Best Freeride Snowboards of 2023

JUMP TO: JONES FLAGSHIP  /  K2 ALCHEMIST  /  CAPITA SPRING BREAK  /  ROME RAVINE  /  SALOMON SIGHT  /  BURTON RIPCORD  /  YES PYL  /  WOMEN’S JONES FLAGSHIP / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Holly Price

The Short Version

The Long Version

Freeriding is essentially the puritan snowboarder’s holy grail. Adventurous, exhilarating, and definitely dangerous, it is the most aggressive form of riding.

An easy way to remember what exactly it means is to take the term ‘free’ and imagine the free-est kind of snowboarding available out there in the mountains. We’re talking navigating couloirs with pin-point precision, blasting into the white room in fields of untouched powder, and zipping in and out of trees in search of natural hits – you’re free because you’re out in the backcountry, away from the crowded groomers and in the heart of nature.

As you can probably imagine, there are different elements to freeriding that will make some boards more suited to one aspect of it than others. For example, the free rider who likes to send it off lips and other natural features needs to know that their board can deal with heavy landings, whereas the powder hound rider will want something that floats like a butterfly.

So, in this guide, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the best freeride snowboards of the current season.

If you love reading this review of the best freeride snowboards, then you'll likely love reading some of our other snowboarding content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

If you’re new to the sport and finding all the shapes, flex ratings, and other technical specs confusing, then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article.

 

Best Overall: JONES FLAGSHIP

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced-Expert

FLEX RATING: 7.5

SHAPE: Tapered Directional 

PROFILE: Directional Hybrid Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Designed for those who like it steep and deep.

CONS: Too stiff for beginner, intermediate and even some advanced riders. This board means business.

Also known as ‘the freeride foundation,’ it’s safe to say the Flagship is the certified GOAT in technical riding. Inspiring confidence with its directional shape and profile, the board features Jones’ own ‘Traction Tech’ for optimum edge hold, which is essentially three bumps along the toe and heel edge of the board, with the largest bump sitting in the middle. There’s also a progressive sidecut to help with easier turn initiation and increased control. Put simply, there’s enough clever design tech to shake a stick at.

In terms of board feel, Jones’ has applied their own exclusive ‘V-core’ wood core profiling which is soft between the feet for seamless turns and stiffer at the nose and tail to guarantee stability when landing or riding uneven terrain. The board has a reputation for being a dream in powder, which is mostly down to the 3D-contour base which features intelligent spoon bevels in the nose and tail for zero drag and effortless float.

Another great thing about this board and the Jones brand in general is their commitment to sustainability without compromising quality. Using only recycled plastic and bio resin made from 27% plant-based carbon, this thing is a lean, mean riding machine that cares about the mountains it plays in.

Best for Hard Carves: K2 ALCHEMIST

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced-Expert

FLEX RATING: 9

SHAPE: Tapered Directional

PROFILE: Directional Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Super responsive and lightweight with an edge hold that performs well on various different types of snow.

CONS: Not an ideal beginner/intermediate ride.

Happiest when straightlining, the K2 Alchemist is definitely a big boy toy. A hardcharger with directional design, this freeride board is described as ‘The North Star in the K2 Snowboarding snowboard offering.’ 

Designed with expert to advanced riders in mind, the Alchemist is packed with functional technology, exclusive to K2. Two of these far out features include the SpaceGlass™ tip insert and the patented Spectral Braid.

SpaceGlass™ is a pre-cured fiberglass insert that helps reduce weight, reduce chatter, and increase edge pressure for a seamless experience. Spectral Braid is a clever bit of tech that allows the board to vary in tip-to-tail stiffness and torsional stiffness, making for optimum edge hold while still keeping things comfy and relaxed between the feet. Overall, those two components ensure effortless turn initiation.

While it may not be the first choice for park, the Alchemist can hold its own on other areas of the mountain including pipe, groomers and powder. A stealthy weapon for those who love their narrow S-turns, the Alchemist has the capability to lay down those circle and euro carves too.

