their unique path, transcend boundaries, and write their own story. Learn more at .

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The drive from to Lake Tahoe鈥檚 听makes them feel deceptively close. You can touch down at and, provided storms aren鈥檛 caking Mount Rose Highway in powder, arrive at Diamond Peak in 45 minutes, ready to rip. But, culturally, the buzzing city and sleepy ski resort seem worlds apart鈥攚hich is exactly why we were stoked to host our 2025 snowboard test between the two. By day, our crew tested the latest and greatest snowboards on Diamond Peak鈥檚 uncrowded slopes. By night, we ate, drank, danced, and gambled through Reno. Needless to say, it was a damn good time.

Reno: Our Snowboard Test Base Camp

For those unfamiliar with the up-and-coming adventure hub, Reno is a high-desert outpost located on the eastern flanks of the Sierra. Lovingly dubbed the 鈥淏iggest Little City in the World,鈥� the Nevada metro is best known for its glowing skyline and diverting casinos. That said, the Biggest Little City isn鈥檛 getting any smaller these days. According to recent 听Reno is growing at a quick clip (4.1 percent between 2020 and 2023) and enjoying a subsequent surge of arts, culture, cuisine, and adventure-oriented community.

Diamond Peak: The Resort

And yet, as Reno establishes itself as a city of the future, Diamond Peak is a resort that鈥檚 happy to stay (partially) in the past. The independent resort keeps crowds to a minimum鈥攕omething that locals cherish and that听significantly enhanced our test team鈥檚 capacity for snowboard testing. We never waited in a lift line during the entirety of the test, despite mostly sunny days and enjoyable conditions.

It鈥檚 worth noting that those locals actually have a hand in the management of the resort, as Diamond Peak is a community-owned entity steered by property owners in the surrounding town of Incline Village. The publicly owned mountain keeps prices low (adult season passes are $560, midweek day tickets $140) so locals and visitors alike can enjoy this lakeside hidden gem.

The resort is comfortably unpretentious, too. You won鈥檛 find ostentatious condo castles encroaching on chairlifts, luxury boutiques ritzing up the base area, or price-gouging gourmet restaurants at Diamond Peak. Instead, the lodges are unassuming, clean, and cozy, and the grub is tasty and reasonably priced.

You can chow down, for example, on BBQ on the deck of the Snowflake Lodge, located at the top of the scenic, aptly named Lakeview Quad. Another option? Hit up the food court in the base lodge for old-school ski resort fare like chicken tenders or, our personal favorite, avalanche fries鈥攑iping-hot french fries slathered in hearty chili and all the fixings. And don’t miss the Loft Bar, perched on the second floor of the base lodge, that serves up happy hour specials from 4:00 to 5:45 and offers those in the know some of the best apr猫s vibes in the Tahoe Basin.

Diamond Peak: The Snowboard Testing

Of course, while old-school base area vibes and jaw-dropping lake views were much appreciated by our test team, they didn鈥檛 directly impact our snowboard testing as much as the mountain itself. Diamond Peak may be a smaller resort, but it boasts the fourth-highest vertical in Tahoe, spanning 1,840 feet from peak to parking lot. Testers mainly spent their time lapping the Crystal Express High-Speed Quad, which tops out at the summit of Diamond Peak (8,540 feet) and provides access to a variety of test-worthy terrain. Diamond Peak鈥檚 groomers are immaculate, ranging from steeps that encouraged testers to find the speed limits of boards to lazy, long, rippable pitches that overlooked Lake Tahoe and听begged for carving analysis. Closer to the base, the Village Terrain Park gave freestylers the opportunity to test aerial acumen and jib chops.

Our crew was most impressed, however, with the glades. Between Diamond Peak鈥檚 manicured groomers, you鈥檒l find sustained, shreddable glades peppered with well-spaced old-growth trees. Our crew discovered protected powder days after a storm in these nooks and crannies, as well as wind lips, log jibs, and cliffs鈥攑erfect for scoring au naturel airtime and testing all-mountain and freeride boards in their element.

Backcountry enthusiasts are in luck, too. Backcountry skiers and splitboarders with avalanche safety equipment can exit a gate at the Diamond Peak summit and explore more cruisy glades, playful rock gardens, and steeper slopes. Our splitboard crew embarked on mini-epics in these out-of-bounds zones, grateful to the Crystal Express quad for the boost before resorting to skintracks and bootpacks.

Wrapping Up Back in Town

After each bell-to-bell day of testing, we enjoyed the vista-packed bus ride back to Reno and our home base at the newly renovated . Despite overworked legs, the crew found renewed energy back in the city. Memorable meals and nights out on the town ensued. When it was time for out-of-town testers to say sayonara to the Sierra, we were as struck by the Biggest Little City as we were by Tahoe鈥檚 world-famous shredding. Suffice to say, we hit the jackpot this year.

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If you鈥檙e thinking about your snowboard bindings on the hill, chances are those thoughts aren鈥檛 positive. Finicky, unresponsive, uncomfortable, or unreliable bindings are the bane of any rider鈥檚 existence鈥攁 thorn in your side that, at best, leads to under-your-breath expletives while strapping in. At worst? They鈥檒l send you to the ski patrol shack cradling a dislocated limb or leave you stranded miles deep in the backcountry.

On the other hand, high-quality, functional, trustworthy snowboard bindings, like the ones you鈥檒l find below, don鈥檛 spawn temper tantrums or avoidable crashes. You won鈥檛 think about them for a millisecond. Instead, they鈥檒l facilitate flow-state ripping鈥攔elaying predictable commands from your boots to board. If your current snowboard bindings are ready for retirement鈥攐r, perhaps, Facebook Marketplace鈥攜ou can鈥檛 go wrong with the options below.

Check out all our picks for the听best snowboards of 2025.

At A Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice: Union Atlas ($370)
• Best Women鈥檚-Specific Binding: Union Trilogy ($330)
• Best Freestyle-Ready Flex: Union Ultra ($300)
• Best Big Mountain Binding: Rome Katana Pro ($450)
• Best Customizability: Rome Katana ($400)
• Best Bombproof Binding: Union Atlas Pro ($470)
• Best All-Mountain Bindings: Men鈥檚 Orion and Women鈥檚 Aurora Snowboard Bindings ($350)
• Best Lightweight Split Binding: Spark R&D Arc ST Pro ($619)
• Best Beginner Split Binding: Spark R&D Arc ST ($459)
• How to Choose Snowboard Bindings
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

Union Atlas

Size Range: S, M, L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent all-mountain and freeride performance
鈯� Reliability at high-speed
鈯� Durable
鈯� Decent dampening
鈯� Easier forward lean adjuster
鈯� More approachable highback for the masses
鈯� Not the most shock-absorbing binding
鈯� Softer highback than previous model

If you would rather blast through chop than daintily pick your way through it, Union鈥檚 updated Atlas binding is an all-mountain workhorse that can handle everything from hellish straightlines to heavy cliff drops. Thanks largely to a stiff, carbon-injected nylon baseplate and highback, it鈥檚 a lively, responsive binding that likes to go big and go fast. 鈥淵ou can put the pedal down at a moment鈥檚 notice,鈥� reported John Lauer, a longtime tester, bootfitter, and snowboard buyer for local shop Tahoe SportsHub who鈥檚 primarily ridden the Atlas over the last couple of seasons.

For dampening, Union deploys high-density, vibration-reducing Vaporlite bushings between the board and baseplate. I found the bushings, which are made of a lacrosse ball-type rubber, to be firm. They might not absorb bigger impacts as well as a softer rubber or foam, but they provide moderate dampening and, more important for charging riders, immediate response.

The Atlas鈥� removable disc cover鈥攔eferred to as 鈥済as pedals鈥� by the Italian binding maker鈥檚 marketing department鈥攆eatures a mix of firm, non-stick EVA foam and hard plastic, a combo that results in excellent energy transfer and decent dampening. There is an extra insert of softer foam that sits beneath the toe of the gas pedal, which testers reported offers welcome suspension on chundery traverses and flat landings.

