The Winter Olympics is thrilling fans around the world, with snowboarding proving one of the most popular events.
You mightn't be able to compete with the likes of Shaun White but you can certainly follow them down the slopes.
Whether you're a first-time snowboarder or a seasoned expert, it's hard to overstate the important of good equipment.
Our friends at White Lines have selected three of the finest snowboards in the world for your consideration.
Hear the expert opinion and decide which is the right board for you.
Now onto that mountain!
Best Snowboards
ROME RAVINE
The all-new Ravine is pretty hard to miss thanks to that massive, squared-off nose. It’s also slightly spoon-shaped, and between the two features you’ve got a great freeride weapon at your disposal. If it won’t go over something, it’ll go through it. Meanwhile the tail features bamboo stringers that run from your back foot to the contact points on either edge. The result is more power through the turns, and a bit more height to your jumps if you put the work in. While fairly stiff, it’s not too aggressive, so powder lovers of all ability levels should consider this one. For more info, see romesnowboards.com
BATALEON GLOBAL WARMER
From end to end, the Bataleon Global Warmer is quite a bit softer than your average park board, but that’s no bad thing. It’s a matter of preference more than anything, and fans of more creative riding will love this. Carbon stringers run from edge to edge underneath each foot, so when you’re riding at speed it’ll always react quickly and remain stable. Then there’s Bataleon’s signature base design, which raises the edges a little at the nose and tail for a more forgiving ride. The classic camber profile means that it still holds an edge well when you want it to, and makes it pop nicely, too. For more info, see bataleon.com
SALOMON ASSASSIN
Salomon’s long-serving all-rounder has been given a few tweaks for the coming winter. For starters, the flex pattern is now directional, rather than true twin. You can still ride it switch though (and the graphics practically beg you to), so freestyle is still very much on the table. The sidecut has been upgraded to a higher quality version that grips firmer snow like nothing else. That makes the Assassin just as excellent for blasting freshly-groomed pistes as it is for lapping the park. A true Swiss Army knife of a snowboard, this is one to consider if you like to do a bit of everything on the mountain. For more info, see salomon.com
The Burton Instigator
The Burton Instigator is new for this winter, and has already made a name for itself as the ideal choice for entry-level snowboarders. Obviously its performance is a little lacking in some areas but that shouldn’t concern a newbie. Its slightly directional shape is more effective than ‘true twin’ boards when you’re getting to grips with those first turns, and the flat profile is less likely to catch on the piste. Best of all, the Instigator is pretty damn hard to outgrow; many an expert rider has bought one to use as a fun, affordable ‘resort’ board for when the conditions rule out any powder-chasing. For more info, see White Lines
Gnu Müllair
Even after decades in the game, Nicolas Müller remains popular thanks to his effortless style in the backcountry. For the last couple of winters he’s ridden the Gnu Müllair, his own pro model with American-based board builders Gnu. Its cambered profile delivers plenty of power and pop, making it ideal for boosting off natural features, and it’s just stiff enough to be stable at speed without feeling too much like a plank. If it hasn’t snowed in a while, the Müllair’s wavy edges ensure you get maximum grip on even the iciest terrain. However, it’s in the deep stuff that it really comes into its own. For more info, see White Lines
Head Instinct i.KERS
It may be better known for their line of racing skis, but Head also does a fine line in snowboards. The Head Instinct i.KERS is a quality all-rounder that boasts some truly remarkable tech features, chief of which is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System that will be familiar to F1 fans. It also features graphene, the one-atom-thick ‘miracle material’, that reduces the board’s weight without compromising strength and stability. If all of this sounds like it’ll be a bit expensive, then you’ll be pleased to learn that the Head Instinct i.KERS comes in at a very reasonable £425. For more info, see White Lines
