Upgrade Guide: Best Next Snowboards After Beginner Stage

You’ve put in the work and you’re no longer a beginner. In fact, you now know how to turn your snowboard consistently on gentle terrain and you’re no longer a novice!

If you’re unsure what level you are, consult our article “What Level of Snowboarder Am I?” before reading any further.

This guide is aimed at intermediate snowboarders who are ready to start exploring new terrain, new maneuvers, and make shorter, more dynamic turns.

If this is you, then read on!

What style of snowboarding do I want to focus on?

There are so many different ways to ride a snowboard and so many different types of terrain. I personally like to ride it all and I’ve chosen one board to match that preference. I’ll tell you which board it is at the end of the article.

Many snowboarders have a quiver of boards from which they can choose a board to match the conditions and goals of the day.

If you’re unsure which riding style you’d like to focus on, read the following article detailing the different riding styles, “What is Style in Snowboarding and What is My Riding Style?”.

Keep reading for recommendations on which snowboards are best for snowboarders looking to upgrade their boards to focus on each of the following riding styles.

How to approach this board list

It needs to be said that the following are merely recommendations. Use the spec recommendations as a guide and the links as examples.

Snowboarding has a diverse ecosystem of board brands which reflect the diversity of people we find in snowboarding. It’s important to find a board company that aligns with your values and support them by purchasing their equipment.

Without further ado, read on for my personal recommendations!

Best intermediate snowboards for All-Mountain riding

The best specs for an intermediate all-mountain snowboard are a board with:

• Mid-flex
• Directional shape
• Traditional or hybrid camber

Some good options are:

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Best intermediate snowboards for Powder and Freeriding

The best specs for an intermediate all-mountain snowboard are a board with:

• Mid-flex
• Directional shape, tapered tail
• Hybrid camber

Some good options are:

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Best intermediate snowboards for Carving

The best specs for an intermediate carving snowboard are a board with:

• Mid-flex
• Directional shape
• Traditional camber

Some good options are:

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Best intermediate snowboards for Freestyle and Park riding

The best specs for an intermediate carving snowboard are a board with:

• Mid-flex
• Twin shape
• Traditional or Hybrid camber

Some good options are:

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Conclusion

After reading this guide you should have a good idea of the specs to look for to match your preferred riding style. You should also have a few examples of board recommendations to support your progression beyond the beginner stage.

I’m a snowboarder who likes to ride it all and as such I’ve chosen a board that does it all: Burton Custom Camber. It’s a mid-flex, all-mountain directional snowboard with traditional caber that performs equally well in the steeps, in the bumps, in the trees, on the groomers, and in the park.

That’s my preference, now go out and find yours!