Atlas aficionados will recognize that the highback is newly designed, with a slanted slot down the gut. The redesigned highback still offers edge-to-edge stiffness, but it鈥檚 noticeably more pliable laterally, making the new Atlas increasingly suited for all-mountain freestyle applications and more approachable for intermediate riders. A more aggressive tester and longtime Atlas lover was disheartened by the change, however. 鈥淚t was perfect [the way it was.] It鈥檚 a little softer now, but that does make it better suited for the masses,鈥� he lamented.

Other updates include an improved forward lean adjuster (the higher the angle of a binding鈥檚 highback, the more aggressive the stance), as Union nixed last year鈥檚 more streamlined but icing-prone integrated wheel for a bulkier, more standard, reliable pull-tab mechanism. Some advanced riders never touch forward lean, while others may tweak it based on the conditions or terrain at hand. For those folks, having a reliable, easy-to-use forward lean adjuster is subsequently valuable. 鈥淭he highback is easily adjustable on the hill,鈥� commented one such expert, snowboard instructor Nico Henss, who was appreciative of the new pull-tab style adjustor. 鈥淵ou tilt the highback a few degrees and it impacts the edge pressure insanely well.鈥�

Henss also loved the updated straps, judging them highly responsive and comfortable without unnecessary bulk or bells and whistles. 鈥淭hey fit perfectly, [have] no pressure points, and are easy to adjust in any direction,鈥� he said. One complaint? The toe strap can shift positions while unstrapped. Union designed the toe strap housing in the base plate for easy adjustments, allowing it to pop into a forward or back position based on rider boot size and preference, but the toe strap, unfortunately, doesn鈥檛 lock in place.

That didn鈥檛 detract from his love for the Atlas, though. 鈥淚t fits so many riding styles and terrain鈥攕uper versatile,鈥� Henss gushed.

If you鈥檙e looking for an even more responsive option with similar specs, check out the Atlas Pro.

Best Women鈥檚 Binding

Union Trilogy

Size Range: S, M, L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent all-mountain performance
鈯� Extremely comfortable
鈯� Easily adjustable
鈯� Middle-of-the-road stiffness and flex

If this binding is good enough for the G.O.A.T., it鈥檚 good enough for you. Ridden by legend and hordes of savvy snowboarders around the world, Union鈥檚 best-selling Trilogy was our favorite women鈥檚 binding in test. It continues to be the go-to pick for all-mountain riders wanting a balance of high comfort and high performance.

鈥淎ny rider looking for a bread and butter binding for everyday riding should look no further than the Trilogy,鈥� opined longtime snowboard instructor, discerning test veteran, and hard-charging Tahoe rider Anna Doucette. After testing the Trilogy while carving groomers, navigating tight trees, jumping off windlips, and sending steeps, Douccette appreciated the balance of cushioning and response thanks to the padded straps. 鈥淭he straps are very ergonomic, and, like a good hug, hold the feet snugly,鈥� she reported.

Comfort and dampening, testers reported, also stem from ergonomic canting and EVA padding, the latter of which graces the baseplate and highback. 鈥淭hanks to the foam baseplate padding, the Trilogy has a cush-yet-solid feel underfoot,鈥� commented Doucette. Another Tahoe tester also appreciated the middle-of-the-park flex, calling it, 鈥渘ot too soft, not too stiff,鈥� although she did crave more backbone during full-throttle freeride runs.

A Mammoth tester, Gela Malek Pour, chimed in, appreciating the Trilogy鈥檚 customizability, which includes slideable toe and ankle straps that can be easily adjusted without tools in the liftline. 鈥淭hese bindings offer a ton of adjustability options to create the perfect fit,鈥� she raved. 鈥淭he toe strap molds perfectly to any toecap shape, and the adjustable toe ramp placement makes finding the right fit even easier.鈥�

Lastly, Doucette reported that she loved the extruded, 3D aluminum heel cup, calling it 鈥渋ndicative of the overall binding construction鈥攕olid.鈥�

Best Freestyle-Ready Flex

Union Ultra

Size Range: S, M, L (men鈥檚) S, M, L (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super damp ride
鈯� No unnecessary bells and whistles
鈯� Freestyle-friendly flex
鈯� Top-tier torsional tweakability
鈯� No forward lean adjustor

Available in both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 versions and built to comfortably crush freestyle features, Union鈥檚 Ultra is a smart pick for park riders and jibby all-mountain freestylers. The binding is exceptionally pliable and pressable for creative freestyle riding thanks to an overall mid-soft flex and asymmetrical, bare-bones baseplate that adds significant torsional range of motion. 鈥淭he tweakability makes it a great binding for freestyle,鈥� said snowboard instructor Nico Henss, who can be found lapping the park when he鈥檚 not giving lessons.

Park-ready, tester-approved dampening comes courtesy of a lightweight EVA bushing that cushions your boots, and a vibration-canceling, thermoplastic elastomer outsole that sits on the board. 鈥淭he high-quality materials give you a safe feeling even when you鈥檙e hitting the pro jump line, and the broad baseplate and padding help cushion compressions when you land,鈥� reported Henss. Sierra shredder and test veteran Chris Cloyd agreed: 鈥淭he foot feel is classic Union鈥攅xcellent. Durable, plush, no pinch points.鈥�

While testers appreciated the simple design and clean, comfy, and smooth straps and ratchets, multiple riders lamented a lack of forward lean adjustment. If you don鈥檛 vibe with the six degrees of fixed forward lean in the Ultra鈥檚 Duraflex highback, these are definitely not for you. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e arguably the most tweakable bindings in the air, but they鈥檙e not the most tweakable bindings on the tuning bench,鈥� joked one rider.

Best Big Mountain Binding

Rome Katana Pro

Size Range: M/L, L/XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Incredibly customizable
鈯� Stiffer, more responsive flex than the standard Katana
鈯� Great dampening
鈯� Durability concerns around AuxTech binding straps
鈯� Pricey
鈯� Only available in two sizes

Still glowing orange and red from the forge, the Rome Katana Pro is brand new this season. It鈥檚 the same Editor鈥檚 Choice-winning Katana our testers know and love from last year, just smithed from lighter, stiffer materials.

Much of the componentry is identical to the standard Katana. Both bindings sport the same boot-clutching, shock-absorbing, stretchy AuxTech straps, a tweakable-yet-stable asymmetrical aluminum chassis, a mind-bogglingly adjustable PivotMount ankle strap positioning system, and a cold-resistant, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane foam cushioning our testers dubbed best-in-class dampening.

So鈥攚hy go Pro and spend the extra 50 dollars? Rome swapped out traditional fiberglass for carbon in the baseplate and highback, resulting in more weight savings, power, and responsiveness. The resulting ride is a 鈥渘otch or two stiffer than the standard version,鈥� according to an all-mountain Katana collector. That said, Rome smartly added a diagonal slit to the thin-yet-steely highback, which adds a smidgeon of torsional flex.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e an expert all-mountain rider or freerider who wants the same customizability of the Katana in a more aggressive, responsive package, the Pro is the way to go,鈥� reported our Katana correspondent. His personal plan? Keep the standard Katana mounted on his all-mountain freestyle daily driver, and slap a Pro on his big-mountain freeride gun.

It is worth noting that a long-term test of the standard Katana resulted in a torn Aux Tech ankle strap. While we didn鈥檛 have any issues with this year鈥檚 Katana Pro, concerns did carry over as the strap tech mirrors the original Katana.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY BLAUER BOARD SHOP
Blauer Board Shop Union Falcor Bindings ($399.95)

Level up your riding this winter with Blauer Board Shop鈥檚 Union Falcor Bindings. Completely redesigned for 2025 by Travis Rice, these bindings use a new Asymmetrical Halo Base Frame for more board feel and increased side-to-side freestyle flex, while remaining exceptionally responsive heel to toe. The newly designed straps and highback are lightweight and durable, providing both comfort and control. Union Falcor Bindings are the ultimate combination of lively lateral flex, damp and smooth ride, increased board feel, and excellent response. While other bindings may specialize in one of these aspects, no other binding delivers them all in one package.

