Let's start with the foundation of your perfect setup, the snowboard. Your choice of snowboard will obviously depend on the terrain you want to ride. There are three main categories: All-mountain, freeride and freestyle snowboards, in addition splitboards are becoming increasingly popular. In the following sections you will find important information about each category and what makes them special.

All Mountain Snowboards

The name of this category says it all. Are you looking for a real all-rounder that will be fun on any terrain? Then this is definitely the category for you. With an all-mountain snowboard at your feet, you can have fun all day on the groomed slopes, but if conditions allow, you can also make a detour into the powder. Even for your first steps in the park and on smaller jumps and rails, an all-mountain snowboard won't let you down. All in all, this category offers a wide range of uses and fun in any terrain.

Freeride Snowboards

Powder dreams come true with this category of boards, or at least you'll find the right board for your next trip into the backcountry. Freeride boards usually have a directional shape, which means the bindings are slightly offset backwards, making the nose a little longer than the tail of the board for extra lift in deep snow. A wider nose also helps with buoyancy. If you are looking for a powder-optimized board, take a look at this category.

Together with the boots, the bindings form the connection to the snowboard and are therefore an essential part of any snowboard equipment.

Snowboard Bindings

The choice of binding should always be matched to the board. For beginners and jibbers, riders who focus on rails and boxes, softer flexing bindings are more suitable. All-mountain riders should opt for a medium flex. For freeride and big jump lines, harder flexing bindings are recommended.

Snowboard Boots

When it comes to snowboard boots, the most important thing is that they fit well and give you the comfort you want, which is why many brands have size charts in our online shop to make online shopping easier and help you find the right boot. There are also differences in the flex of the boots, softer flexing boots offer more comfort and are suitable for beginners, but offer less support than harder flexing boots. On the other hand, harder flexing boots offer more responsiveness and more direct transfer of movement to the board, as well as more support.
Another important difference in boots is the lacing system. There are traditional laces, quick laces and Boa laces. There are also combinations of Boa lacing and traditional lacing. The disadvantage of traditional lacing is that it loses tension during the day and you may need to retighten it from time to time. Quick lacing systems are available from Nitro, for example, and offer more comfort because it is easier to tighten the shoe. The Boa system allows you to tighten the boot very tightly, and if the lacing loosens, you can retighten it quickly and easily.

Splitboards

Splitboards come in a wide variety of designs for different uses. However, the vast majority of boards have one thing in common: a directional shape, with the nose slightly longer than the tail to improve buoyancy in deep snow; after all, they are designed for the backcountry.
There are boards designed for high alpine terrain, which are more ascent-oriented. These boards are particularly light and some are even reinforced with carbon, which also gives a harder flex. On the other hand, there are boards designed for really deep powder, which are characterized by a wide and long nose for lots of buoyancy. Of course, there is everything in between.
Generally speaking, a hard flex will help you ascent, especially in difficult conditions, and if you like to ride steep big mountain lines at high speed, you will be best served with a hard flexing board. Medium and soft flexing boards are more playful and not quite as aggressive as a stiff board.
For steep lines with a lot of speed, it is advisable to ride a longer board, even if you have to sacrifice a little on the ascent in hairpin turns, as these become a little more difficult with a longer board. For playful powder turns and sprays, a board of your usual length is best.

Splitboard skins

As with touring skis, skins are essential for grip when ascending. Some brands, such as Nitro, offer skins that are already cut to fit their splitboards, saving you the hassle of cutting them at home.

Splitboard accessories

One of the most important parts of your splitboard accessories are the crampons. When the ascent gets tough and the snow gets harder or even icy, crampons are essential so you don't lose your grip and put yourself in danger.

Having the best gear on your feet is only half the fun if you don't have the right clothes for the conditions. Even though design is important, functionality should not be neglected, because if you look cool but freeze or sweat excessively, you won't have any fun. The best way to avoid this is the good old three-piece look. This is a combination of a moisture-regulating base layer, a heat-insulating mid layer and a waterproof and windproof snowboard jacket and pants. Of course, the right socks and gloves are also important to keep your hands and feet warm. To round off your style and look good during your lunch break at the lodge, a headband or beanie won't hurt either.