Winter sparetime

What matters most when choosing a snowboard? Other than the graphics (a big deal, we know), it's compatibility. How well a snowboard meshes with your riding style and experience level impacts the fun factor you will enjoy when riding it.

The better you understand yourself as a rider, the more success you'll have choosing the right snowboard for you.

Three key factors are:

• Riding style.
• Budget.
• Experience level.

Every rider is different, and to each individual 1 of these factors may significantly outweigh the others. But all 3 merit some thought as you mull over your snowboard options.Very much depends on the type of snowboard you choose.

Types of Snowboards

The assessments below describe the primary use of each board type, though most are not so strictly specialized that they cannot be ridden elsewhere on a mountain.

"Some boards can easily adapt to different terrain, depending on the skills of the snowboarder riding them," says Rob Krystofiak of REI Portland (Ore.), whose love for boarding spans more than 2 decades and has led him to ride faraway slopes in Chile and France. "Many boards have a combination of characteristics that can meet a range of rider demands."

All-Mountain

All-mountain boards can adapt to just about any terrain. They may be directional (for riding regular, with the sidecut shifted toward the tail of the board) or twin tip (for riding regular or switch). See the Snowboard Shapes section later in this article. Their flex is forgiving, though not necessarily soft.

Freeride

These directional boards are for anyone who seeks out backcountry terrain, riding in the steeps, chunder or powder, all at decent speed. (Chunder refers to irregular, sometimes large clumps of snow such as snowcat–debris.) They also perform well during fast top-to-bottom resort runs. They are usually at the stiff end of the spectrum and sometimes have tapered shapes (meaning a narrower tail) to increase carving performance. They deliver stability for high-speed cruising on hardpack and quick edge-to-edge control on technical terrain.

A note to freeriders: Whenever heading into the backcountry, even if just for a few powder turns in a resort's sidecountry before returning in-bounds, these points are essential:

• Understand how to evaluate the stability of snowpack.
• Understand search-and-rescue safety basics; always carry a probe, shovel and avalanche transceiver.
• Never take off into the backcountry alone; always bring a buddy.
• Let someone know where you and your buddy are headed.

Freestyle/Park

These twin-tipped boards are easy to maneuver for tricks, aerial rotations and riding switch. Park boards are generally the softest and most maneuverable of all boards to accommodate jibbing. (Boards that perform well in the pipe are usually stiffer, which allows them to power through transitions.) Freestyle/park boards often feature heavy-duty edges and base treatments that can take a beating when riding rails, boxes, tree trunks and other snowless surfaces.

The National Ski Areas Association has created a "Smart Style" initiative to boost safety and a friendly atmosphere on freestyle terrain. It consists of 4 points:

• Make a plan: For each terrain park feature you want to use, plan it out. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
• Look before you leap: Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
• Easy style it: Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
• Respect gets respect: From the lift line through the park.

Powder

While all snowboards excel in deep snow compared to skis, there are a few styles dedicated to riding in fresh, deep, unconsolidated snow. Powder boards generally offer directional shapes and usually have set-back mounting positions that put the rider's weight closer to the board's tail. Some powder boards feature an extra wide directional tip and a tapered shape, a combination that provides exceptional flotation. Other boards have a swallow tail, which drives the tail down while it keeps the nose floating on top of the bottomless fresh. Many powder boards are designed with rocker (reverse camber) to increase flotation.

Splitboard

These backcountry-specific boards split into a left and right half in order to permit climbing on untracked slopes, then can be reattached to ride downhill. Special, movable binding interface plates allow you to tour side-by-side with your telemark and randonee/alpine touring companions to access remote powder. You'll need climbing skins and a split kit, usually sold separately.

Wide Boards

These expansive boards are wider from edge-to-edge at binding mounts to accommodate riders with larger feet. Some riders who covet an extra-large footprint for enhanced powder flotation may also take an interest in wide boards.

Men's boards are usually offered in the following widths:

• Regular: size 10.5 boots and smaller.
• Mid-wide: sizes 9.5-12. Following the lead of several manufacturers, REI groups regular and mid-wide boards into a single "Regular" category.
• Wide: size 11 and up. Not all male riders with size 11 boots and higher are required to choose a wide board, but it is a good option to consider.

Wider boards for women are gradually emerging. Women with a boot size of 10 or higher can take a look at the mid-wide Burton Feather.

Women's Boards

The most common board modifications for women are narrower waists and softer flex. REI views its selection of women-specific boards as one of the most extensive available at any retailer. Some taller women, particularly those with a boot size of 9 or higher, may still find it useful to at least look at some boards in the men's category.

Kids' Boards

Kids grow fast, but as a parent, don't be tempted to buy an adult board hoping your child will grow into it. An oversized board can be unmanageable for your child and actually slow their development as a snowboarder. REI offers a Junior Snowsports Trade-In Program: Get 20% off new gear with every gently used like-item.