Best Customizability

Rome Katana

Size Range: S, M/L, L/XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Incredibly customizable
鈯� Best-in-class dampening
鈯� All-mountain, freestyle-meets-freeride flex
鈯� Durability concerns around AuxTech binding straps

If you like to tweak your bindings as much as you tweak your grabs, peep the Rome Katana. This high-performance binding is ultra-adjustable thanks to Rome鈥檚 PivotMounts鈥攎odifiable ankle strap mounting hardware that enables riders to swap between eight ankle strap positions per side, yielding a total of 64 possible configurations. Raising the ankle strap provides more rapid-fire responsiveness, while lowering the strap position translates to increased range of motion and a surfier ride. Additional adjustability comes courtesy of composite highbacks that pivot and cant for a more ergonomic, fine-tuned fit.

Personally, I鈥檝e found that experimenting with different strap and highback configurations will enable you to find what works best for your riding style. And if you鈥檙e swapping one pair of bindings between multiple boards in your quiver, or you like to cruise one day and bomb everything in sight the next, the Katana allows you to make the most of your setup.

Adjustability wasn鈥檛 the only reason the Katana sliced through the competition. All-mountain riders appreciated its versatility鈥攊t proved responsive in technical lines yet playful in the air thanks to the mid-flexing highback and asymmetrical chassis. The board鈥檚 cold-resistant, closed-cell foam padding beneath the baseplate also offers unreal shock absorption.鈥淕reat dampening,鈥� reported snowboard guide Andrew Alissandratos. 鈥淚 took them to Mach 10 and had no chatter.鈥� Additionally, testers loved the geometric-patterned toe and ankle straps, which expand as you tighten the binding, providing a fit one Katana convert called 鈥渄amn-near vacuum-sealed.鈥�

One ding we should mention: after a heavy spring of testing last year, one tester did rip through the patterned ankle strap early this winter, causing some durability concerns.

Best Bombproof Binding

Union Atlas Pro

Size Range: S, M, L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ultra responsive
鈯� Speed demon
鈯� Forged carbon base plates
鈯� Forward lean adjustor can ice over
鈯� Not super damp
鈯� Expensive

The versatile, bombproof, all-mountain has been one of our all-time favorite bindings for years (hence the Editor鈥檚 Choice award this year), so when Union debuted the Atlas Pro in 2023, our testers were damn near salivating. This drool-worthy build sports the same carbon-injected nylon baseplate, Vaporlite bushings, and hard-wearing extruded aluminum heelcup as the OG Atlas. However, the Atlas Pro is more responsive thanks to an ultra-reactive, forged carbon footbed and a slightly stiffer, more aggressive highback.

This year, Atlas revamped the Pro with updated straps, including a responsive Hybrid 2.0 ankle strap and two-layer boot-hugging toe strap. 鈥淭he straps were very comfortable and locked you in well,鈥� reported snowboard guide and tester Andrew Allisandratos.

Not sure whether to splurge on the Pro or stick with the standard Atlas? You鈥檙e not alone. 鈥淭he Atlas Pro is a bit stiffer and more responsive than the Atlas. Pair it with a big mountain board or beefy all-mountain shape and the carbon gas pedals let you approach light speed,鈥� said a tester who spent much of the last few seasons swapping between the Atlas and Atlas Pro. His recommendation: 鈥淚ntermediate and up all-mountain riders who appreciate a balance of comfort and performance will prefer the relative dampening of the Atlas, while aggressive freeriders and resort rippers who prioritize instantaneous response will fall in love with the streamlined, elite build of the Atlas Pro.鈥�

A couple of testers voiced preference for the beefier, pull-tab forward lean adjustor of the standard Atlas, compared to the rollable wheel that鈥檚 integrated into the highback of the Atlas Pro. 鈥淚t can ice up or just be tricky to operate in cold conditions with gloves on,鈥� noted one rider.

Best All-Mountain Bindings

Jones Men鈥檚 Orion and Women鈥檚 Aurora Snowboard Bindings

Size Range: M, L (men鈥檚) S, M (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Reliable progressive-flexing highback
鈯� Intermediate friendly
鈯� Efficient power transfer
鈯� Comfy padding and construction for all-day riding
鈯� Upgraded buckles and toe straps
鈯� Soft for some freeride applications

The Jones Orion (men鈥檚) and Aurora (women鈥檚) surfy, intermediate-friendly all-mountain bindings continue to be a major hit with our test team. They have the same construction, but the Aurora bindings have scaled down sizes and flexes. That said, advanced, cruisy riders will love these, bindings, too. While our testers hardly noticed any changes on the hill, both got minor upgrades for the 2024/2025 season beefier, stronger, faster buckles and minimalistic toestraps.

Both the Aurora鈥檚 and the Orion鈥檚 highbacks are stiffer at the heel cup and softer towards the calf, offering a great balance between performance and play. 鈥淲hen transitioning from edge to edge, the highback gives you all the support you need,鈥� reported a rider who鈥檚 been enjoying the Orion since its debut a few seasons back. When you start playing with other directions鈥攐ff-axis tweaks, contorted carves, nose or tail presses, et cetera鈥攖he softness toward the top of the highback lets you 鈥渢wist like a yogi,鈥� he said.

Edge-to-edge prowess also comes courtesy of the Canadian binding builder Now Snowboarding鈥檚 revolutionary SkateTech, which is at the core of all of Jones鈥� bindings. The baseplate pivots around the disc housing like a fulcrum, efficiently leveraging rider weight and transferring energy to four bushings at the corners of each binding. Not only does this system yield what our tester called 鈥渋nstantaneous response,鈥� but the rubbery, dampening bushings also 鈥渁bsorb more chatter than the NSA.鈥� Between the bushings and a thick EVA foam footbed, the Orion and Aura are so comfortable they fit the bill for first-to-last-chair riding.

If you like to customize your setup, the can be swapped out for a stiffer or softer ride (stiffer bushings are best for freeriding, and softer bushings are best for more freestyle/surfy riding). What鈥檚 more, the flexy-yet-supportive ankle straps are customizable, too: swap the left and right ankle straps to bounce between freeride and surf modes. Freeride-mode locks in the ankle for straight-lining steeps and tackling technical faces, while surf-mode frees up range of motion for slaying side hits and flowy pow days.

Best Lightweight Split Binding

Spark R&D Arc ST Pro

Size Range: XS-L
Weight: 1.25 lbs per binding (M)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Utilizes Spark鈥檚 lowest-weight, highest-end construction
鈯� Surfy
鈯� Smoother-than-ever uphill action
鈯� Easy to maintain interface
鈯� On the soft side for heavier riders or hard chargers (check out the Arc鈥檚 stiffer sibling, the , if that sounds like you)
鈯� Durability concerns
鈯� Pricey compared to the standard Arc ST
鈯� No dampening on baseplate (although it鈥檚 easy to add aftermarket padding)

We鈥檝e said it before and we鈥檒l say it again鈥攚e鈥檙e big fans of Spark鈥檚 splitboard bindings. They鈥檙e simple, solid, well-designed, and purpose-built for smooth skin track action and surfy descents, making them our go-to recommendation for the vast majority of splitboarders. $160 more than the baseline model, the ST Pro is a supercharged, lighter-weight rendition tailored to the wants and needs of tech-oriented gear nerds, skintrack slayers regularly putting in 5K-vert days, and anyone who wants to shed weight from their split without sacrificing performance.

Just like the standard Arc ST, the Pro utilizes Spark鈥檚 tried-and-true puck system鈥攁n interface our testers love for its low weight, few moving parts, easy setup at home, and reliability in the field. It also sports the same asymmetrical highback shape and easy-to-operate walk mode, cutout baseplates, and toe- and ankle-strap design, as well as Spark鈥檚 鈥淪mooth Touring鈥� (ST) tech that was introduced to critical acclaim a couple of years ago. Essentially, the engineers at Spark over-molded the bushings of the touring brackets and the metal wire of the Whammy Bar risers with thermoplastic to reduce unwanted friction while touring. After testing the tech for the past couple of years, testers report that the new brackets make for smoother, more painless, squeak-free climbing, while the improved Whammy Bars make engaging the risers easier and faster.