Although not the fastest board on the market, the Alchemist is definitely up there. The base features a wax-infused, sintered composition for those dreamy glide scenarios. There’s even spec to backup the ‘snophobic’ top sheet, which is designed to shed unwanted snow buildup.

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced

FLEX RATING: 3

SHAPE: Tapered Directional

PROFILE: Hybrid Camber - CAPiTA’s own ‘Surf Camber Profile’

PRICE: $$$

PROS: A super fun surfy powder and slush board that is worth having in the quiver. Also performs well in the trees.

CONS: Not the choice for hard carving. Switch riding is obviously a no-go due to the fish tail shape.

A playful, mellow ride designed for those low-vis, lower mountain tree days with mates, the Slush Slasher has deservedly gained cult status in the realm of legendary snowboards.

Boasting CAPiTA’s usual great graphics and an impressive aesthetic design, the Slush Slasher has a free and easy ride style that means you won’t catch your edge, but you’ll also need to know what you’re doing in order to have control.

In terms of tech spec, the Slush Slasher features a lightweight Poplar and Beech core for optimum pop and durability. A special-blend fiberglass composition also increases strength and performance, while the inlaid alloy tail skid plate will make rails irresistible - just imagine how sick those flying sparks will look in your next edit.

The superdrive ex base also promises high abrasion resistance and a super smooth glide. However, the challenges you might face are the soft flex and the loosey-goosey feel meaning balls-to-the-wall carving is off the agenda. Nevertheless, this board is deserving of a space in the quiver.

Best for Switch Riding: ROME RAVINE

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate+

FLEX RATING: 6

SHAPE: Tapered directional

PROFILE: Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Probably the swiss-army knife of this freeride selection. Great amount of pop for nailing those side hits and pillows. Effortless turns.

CONS: It does get some chatter beneath the front foot when you’re carving hard.

Designed to be a playful and ultra-responsive board, the Ravine makes light work of pow days and brings a freestyle feel to groomer days, making it a reasonable all-rounder choice. Built with Rome’s own Directional Diamond 3D Nose and a healthy dose of taper, the Ravine is equally at home between the trees or when nailing those side hits and backcountry pillows.

If you’re rightly wondering what exactly the ‘Directional Diamond 3D’ tech is, it’s designed to increase float in deep snow, improve handling in variable terrain, smooth turn initiation, reduce edge catch and complement all-mountain riding in all-senses. Described as a ‘versatile and reliable all-mountain assassin,’ the Ravine is an easy choice if you’re looking for a freeride board that serves as a decent all-rounder.

Durable as it is versatile, the Rome Ravine features two thin rods of carbon milled into the core of the tail for a powerful snap and pop. In terms of freestyle, this board facilitates butters, spins and jumps, allowing you to take it anywhere on the mountain.

All in all, this is the board to choose if you’re looking for a swiss-army knife freeride stick.

Best Mellow Surfy Ride: SALOMON SIGHT

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate

FLEX RATING: 4

SHAPE: Tapered Directional

PROFILE: Hybrid Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Affordable, described by Salomon as an ‘all-mountain freeride’ board which gives it plenty of versatility.

CONS: Softer flex – but that’s why it’s down as a surfy option.

One of the more accessible boards in this list in terms of price point and ability level, the Salomon Sight is a true surfer’s freeride snowboard.

Featuring Salomon’s CamRock profile, the Sight is mellow between the feet thanks to the camber, while the rocker at the nose and tail brings pop for that playful surfy feeling. The composition of the board features a small amount of cork which is designed to soak up any chatter you’re likely to feel at top speed, along with an Aspen core for energy and durability.

Performing best in wide powder fields and technical tree runs, the Sight might be just a bit too soft for those who love to defy death with steep, speedy descents. Ultimately though, you’re able to take this board out during any day of the season, which is why we like it.

Best for Beginners: BURTON RIPCORD

ABILITY LEVEL: Beginner

FLEX RATING: 3

SHAPE: Directional

PROFILE: Continuous Rocker

PRICE: $$$

PROS: All-mountain capability makes for a great first snowboard choice for someone looking to get into freeriding.

