So many snowboards, so little time. If you’re new to riding, it can be hard sifting through reviews, learning all the differences and knowing how to choose the best option. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
Welcome to my guide on the different types of snowboards and how to choose the best one for your level of riding and preferences.
Each snowboard type has its own personality and purpose. And understanding these key differences will help you ride at your absolute best.
So without further ado, let’s get to it.
Snowboards 101 (shape, flex + profile)
Before jumping into the different snowboard types, there’s some foundational stuff you should know first. Namely, it’s helpful to know about:
- Snowboard shapes
- Flex ratings
- Snowboard profiles
Let’s start with shape. Snowboard shape is important when it comes to the style of your riding and what you’re hoping to achieve on the hill.
There are two main types of snowboard shapes: twin tip and directional.
Snowboard Shapes
True twin tip snowboards have the exact same shape on either end of the deck. If you were to hold it in half, it would be an exact match.
Directional snowboards will have different shapes at either end of the deck. The front, or nose, of your board will be longer or more pointed.
There are more shape options that mix and match between these two dominant styles.
For example, a directional twin shape board may look like a true twin, but it’s actually subtly directional. Understanding snowboard shape will further ensure you choose a solid deck.
But besides shape, snowboards also have different flex ratings. So let’s keep moving and talk about that next.
As the name implies, snowboard flex is a factor to determine how flexible or “bendy” a deck is. The flex rating goes from 1-10.
You can tell the flex pretty easily by holding a board next to you and then pushing your knee against the middle. If it gives in easily and bends a lot, it has a higher flex.
The Snowboard Flex Rating System
1-3 → softer flex
4-6 → medium flex
7-10 → stiff flex
Different flex ratings will give you different riding styles and maneuverability.
For example, softer flex boards are better for park and beginners, but perform worse at high speeds. But stiffer boards offer more stability and are better for big hits or riding pipe.
Okay, before looking at the different types of shred sticks, let’s talk about one more riding nuance: snowboard profiles.
Snowboard profiles refer to the curvature the board has when parallel to the ground. There are a few main profiles you’ll likely encounter in your snowboard search.
Snowboard Profiles
There are four main snowboard profiles to know:
- Flat
- Camber
- Rocker
- Hybrid
Flat profiles have no curvature and are parallel to the ground.
Camber profiles will be slightly raised above the ground in the middle.
Rockers will have the middle touching the ground while the nose and tail are lifted up. These are more forgiving and good for beginners.
Hybrids are some mixture of the above profiles.
You can learn more about camber vs. rocker and other hybrid snowboard profiles in my full guide here.
The 6 Different Types of Snowboards
The list below are the core types of snowboards out there.
So if you’re in the market for a new deck, you’ll likely be choosing one of these options.
Let’s unpack each one.
1. Park (freestyle) Snowboards
My favorite style of riding is freestyle. So these types of snowboards are my personal favorite.
Park boards, or freestyle snowboards, have a softer flex rating and are designed to do better in terrain parks and when doing freestyle maneuvers.
Having a softer flex makes it easier to do spin maneuvers, presses and land more smoothly.
Park boards have a twin tip shape (vs. a directional one), so you can land and ride switch just as easily as your natural stance.
Park Boards (key specs)
- True twin shape (symmetrical shape on both ends)
- True flex (even, symmetrical flex on both ends)
- Rides the same both ways
- A wide range of flex for different types of freestyle riding (e.g., park vs. pipe)
- Softer flex makes it easier to control
- Not as easy to control at higher speeds
Perfect for: riders who want maneuverability and like to do park riding. Park boards with a softer flex and twin shape are also good for beginners.
2. All-Mountain Snowboards
Looking for a solid all-around snowboard? Perfect. This one may be what you need.
All-mountain snowboards are one of the most versatile types of snowboards. As their name suggests, they’re designed to perform well in any terrain or condition.
All-mountain boards tend to be a bit stiffer and usually look like a true twin (although they can be slightly directional in many cases).
There’s also a subset of snowboards called all-mountain freestyle boards, which are a hybrid style that will let you shred in the park while still exploring the mountain.
All-Mountain Boards (key specs)
- Great for all types of riding, but doesn’t excel fully at them individually
- Typically a more medium stiffer flex rating
- Usually twin or just slightly directional
- Can generally still ride both ways comfortably
- More stability and versatility
Perfect for: riders who are more general and want to enjoy all styles of riding.
3. Freeride Snowboards
Freeride boards pack a serious punch.
So if you’re a power rider, this may be your best choice.
Freeride snowboards are stiffer snowboards that are made for riding fast and carving hard.
This type of snowboarding lets you snowboard more aggressively.
Freeride Boards (key specs)
- Great for riding aggressive and carving
- Stiffer flex rating
- More directional shape and directional flex to bring more power to the tail
- Setbacks (where you’re bindings live) are farther back towards the tail
- Setback bindings make riding in deeper snow or powder easier
- The tail of the board may narrower than the front (taper)
Perfect for: riders who want to go fast and ride or carve aggressively.
4. Powder Boards
Save the corduroy snow for another day. We’re hitting pow with this board.
Powder boards are, as their name implies, snowboards best suited for riding in powder and deep snow conditions.
They’re engineered to excel at floating on powdery snow – a very specific type of riding. So this deck wouldn’t be best suited for groomed conditions or resort style riding.
Powder Boards (key specs)
- More directional
- Wider decks
- Designed to help you float
- Bindings are set back farther towards the tail
- More tapered decks
- The tails are small so your weight stays far back on the board
- Directional flex (stiffer tail, but softer front end)
Perfect for: anyone who’s regularly shredding deep powder or riding off piste.
5. Alpine Snowboards
Got a need for speed? Then alpine boards may be what you need.
Alpine snowboards are a type of snowboard built for racing and handling high speeds.
These boards are used for snowboard boardercross (SBX) and slalom-style racing. This type of riding definitely requires an advanced skill level.
Racing Boards (key specs)
- Usually longer
- Stiffer flex rating
- Have great stability and more control
- Best suited for high speeds
Perfect for: alpine racers and boardercross snowboarders.
6. Splitboards
These are the most unique type of snowboard on this list (in my opinion).
Splitboards are snowboards that have been cut in two (from the front to the back).
The deck separates into two ski-like pieces, allowing you to do something like alpine touring.
The purpose for these boards is to allow riders to hike up a hill (like cross country skiing), but then put the two “skis” back together and snowboard down.
Splitboards (key specs)
- Skins attach to the base for trekking
- Usually medium+ stiffness
- Available in a variety of styles and shapes (powder, freeride, etc.)
Perfect for: riders who love trekking, backcountry riding or hoofing it to the top.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of snowboard comes down to riding style, preferences and skill level.
While there’s some overlap between the different options on the market, choosing the right deck can have a big impact on your overall riding experience.
If you’re a beginner (or you’re not sure what type of snowboarding you prefer yet), a good all-mountain snowboard with a camber profile would be a solid choice.
But if you’re looking to spend more time in the backcountry and in deeper snow, you may want to consider a powder snowboard.
But whatever type of snowboard you end up choosing, I know you’ll crush it.