So what makes the Pro pricier and lighter? Mostly materials. The Pro uses a stronger 7075 aluminum for thinner, lighter heel loops, Pebax plastics鈥攁 common ingredient in ski boots鈥攆or the straps and ladders, lighter, stiffer, injection-molded carbon-infused nylon for the highbacks, and custom aluminum hardware instead of the stainless steel standard. The result shaves weight鈥攁 pair of standard Spark Arc STs weighs 2.77 pounds per pair compared to the Pro鈥檚 2.5 pounds per pair鈥攁nd provides a touch more responsiveness due to the carbon highbacks.

Whether the weight savings are worth it depends on your objectives. If you like to hit jumps and aren鈥檛 too concerned with weight on the uphill, go with the original Arc STs: they鈥檙e beefier. But if you鈥檙e regularly trying to keep up with fit skiers or accomplish bigger objectives, the carbon highbacks and weight savings of the Pro are a source of maximum stoke.

That said, testers have snapped two of the Pro鈥檚 aluminum screws over the last two years鈥搊nce on an international expedition鈥攍eading them to appreciate the standard Arc, which have beefier, stainless steel hardware. Also, some heavier and hard-charging riders craved more stiffness and response out of the Arc, preferring .

Best Beginner Split Binding

Spark R&D Arc ST

Size range: XS-L
Weight: 1.4 lbs. per binding (M)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Smoother-than-ever uphill action
鈯� Spark鈥檚 tester-favorite interface is easy to setup, adjust, and maintain
鈯� Durable, reliable construction
鈯� Surfy yet dependable downhill performance
鈯� Soft for no-fall-zone riding or heavier splitboarders
鈯� Heavier than Pro version

We鈥檝e been fans of Spark鈥檚 Arc for years thanks to its practical interface, surfy all-mountain ride, and touring chops. But according to one tester who put the Arc ST through the paces over the last couple of years, 鈥淪park made a smooth binding smoother.鈥�

ST stands for 鈥渟mooth touring鈥� and references a slew of significant updates like more robust touring risers and brackets over-molded with cold-resistant, self-lubricating thermoplastic. 鈥淭he connection from the binding to the new touring brackets yields noticeably less friction,鈥� said our tester. 鈥淏ut I was most stoked on the new touring risers.鈥� Spark took the thin wire risers of years鈥� past and wrapped them in the same thermoplastic as the brackets, enlarging catch points and expediting engagement. 鈥淲ith the old models, sometimes you鈥檇 have to really crank on 鈥榚m, wasting precious seconds on the skin track,鈥� said this tester. 鈥淭he new design is way easier to operate with a quick flick of the pole.鈥�

Spark also improved downhill performance by adding asymmetry to their highbacks for a more ergonomic, natural stance. Whether you鈥檙e an entry-level splitter or an experienced backcountry traveler who has no need for a steely, ultra-stiff split binding, the Arc ST is the way to go. Looking for a stiffer, no-nonsense touring companion? Go with

It鈥檚 worth noting that as of 2023, Spark nixed its men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 lines in favor of a unisex, boot-length-based sizing system.

How to Choose Snowboard Bindings

Given the endless options and tech jargon at play, shopping for snowboard bindings can be a harrowing endeavor. However, it gets a little easier when you follow these simple tips.

Buy Your Boots First

Your boot size determines your binding size鈥搉ot the other way around. Boots also determine what boards you should ride, so don鈥檛 jump the gun.

Consider Your Riding Style

Are you a park rat? An indiscriminate all-mountain rider? A pedal-to-the-metal freerider? Snowboard bindings are built and advertised toward specific snowboard riding styles. Once you figure out what kind of rider you are, you can easily narrow your search. And if you鈥檙e not sure what kind of rider you are, no worries鈥搒tick with all-mountain options, as they鈥檙e meant to handle anything and everything terrain-wise.

Consider Your Preferred Flex

Do you like stiff bindings or soft ones? Somewhere in the middle? Usually, brands list flex as a numeric rating, usually out of ten, with 10 being stiff as steel and one being soft as a wet noodle. Anything under a five is considered quite soft鈥攖hat鈥檒l be best for park riders, beginners and intermediates, or cruisy powderhounds. Five to eight tends to be all-mountain bindings that are meant to handle any terrain you can throw at 鈥榚m. Eight and up are generally more freeride specific鈥搒tout, stiff bindings you can trust at high speeds in gnarly terrain.

Now, these numbers are subjective and vary from brand to brand. There鈥檚 no governing body doing a universal flex test (although that would be sincerely appreciated). Also, riders will inevitably stray from the stereotypes listed above鈥攁 freestyle rider who鈥檚 hitting the pipe may want a super stiff binding, while a freerider who has a surfy approach may want a softer flex. But they鈥檙e a good place to start.

Demo Religiously

If you鈥檙e having a hard time figuring out what bindings to buy, the single best thing you can do is demo. Be on the lookout for demo days and events at your local hill. Swap with shred buddies if they鈥檙e game. Branch out, trying bindings from different brands. Experiment with different flexes. The more bindings you ride, the more you鈥檒l be able to pinpoint what works for you.

How We Test Snowboard Bindings

• Snowboard Bindings Tested This Year: 26
• Locations Tested: California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, Japan, Norway, France, Italy, Switzerland
• Highbacks Exploded: 3
• Straps Busted: 2
• Buckles Replaced: 2
• Screws Loose: Too many to count

We start our snowboard binding testing at our annual snowboard test, which took place in 2024 at Tahoe鈥檚 Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Conditions were perfect for testing鈥攙ariable鈥攔anging from windblown powder and pristine corduroy to sunny slush and refrozen mank. A crew of mostly local testers spent several bell-to-bell days testing a variety of boards. However, we encouraged riders to spend more time鈥攁 half-day, minimum, up to the full gear test week鈥攖esting bindings before filling out detailed review forms. This keeps our snowboard testing more legitimate (we don鈥檛 want to change too many variables at once). Plus, it gives riders more opportunity to tweak binding fit and get a feel for bindings across variable conditions.

As we wrap up our Diamond Peak test, we determined what bindings performed the best and should be considered for coverage and awards. We sent those bindings home with testers for long-term testing until the end of the season. When the dust settled, the chairlifts stopped cranking, and splitboarders waved the white flag and rolled out their mountain bikes, we asked those long-term testers to fill out review forms once again.

These review forms ask testers to score bindings quantitatively on categories like overall performance, responsiveness, tweakability, dampening, and durability. Testers also dive deeper on qualitative questions, among them: What terrain or conditions are these bindings best for? How鈥檚 the overall build, construction, and durability? How do you like the highbacks? Is the forward lean adjustment easy or a hassle? Finally, I (Drew Zieff, test director), sift through review forms and write the reviews you鈥檒l find below.

Meet Our Testers

Drew Zieff

Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder who鈥檚 no stranger to breaking bindings. In addition to directing 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 snowboard test, a role he鈥檚 handled since 2016, he directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard coverage and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. He spends his winters testing gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades when he鈥檚 not chasing stories and storms around the globe.

Chris Cloyd

The only thing more eclectic than Chris Cloyd鈥檚 riding style is his resume. A former touring musician, former personal trainer, and still-holding-on endurance athlete who lives in June Lake, CA, Chris Cloyd spends his winters splitboard guiding, teaching AIARE courses, and handling radministrative duties for . In his free time, you can find him crushing couloirs deep in the Eastern Sierras or putting solid boards through their paces at June Mountain. A fan of strong coffee and heavy metal who often combines the two on his way to shred, Cloyd is not remotely gentle on his gear鈥攈e lives to thrash.

Jenna Shlachter

Truckee鈥檚 own Jenna Shlachter is as brilliant on the hill as she is off it鈥搘hich is saying something, she鈥檚 a Doctor of Psychology, after all. When she鈥檚 not on the clock, she鈥檚 usually on her snowboard, ripping everything from park to powder. Her trophy shelf needs regular reinforcement, as every year she seems to add banked slalom trophies to her already impressive collection. Lucky for us, Shlachter is also an unabashed snowboard nerd, and she鈥檚 been a key contributor to our snowboard test for the last few seasons.

Anna Doucette

is a lifelong snowboarder who鈥檚 been a member of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors for two decades. She鈥檚 spent so many years articulating difficult-to-grasp movements to aspiring riders and fellow instructors that she鈥檚 a natural and extremely articulate gear reviewer, and she鈥檚 been a key contributor to our Tahoe testing.