CONS: Relatively soft flex might mean you outgrow it when it comes to hard charging.

Burton’s Ripcord is designed to give beginner riders the confidence they need to accelerate their advanced riding skills. It has a directional flex, minimal taper, and extruded base to ensure you don’t catch any edges. Plus, it glides like a bar of soap with minimal maintenance.

In a nutshell, it’s a great beginner board if the eventual goal is to be dropping out of a helicopter for the best backcountry spots.

In terms of tech, the board is equipped with Burton’s usual channel binding configuration, easy bevel in both the nose and tail, and a complete wood core for maximum flex and pop. It has a fully-fiberglass composition with a jib-friendly torsionally soft flex feel that will have you wanting to take this bad boy to the park. The subtle taper and differences between nose and tail length also allow you to ride switch easily.

Best on a Budget: YES PYL

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate+

FLEX RATING: 7

SHAPE: Tapered Directional

CAMBER: Hybrid Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: An affordable board that can hold its own among some of the very best on this list.

CONS: Not for beginners.

With a decent level of stiffness, edge-hold and float, the YES. Pick Your Line gives you plenty of freeride bang for your buck. Slightly softer than the 2021/22 model, this board is designed for laying into those deep carves and flying down the mountain at top speed.

Equipped with the YES tapered underbite, the PYL has little wing-like features that are designed to deliver directional drive and edge hold. Super stable at speed and responsive on uneven terrain, the PYL isn’t one to get bucked around in crud but does offer the tech for instant maneuverability should you need it.

The board isn’t designed for freestyle, however it does hold its own with jumps – it’s better suited to bigger sends and is forgiving on the landing. Plus, it does allow for switch riding, although we wouldn’t call it the comfiest switch ride.

Best Women’s Specific: JONES WOMEN’S FLAGSHIP

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced-Expert

FLEX RATING: 7.5

SHAPE: Tapered Directional

PROFILE: Directional Hybrid Camber

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Designed for those who like it steep and deep.

CONS: Too stiff for beginner, intermediate and even some advanced riders. This board means business.

As we said above for the men’s version, the Jones Flagship is the GOAT of freeride snowboarding. With a stunning design and kick-ass composition, the women-specific Flagship has allowed female riders to up their game for over 10 years, remaining a mainstay at the top of the list.

Conquering the complete mountain, the only area where this board doesn’t exceed expectations is of course the park. But, if you’re reading this list, it’s unlikely that park is your priority.

Equipped with Jones’ Traction Tech waved edges, the board also features a CamRock profile to ensure that you can effortlessly hold your line. Nicely damp, the Flagship’s wood veneer topsheet allows for very little chatter, and a durable core of bamboo and triax fiberglass keeps you from feeling thrown about when cutting through crud.

BUYING ADVICE FOR FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS

Freeride vs All Mountain

The most common mistake for newcomers is assuming that freeriding is the same as all-mountain.

While freeriding definitely does cover some aspects of all-mountain riding, it’s more ‘all-terrain’ in the sense that freeride snowboarders are keen to access all of the different areas throughout the resort (mostly the backcountry) – looking for powder, charging hard, and hitting those natural lips formed by mother nature herself.

All mountain snowboarding on the other hand allows a rider to transition between backcountry, groomers, and even the park. All mountain snowboarding is less about just freeriding backcountry terrain and more about being a ‘jack of all trades’.

In order to freeride safely and confidently, most riders will be looking for a reactive board with a good balance of stiffness and dampness.

Shape

There is no ‘correct’ shape when it comes to snowboards - they come in all manner of shapes and sizes which are designed to help you get the most out of your ride. Here, I’ll talk you through the different shapes available and what style of snowboarding they are best suited to.

TRUE TWIN (also ASYMMETRICAL TWIN): Exactly what it says on the tin, a True Twin shape is made of two identical halves, meaning it is entirely symmetrical. This usually means that the waist or center of the board is equal in distance from the nose and tail. True Twin snowboards are best for freestyle due to how easy it is to ride switch and set up for 180s.

