Testing snowboards sounds like a blast—and it is. But the truth is that running a snowboard test is no simple task. To successfully pull off an objective, thorough test, you need heaps of snowboard gear from brands big and small and a diverse crew of diehard riders to test it. Last but not least, you need a radical resort with varied terrain that allows testers to truly put gear on the chopping block. This past spring, that resort was Kirkwood: a storied freeride hub just south of Lake Tahoe.
We had arguably our best snowboard test in the last decade at this under-the-radar resort, which is home to puckering cliffs, corridor-like chutes, and steep, technical terrain that demands respect. Throughout our test week, the crew lapped pristine groomers and fun, empty terrain parks, too. Not to mention, our splitboarders were frothing over Kirkwood’s stellar sidecountry access. Factor in the overall vibe of the resort—old-school and refreshingly unpretentious—and the test was one for the books.
Here, we pull back the curtain to share how we pick the best unisex snowboards, women’s snowboards, splitboards, snowboard boots, and snowboard bindings. We’ll break down the test process, shine the spotlight on our talented rider roster, and showcase why Kirkwood was an ideal test venue.
If nothing else, it’s evidence that we did indeed have a blast.
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