The post The Best Snowboard Bindings of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When putting together your snowboard kit, no piece of the puzzle is more critical than your boots. Boots don鈥檛 just connect your body and your board; they鈥檙e also the key to on-hill comfort. The wrong boots can cause hot spots, blisters, heel lift, toe bang, or swamp foot鈥攁ll potential day-ruiners. The right boots, however, can make previously torturous bell-to-bell days no big deal. After wearing multiple models over the last couple of years, our dedicated test team has selected our six favorite boots available today, a completely new list than we chose last year..

Important note: Every rider鈥檚 foot is different. Visiting a professional bootfitter, heat-molding your boots, or at least swapping flimsy stock insoles for more supportive aftermarket or customized options can be the difference between blisters and bliss. Check out our buying advice section at the bottom of this article for more boot-fitting and shopping tips.

Check out the best snowboards of the year here.

At a Glance

• Best Cruisy All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot:
• Best Aggressive All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot:
• Best All-Mountain Freestyle Women鈥檚 Boot:
• Best All-Mountain Intermediate Women鈥檚 Boot:
• Best Boot For Resort and Backcountry: Nitro Skylab BOA ($350) (currently unavailable)
• Best Approachable Splitboard Boot:
• How to Choose Snowboard Boots
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Cruisy All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot

Nidecker Rift APX

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7-13

Pros and Cons
鈯� Mid-soft, asymmetrical, freestyle-ready flex
鈯� Waterproof
鈯� Excellent heel hold
鈯� Flimsy insoles

Mt. Baker boarders and Mt. Hood homies鈥攔ejoice. Nidecker鈥檚 new APX version of its bestselling Rift boot is so waterproof that it鈥檚 ready for the gnarliest Pacific 鈥淣orthwet鈥� conditions. The Swiss brand decked out the asymmetrical freestyle boot with seamless, polyurethane-coated side paneling and an armored toe box. I tested it during spring slush sessions that bordered on pond skims, and not a drop reached my socks.

The Rift, which is also available in women鈥檚 and classic lace versions with more sizing options, ranks four out of ten on Nidecker鈥檚 stiffness scale, but it boasts high-tech features that are often reserved for more rigid and aggressive boots. If you like serious heel hold but a loose calf, the Rift has your name on it. The Rift APX鈥檚 lower BOA and inner harness lock the ankle in place with the best of boots, even if you have narrower feet, while the upper BOA can be left loose for chill park laps or creative all-mountain freestyle cruising.

The Rift also earned high marks for its asymmetrical tongue and lace positioning which give riders support at the outside of the foot and tweakability on the inside of the foot, providing a natural, pinch-free ride that was comfortable out-of-the-box.

The Rift APX鈥檚 longevity also won over our test team. Softer boots are prone to blow up quickly, but not this one. Thanks to a stout, catch-free rubber backstay that鈥檚 fused to the outsole and an articulated cuff that allows the boot upper to flex independently from the lower, our test pair is still as good as new after a spring of heavy use.

Testers鈥� biggest complaint? Uninspired stock insoles which were quickly traded out for more supportive aftermarket options from and .

Best Aggressive All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot

Ride Lasso Pro

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13; Same sizes available in wide version.

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiffer freeride flex
鈯� Padded heels for bigger drops
鈯� Minimal footprint
鈯� Mixed bootpacking results

Cowboy freeriders fond of wrangling steep lines and heavy cliffs should rope Ride鈥檚 Lasso Pro. A step (or two) down from the brand鈥檚 Insano boot, the Lasso Pro offers all-gas, no-brakes rippers with a Goldilocks flex鈥攕tiff but not too stiff. Ideal for aggressive all-mountain riders or freeriders, the stiffer, premium version of the popular Lasso gives riders both maximum response and minimal footprint.

鈥淰ery solid hard-charging freeride boots,鈥� commented Wasatch big mountain buff Kordell Black, appreciative of brawny forward and lateral flex and smooth, articulating cuffs. Black also dug the dual H4 BOA coiler system that tightens the front of the boot, the easy-to-operate inner lacing system, and the comprehensive ankle harness, reporting that the comfortable, responsive Intuition-wrapped liner fit snugly and kept his heel locked in place without pressure points. Another tester, snowboard instructor NAME?, disagreed, noting that the BOA loosened after a few runs and he found himself 鈥渟wimming inside.鈥�

However, that tester was amazed by the Lasso Pro鈥檚 lightweight construction. 鈥淪o surprising how light they are,鈥� he said.鈥滻t doesn鈥檛 feel like you鈥檙e wearing a snowboard boot at all.鈥� The ankle pads kept his feet centered and stabilized, he said, and he loved the minimal footprint, recommending the boots for big-footed riders who constantly deal with toe drag. Black agreed: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e light, low-profile, and fit in a binding well鈥攜ou can鈥檛 ask for anything more.鈥�

While the stiffer, responsive boot does speak to the freeride contingent on the descent, testers were mixed on bootpacking ability. After a sidecountry jump session, one rider judged the Michelin Hybrid Fiberlite outsole鈥檚 grip solid in slippery conditions, while a backcountry stalwart said s/he preferred boots with Vibram鈥檚 more aggressively lugged traction.

Looking for a similar ride but a bit more flex? Check out the standard ($250).

Best All-Mountain Freestyle Women鈥檚 Boot

ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA B4BC

Sizing: Women鈥檚 5-10

Pros and Cons
鈯� B4BC collab colorway supports breast cancer non-profit
鈯� Mid-soft freestyle flex
鈯� Improved liner
鈯� Included heel hold kit
鈯� Comfort issues with toeside flexion
鈯� Bulky

ThirtyTwo鈥檚 Lashed Double BOA is a boot our testers can get behind. A notch softer than the popular ($210), it gives cruisy riders, all-mountain freestylers, and jibbers a playful, pliable flex and comfortable fit. Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit focused on breast cancer education and survivor support that has been around for almost three decades. It鈥檚 a cause our testers can get behind. For the 10th year running ThirtyTwo and B4BC teamed up on a collab, dropping this limited-edition version of the Lashed Double BOA. A portion of proceeds from the forest green colorway will fund the non-profit鈥檚 programming, which includes prevention and awareness events at ski resorts and wellness retreats for breast cancer survivors. So, yeah鈥攊t鈥檚 a boot we can really get behind.

The boot itself is free of frills. It鈥檚 a standard dual-BOA boot, with an internal ankle harness that hugs a dual-density, heat-moldable ThirtyTwo Team liner. Nancy Brest, a Tahoe snowboard coach and competitive snowboard judge with years of experience on the Lashed, put the B4BC Double BOAs on the chopping block in the Sierra this spring. She quickly made use of ThirtyTwo鈥檚 included heel hold kit鈥攁 set of foam donuts that slip into integrated pockets on the boot liner to reinforce the ankle. 鈥淚 experienced minimal heel lift,鈥� she said. She also gave her stamp of approval to the updated Team liner: 鈥淭he overlapping velcro flaps on the liner are easier to get a snug fit compared to last year鈥檚 Lashed.鈥�

If you鈥檝e been popping glucosamine-like gummy vitamins, you鈥檒l be stoked that the Lashed boasts a light yet robust rubber outsole with integrated foam cushioning for cartilage-sparing impact absorption. And while the freestyle-friendly lateral flex is apt for jibbing, pressing, buttering, airing, and tweaking, a stiffer backstay offers enough resistance and response from edge-to-edge for all-mountain missions far from the park. 鈥淚鈥檓 a freestyle, all-mountain rider, but I wouldn鈥檛 be afraid to use these freeriding, too,鈥� offered Brest. She scored the boot high for both overall performance and responsiveness thanks to its combination of flex and features, giving a rare perfect score for comfort.

That said, testers weren鈥檛 without complaints. The Lashed is on the bulky side. One rider reported a midfoot pressure point where the boot buckled from toeside flexion, and she also noted that the profile was bulkier than previous years鈥� models.

Best All-Mountain Intermediate Women鈥檚 Boot

Ride Hera

Sizing: Women鈥檚 5, 5.5, 6, 6.6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11

Pros and Cons
鈯� Approachable flex
鈯� Minimal footprint
鈯� Cushy, comfy construction and liner
鈯� Decent heel hold
鈯� Singular outer BOA creates discomfort

Low-profile and well-cushioned with a mid-flex, the Ride Hera is a solid all-mountain option for intermediate and laidback advanced all-mountain riders. Advanced? tester Coral Rose Taylor would spend her own money to purchase a pair of the Ride Hera. I鈥檝e owned the Hera before because they generally fit my feet well and have the medium flex I prefer,鈥� she said.

A cruisy all-mountain rider from June Lake, CA, with pain-prone feet (high-arch, narrow feet, and neuromas galore), Taylor values comfort as much as she does the ability to ride everywhere from park to powder. Thanks to a mid flex, articulated cuff, cushy Intuition liner, and impact-absorbing foam midsole underfoot, the Hera ticks both boxes, leading Taylor to recommend the option for fellow 鈥渁ll-mountain riders who like to do a little jibbing and a little freeriding.鈥�

Taylor was blown away by the Hera鈥檚 minimal footprint, reporting, 鈥淭hey鈥檙e so low profile and pretty light, I actually had to adjust the straps on my bindings to get them tight enough over the boots.鈥� Testers also appreciated Ride鈥檚 women鈥檚-specific calf adjustment system, consisting of velcro pull tabs that allow riders to tighten or expand the rear cuff of the boot to best suit your individual body type.

The Hera scored well for its internal H4 BOA coiler that wraps the ankle tight, providing solid fit and responsiveness. However, multiple testers said they wished the outer BOA was redesigned. As is, one BOA dial controls the entire outer lacing system, and testers missed the ability to tighten the upper and lower separately. 鈥淭he outer BOA tightens around the calf more than the ankle, creating hot spots up high,鈥� complained one.

Best Boot For Resort And Backcountry

Nitro Skylab BOA

听(Currently Unavailable)

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7-14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent resort-to-backcountry boot
鈯� Solid heel hold
鈯� Decent walk mode when you pop a BOA
鈯� High-quality outsole and gaiter for bootpacking
鈯� No crampon compatibility
鈯� A tad bulky compared to standard all-mountain boots

If you hitch a ride on chairlifts one day and crush skintracks the next鈥攁nd need one boot that can do it all, Nitro鈥檚 Skylab is worth consideration. A solid balance between comfortable and dependable on both the uphill and the down, the mid-stiff boot scored well with testers who pursue powder in bounds and out.

鈥淥nce I broke this boot in after about a week, they became the most comfortable boots I鈥檝e ever ridden,鈥� reported Jackson Webber, a Utah firefighter, all-mountain ripper, and test veteran. He loved Nitro鈥檚 new Cloud 9 liner鈥攁 pre-molded liner with 3D tongue and heel鈥攃laiming it quickly formed to his admittedly 鈥渨eird, slightly narrow, high-arch feet.鈥� He was similarly wowed by heel hold supplied by a combination of a lower BOA dial, internal ankle support, and reliable inner lining lacing. 鈥淗aving the ability to tighten just the lower BOA is so important in regards to eliminating heel lift while still being comfortable,鈥� Webber said.

Backcountry regulars are usually skeptical of BOA. A broken system, especially on a hut trip, deep mission, or multi-day winter camping trip, is difficult to fix in the field and can quickly ruin an otherwise epic adventure. Webber is no different, but, after having zero durability issues on remote hut trips and with heavy use, he called the Skylab鈥檚 BOA system 鈥渧ery durable鈥攊t feels solid and reliable.鈥�. He also dug how easy it was to pop the upper BOA for an increased rearward range of motion on the skin track and then to tighten them before dropping. 鈥淚 cinch them down for aggressive lines or keep them a little looser for playful all-mountain days,鈥� explained Webber.

It is worth noting that the Skylab doesn鈥檛 have a crampon-compatible heel welt鈥攁 demerit for demanding split mountaineers鈥攖hough it does keep the overall bulk of the boot lower and more suited to in-bounds freeriding. That said, the Skylab sports a partially recycled Vibram outsole that鈥檚 bootpack-ready without being too bulky. 鈥淔antastic grip for setting the bootpack and transitioning on aggressive terrain,鈥� Webber reported, also noting that the zippered gaiter kept snow out of the boot when hiking on deeper powder days.

All told, after 30-plus days of testing in California and Utah, he recommended the boot for 鈥渁vid backcountry enthusiasts or all-mountain riders who want a stiffer boot that鈥檚 both dependable and comfortable. If you like big freeride lines, or just flying down groomers, this boot is great for those hard-charging days.鈥�

.

We tested the mid-stiff, resort-to-backcountry boot in the BOA version, but it鈥檚 also available with Nitro鈥檚 proprietary, sleek, quick-lacing TLS system. Both the TLS and BOA are available in a subtle black colorway or a louder, zebra-print collab with Volcom. Webber suggests sizing up a half size.

Best Approachable Splitboard Boot

ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones

Sizing: Men鈥檚 6-14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Crampon-compatible outsole
鈯� Excellent traction and bootpacking performance
鈯� Good walk mode
鈯� Happy medium flex
鈯� Bulky
鈯� Gaiter can cause overheating in spring

ThirtyTwo鈥檚 popular, all-mountain ($285) is renowned for its versatility, beloved by pros and average Joes alike who want middle-of-the-park stiffness that can handle everything from the terrain park to the steeps. Jeremy Jones鈥� flagship pro model, the ($525), is a top-of-the-line splitboard specialist reserved for big mountain badasses: it鈥檚 an ultra-stiff boot with a reliable walk mode, a beefy, crampon-compatible, bootpack-slaying Vibram outsole, and a reinforced toe that kicks steps better in firm snow than virtually every splitboard softboot we鈥檝e ever tried. Were the TM-2s and the MTBs to knock proverbial boots, the TM-2 Jones would be their love child.

While the Jones MTB maxes out ThirtyTwo鈥檚 stiffness scale, the TM-2 scores a more approachable, tweakable, and comfortable seven out of ten. The TM-2 Jones shares theTM-2鈥檚 all-mountain-ready flex pattern, making it much more suited for resort riding and gentle? touring. As a lighter, more playful rider, I don鈥檛 need 10 out of 10 stiffness, and the mellower yet still supportive flex of the TM-2 Jones is a happy medium for me. It鈥檚 responsive enough for high-speed freeriding in bounds or out, but there鈥檚 still enough play to integrate buttering and freestyle into your riding. Plus, it remains comfortable on long days in the skintrack.

Nevertheless, the MTB鈥檚 big mountain DNA is apparent鈥攁nd welcome. The TM-2 Jones鈥� aggressively lugged Vibram outsole, crampon-compatible heel welt, and rubber-wrapped toe are identical to those on the stiffer MTB, allowing backcountry bootpackers to kick steps and scramble rocky ridges with confidence. After slick, sketchy scrambles in the Sierra, testers found the traction top-notch, and one, Tahoe shop tech Anthony Santos, pointed out that the Velcro power strap over the shin also provided 鈥渆asy walk mode adjustment.鈥� Santos reported the TM-2 Jones was 鈥渞eady for whacky, off-board romping with pointy things.鈥�

A downside: the outsole and wrapped toe add significant heft and bulk, compared to standard resort boots. Additionally, one tester reported the gaiter, which helps keep snow out on powder days, led to frustratingly sweaty feet on warmer corn missions.

The TM-2 Jones is also available in a women鈥檚 specific version鈥搕he ($212), built for Natural Selection ripper and backcountry boss Elena Hight. We didn鈥檛 test the TM-2 Hight this year, but we have in previous years, and we recommend it for ladies looking for a splitboard-ready women鈥檚 boot that isn鈥檛 overwhelmingly stiff.

How to Choose Snowboard Boots

Shopping for snowboard boots can be overwhelming. Here are five tried-and-true tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

Shop For Boots First: If possible, shop for boots before boards and bindings. Your boot size influences both your binding size and acceptable board widths. Some boots, like the Ride Hera and Ride Lasso, have compact footprints, which means you鈥檙e less likely to have toe or heel drag on a narrower board. If you end up buying a boot with a bigger footprint, or you have a size 10.5 boot or higher, you may want to consider a mid-wide, wide, or volume-shifted board.

Stick To Brands You Know And Love: Every brand has a slightly different fit. Some are known for being wider or skinnier, or running bigger or smaller. If your last pair of boots fit well, consider repeating your experience with that specific brand, as chances are the fit hasn鈥檛 changed much over time. Many testers swear by the strategy of purchasing a newer version of the same boot model.

Invest In Insoles: Even high-end snowboard boots often sport garbage insoles (as reported by a tester who fits boots for a local shop), and one of the best ways to improve fit, comfort, and performance is with an aftermarket insole. We鈥檙e partial to in most instances, but aren鈥檛 a bad play if you鈥檙e looking for more shock absorption. If you really want to go the extra mile, get a custom pair from a bootfitter.

Put Your Faith In Bootfitters: There鈥檚 a misconception that only skiers need to get their boots fit. Once you鈥檝e had your snowboard boots professionally fit, however, you鈥檒l never go back鈥攅specially if you have a history of foot pain. Ideally, schedule an appointment with a bootfitter who is also a snowboarder, as they鈥檒l have a better idea of what problems you鈥檒l face on the hill. Bootfitters can help you with everything from run-of-the-mill heat molding to boot punches, heel hold adjustments, liner replacements, and custom insoles.

Demos, Snowboard Shops, And Return Policies: Every foot is different, so it鈥檚 worth attending demos at your local hill, or demoing boots from local shops. When you do make a purchase, support your local snowboard shop if you can (especially if it let you demo its boots). If you prefer to shop online, buy from a reputable online retailer like REI or Backcountry that has a flexible return policy.

How We Test

• Number of boots tested: 15
• Number of testers: 14
• Furthest a tester traveled to join the fray:听Tokyo to Reno, 5,198 miles

Our boot testing starts at our annual snowboard test, which we held at Tahoe鈥檚 community-owned Diamond Peak Ski Resort this past season. A solid crew of mostly local snowboarders and splitboarders flock to the test, where we鈥檝e collected boots from brands big and small. At the beginning of our test week, riders sifted through the boot pile, hunting for a pair that fit both their foot size and shape as well as their preferred style of riding (all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, etc.) and skill level (ranging from intermediate to expert). After getting a jump on testing at Diamond Peak, we then sent those boots home with riders for long-term testing at their home mountains.

Long-term testing is crucial, particularly with boots, as break-in periods vary. A boot might be stellar out-of-the-box, only to blow out in 20 days. Or, vice versa, a boot might be stiff, uncomfortable, and difficult to break in for the first week, then turn into our favorite boot once it鈥檚 been out on the hill for a spell. Additionally, we encouraged testers to swap out insoles, hit their local shops, and get boots heat-molded and professionally fit鈥攚hatever they would normally do if purchasing a new pair of boots.

Once chairlifts stopped cranking and splitboarders hung up their skins for the season, we asked our test crew to fill out review forms. These forms score boots quantitatively on aspects like responsiveness, comfort, lacing systems, as well as forward and lateral flex. The testers then dove deep into qualitative responses, answering questions like: Would you purchase these boots? What rider would like these boots? Are the boots bulky or low-profile? What are your impressions on the inner and outer lacing systems? Finally, I鈥攖est director Drew Zieff鈥攕ifted through the review forms and wrote the reviews.

Meet the Testers

Drew Zieff

Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. Burdened with unnaturally long second toes and skinny calves and ankles, Zieff is no stranger to the boot-fitting chair (he鈥檚 a regular at ), and he generally doesn鈥檛 trust stock insoles any more than he鈥檒l sniff rental ones. In addition to directing 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 snowboard test, a role he鈥檚 handled since 2016, he directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard coverage and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. He spends his winters testing gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades when he鈥檚 not chasing stories and storms around the globe.

Kordell Black

In a word, Kordell Black is a character. An esoteric ripper and veteran gear tester based in the Wasatch, Black has traveled the world with his splitboard in pursuit of powder and off-the-beaten-track adventures. He approaches big mountain lines with creative, freestyle energy, specializes in finding powder stashes overlooked by the Utah crowds, and thrashes boots into oblivion in a matter of weeks. He will also obliterate you in a flat ground game of SKATE.

Nancy Brest

Nancy Brest is a Tahoe-based pilates instructor, snowboard coach, and competitive snowboard judge. When this snowboard test veteran isn鈥檛 helping clients with their fitness or working on the hill, you can find her shredding the Sierra in bounds and out, always with bulletproof fundamentals and timeless style. Few riders spend as much time in snowboard boots in a season as Brest, and she values comfort, performance, and reliability.

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Over the last few years, Colorado-based conglomerate Vail Resorts has gobbled up ski hills left and right. Now, the company may finally be experiencing growing pains. Last week, Vail Resorts announced a plan to eliminate 14 percent of its corporate workforce and 0.2 percent of its frontline employees at mountain resorts over the next two years.

The decision came after Vail Resorts saw revenue decline for several quarters in a row, which prompted its share price to drop 25 percent over the summer. The job cuts are expected to free up $100 million in budget by mid-2026.

The company blamed unfavorable conditions (snowfall across the American West was down nearly 30 percent from prior years), as well as the receding wave of popularity that skiing enjoyed during the pandemic. The outdoor adventure and travel industries have all been facing a painful 鈥溾�� as people return to their indoor hobbies, and the ski world has yet to find its level.

Despite the cost cutting and revenue woes, Vail Resorts continues to eye expansion and acquisition.

鈥淲e have a very large focus on expanding in Europe and ultimately, ideally, we鈥檇 love to expand into Japan as well,鈥� CEO Kirsten Lynch said in a . Vail Resorts, which currently owns 42 ski areas across the world, spent the past few years buying up hills across the U.S.鈥攁t times . Then, it ventured abroad. Just this May, it closed on its second Swiss resort, the Crans-Montana Mountain Resort near Geneva.

Vail representatives claim that the layoffs are a positive sign, not a negative one; slimming down the American staff just leaves the company poised for more agile growth and global expansion, the brand said in a . (In the release, Vail Resorts referred to the round of layoffs as part of a 鈥渢wo-year transformation plan.鈥�)

So, what impact will the cuts have on skiers this year? In an email, Lindsay Hogan, senior director of communications for Vail Resorts, indicated that on-mountain impacts would be minimal.

鈥淭he corporate impacts are primarily focused on the consolidating and outsourcing of global shared services,鈥� Hogan said in an email to 国产吃瓜黑料. Many of the positions eliminated were in accounts receivable, payroll support, call centers, and other internal business services, she said. Most of the cuts will impact staffers at Vail鈥檚 corporate headquarters in Broomfield, Colo., or in remote positions鈥攏ot on-mountain staffers. With less than 1 percent of operations staff affected鈥攁nd more than 1,000 seasonal positions currently open鈥擧ogan said skiers shouldn鈥檛 notice a big difference when they visit a resort this year.

In fact, Hogan said that 鈥渆fficiencies鈥� created by the cuts could make the skier experience even better than in years prior. Allegedly, they鈥檒l make the company run more smoothly, which will help resorts deliver on all kinds of promises鈥攆rom faster lift lines to better ski schools. Hogan also touched on the impacts of expansion on Epic Pass holders.

鈥淓xpanding our network gives our guests more value and more choices of where they can ski and ride,鈥� Hogan said. 鈥淚t gives our pass holders a choice of where to go, so they can choose new experiences, or go where the conditions are best in any given season.鈥�

Hogan denied that the recent cuts had anything to do with the past year鈥檚 quarterly earnings reports. 鈥淭his transformation is to set the company up for future growth,鈥� she said. Still, that growth will likely depend on reliable snowfall. So far, Vail seems to be banking on the , and on storms so big skiers won鈥檛 be able to stay away.

As Vail learned last year, banking on the weather is a dubious proposition. But at least we won鈥檛 be the only ones praying for snow.

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Venture鈥檚 Paragon should be a top pick for all-mountain riders looking for a reliable yet playful do-it-all split for two key reasons: its versatile shape and incredible durability.

Check out all our picks for the听best splitboards of 2025.

Editors’ Choice

Venture Paragon

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Weight: 7.6 (158 cm)
Sizing: 149, 153, 154, 158, 159, 163, 164, 168 cm
Profile: Neutral
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/11
Waist Width: 25.5 cm (158 cm)
Sidecut: 7.61 m (158 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Versatile shape
鈯� Floats well
鈯� Rides switch well
鈯� Durable
鈯� Excellent size run
鈯� Heavy

It鈥檚 a classically shaped, easy-to-ride, neutral-cambered chameleon, able to adapt to any conditions or terrain you throw at it. I was appreciative of Venture鈥檚 go-to neutral profile, which transitions from zero-camber underfoot to a gentle rocker between the inserts, nose, and tail. Testers noted that the profile combined with a semi-tight sidecut offers a balance of float in powder and dependable edge-hold in hardpack. That said, in technical skintracks, some testers voiced a preference for traditional camber.

The board is directional enough to handle deep snow and freeriding at speed, thanks to a touch of taper from the longer nose to the shorter tail. However, there鈥檚 not too much taper that you can鈥檛 ride switch. If you want a board that can float in powder, handle technical freeriding, still throw tricks, and land switch in more playful terrain, it鈥檚 hard to find a better option than the Paragon. When touring days after a storm in the Tahoe backcountry, testers found themselves exploring undulating, freestyle-friendly terrain that begged for airtime, but it was caked in a crust of icy snow that threatened to pitch riders head over heels at every turn. The Paragon was one of few splits reliable enough to navigate through the garbage with a semblance of grace, all while encouraging riders to throw little spins, ride switch, and pop off rock-hard pillows without too much concern for landing stability.

Venture crafts some of the most durable decks on the planet, and the Paragon is no exception. I scraped the base of the split on a sliver of barely-exposed rock in the choke of a couloir and the board barely sustained a scratch. The boards are designed and tested in Silverton, Colorado, a notoriously rocky region. If it can survive in the Rockies, it can handle pretty much anything. Venture goes the extra mile in every aspect of construction, lacing up the Paragon with tough P-Tex (polyethylene) sidewalls, a sintered Durasurf base, cold-rolled high-carbon steel edges, and powder-shedding, hard-wearing Carbonium top sheets.

The one downside to Venture鈥檚 burly construction is that it鈥檚 relatively heavy, with the 158-centimeter length weighing 7.6 pounds. For most riders who are hard on their gear, a few extra ounces is well worth it. However, if you鈥檙e looking for a lighter version of the Paragon that鈥檚 built to Venture鈥檚 high standards, look no further than the snappier, lighter ($1,299), which weighs a half-pound less. We鈥檝e found the Carbon Paragon to be much more durable (and chunkier) than carbon craft from Venture鈥檚 competitors, although the upgrade isn鈥檛 cheap.

Bottom line鈥攊f you鈥檙e brutal on your gear and run through boards like a stuntman through plate-glass windows, slow down with the highly durable, fun, and high-performing Venture Paragon. It鈥檚 built to last and slash.

is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. In addition to directing 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 snowboard and splitboard gear tests鈥攁 role he鈥檚 handled since 2016鈥攈e directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard test and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, Gear Patrol, and Popular Mechanics, among others. He spends his winters testing snowboard and splitboard gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades Tahoe, as well as chasing stories and storms to snowboard meccas like Japan and Norway. His summers? They鈥檙e mainly spent at his desk, sifting through review forms and spec sheets, compiling our snowboard reviews鈥攁lthough he occasionally disappears in his custom-built 2006 Chevy Express for a few days when there鈥檚 swell on the coast.

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When Gnu first submitted the Barrett鈥攖he long-running pro model of G.O.A.T. frontrunner and snowboard legend Barrett Christy鈥攖o our annual snowboard test in 2022, it arrived like a meteor. Christy鈥檚 pro model has been a staple in the Mervin lineup since the mid-90s, but the board has evolved over the years, and the iteration that wowed our team was a mid-stiff, moon-tailed, all-mountain-assaulting, line-lacing directional deck that knocked even the sweatiest of compression socks off our female testers. So much so that it was the highest scoring board of the test, men鈥檚 or women鈥檚, and we awarded it Editor鈥檚 Choice honors.

Check out all our picks for the听best women’s snowboards of 2025.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

Gnu Barrett

Sizing: 146, 149, 152, 155 cm
Genre: All-mountain
Profile: C3 Camber (camber-dominant hybrid with mild rocker between the feet)
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10
Waist Width: 24.5 cm (152 cm)
Sidecut: 8.1 m (152 cm) with progressive Magne-traction

Pros and Cons
鈯� Balanced, reliable yet fun quiver-killer
鈯� Energetic pop
鈯� Excellent edge hold
鈯� Too much board for beginners
鈯� Better suited to jumps than jibs

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This year, Christy鈥檚 unchanged pro model returned, both to our test at Tahoe鈥檚 Diamond Peak and the top of the heap. Stamped by both aspiring all-mountain shredders and our most aggressive freeriders, the Barrett was the highest-scoring women鈥檚 board of our test again and well deserving of yet another Editor鈥檚 Choice award (the first two-time winner in the history of 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 snowboard test).

鈥淕nu nailed it with the Barrett,鈥� applauded Jenna Shlachter, a Tahoe banked slalom trophy collector, Euro-carving connoisseur, and all-around ripper. 鈥淚t鈥檚 equally fun in pow, groomers, chunder, and park. I couldn鈥檛 find its weak point鈥攁 true quiver killer!鈥� she said. Shlachter dug the progressive Magne-traction鈥攁 design update that features a smooth sidecut in the front half of the board, transitioning to Gnu鈥檚 characteristic serrated sidecut in the back half of the board. 鈥淭he Magne-traction delivers a precise ride with superb edge-hold fit for a queen, and the Barrett performs well wiggling through the trees and arching long turns alike,鈥� reported Shlachter.

Speaking of queens, Barrett Christy herself chimed in on why she added this edge tech to her pro model. 鈥淭he Mag bumps are progressive, so the nose of the board doesn鈥檛 have any, and they progressively get more pronounced from the middle of the board to the tail,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exactly where I need the edge grip鈥攏ot at the turn initiation, but at the exit with a little Mag help at the tail for not sliding out of power turns.鈥�

Shlachter also loved the 鈥渆nergetic鈥� flex pattern鈥攕upplied by the Forest Stewardship Council-certified aspen and paulownia core, and reinforcing carbon bands鈥攚hich she found balanced enough for all types of terrain. Mammoth snowboard coach Gela Malek Pour agreed after ripping the Barrett on Diamond Peak鈥檚 fast and steep groomers, wind-loaded tree stashes, and even the park. 鈥淚 had a blast everywhere. I found this board to be the perfect stiffness that manages chatter really well, but at the same time soft enough to flex and pop effortlessly,鈥� she said.

Malek Pour also gave kudos to the Barrett鈥檚 versatile 8.1-meter radius sidecut and poppy, hardpack-gripping C3 camber profile (a camber-dominant hybrid with mellow rocker between the feet). 鈥淚f I could only pick one board to ride in all conditions and terrains for the rest of my life, this one would be pretty high on my list,鈥� she gushed.

The only ones who wouldn鈥檛 have fun on this whip, said another Sierra tester, are 鈥淧ure park rats and beginner riders.鈥� Why? Stiffness and aggression鈥攁ttributes that give advanced rippers much-needed responsiveness and reliability鈥攃an overwhelm progressing beginners and stifle the creativity of jibbier rail riders.

Overall, though, this is a ripping quiver killer for intermediate and up women who demand a high-performance, versatile, and fun daily driver.

听is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. In addition to directing 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 snowboard and splitboard gear tests鈥攁 role he鈥檚 handled since 2016鈥攈e directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard test and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, Gear Patrol, and Popular Mechanics, among others. He spends his winters testing snowboard and splitboard gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades Tahoe, as well as chasing stories and storms to snowboard meccas like Japan and Norway. His summers? They鈥檙e mainly spent at his desk, sifting through review forms and spec sheets, compiling our snowboard reviews鈥攁lthough he occasionally disappears in his custom-built 2006 Chevy Express for a few days when there鈥檚 swell on the coast.

The post The Gnu Barrett Is Our Favorite Women鈥檚 Snowboard of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.