DIRECTIONAL TWIN: A Directional Twin shape is only subtly different from a True Twin. These types of boards will have a slightly longer nose than tail thanks to the slight setback stance, which gives the board that little bit of direction while still allowing for switch riding.

DIRECTIONAL: The Directional shape is fairly self-explanatory - it wants to go in one direction more than the other. There are a number of things that make a board directional, such as a longer nose than tail, a different nose and tail shape, a setback stance and directional camber. While you can still ride switch on this board type, it won’t be the most comfortable experience. Directional shapes have one end optimized for riding with speed, in powder or when carving.

TAPERED DIRECTIONAL: Again, the clue is in the name with this one. A Tapered Directional board tapers from the nose to the tail, meaning that the contact point at the front of the board will be wider than the one at the back. Designed to float like a butterfly, these boards are all about powder hounds and freeriders.

Profile

Hearing terms like ‘camber,’ ‘rocker’ and ‘hybrid’ being thrown around can soon become overwhelming. However, by taking a quick moment to understand them, you’ll be better equipped when it comes to choosing the best all-mountain snowboard for you.

Below, I’ve listed the different types of snowboard profiles and what styles of riding they are suited to.

TRADITIONAL CAMBER: Way back when snowboarding was new, all boards were made with the traditional camber. Designed to make it easier to pop for ollies and jumps, boards with traditional camber have an ‘n’ or dish-like shape that arches upwards slightly from the contact point of the nose to the contact point of the tail.

CONTINUOUS ROCKER/REVERSE CAMBER: You can think of this shape as the reverse of traditional camber. Known as continuous rocker, reverse camber and many other names including the beloved ‘banana,’ this style of board has a ‘u’ shape which makes it harder to catch an edge and easier to spin - which is great for both beginners and jibbers who want to butter their way down the slopes.

FLAT: Flat boards are completely flat from contact point to contact point, meaning they offer maximum stability but not much speed. They’re also not that great for beginners thanks to the higher risk of catching an edge, but the payoff is that they offer good edge hold for those who want to carve.

HYBRID: Hybrid profile boards bring together a combination of camber, rocker and flat for different riding sensations and capabilities. There are tons of variations for different styles of snowboarding, but the most common are rocker/camber/rocker which is known as hybrid camber and the camber/rocker/camber which is known as hybrid rocker.

Hybrid camber is a profile favored by beginners due to the feel of the central camber underfoot and the ease of initiating turns thanks to the front and rear rocker sections, while the hybrid rocker, or Flying V as it is also called, is great for those who want plenty of pop for their jumps and airs.

Flex

The flex rating of a snowboard is very easy to understand - it rates how flexible the board itself is from 1 to 10.

MOST FLEX: At the lower end of the scale with flex ratings of 1 to 3, you’ve got freestyle boards that will allow you to butter, jib and press with ease. However, if you’re looking to step up to big park airs, you’ll want a little more stiffness and less flex to ensure you can land safely.

MODERATE FLEX: Similarly, for the best all-mountain snowboard experience, the flex rating should be around 5 so that you can get the best of both worlds.

LEAST FLEX: Anything over 6 is designed with aggressive carving and freeriding in mind, allowing riders to bomb down descents with failsafe edge hold.

Size

When it comes to determining what size snowboard you need, you’ll want to consider both length and width. Typically, the width should be fine if you ensure to get the right length for you, but in some cases (particularly if you’ve got huge feet) you’ll need to opt for a wider board.

LENGTH: When choosing the right length for you, you’ll need to consider your height, weight, ability level and what style of snowboarding suits you. Heavier people need longer boards, while lighter people need shorter ones. You’ll also need a longer board if you are taller, but this isn’t as important as weight. Ability level also affects your board size, with beginners typically needing something shorter so that they are able to maneuver easily.

Freestyle riders will normally opt for a shorter board for ease of movement, while freeriders and carvers will want more length for added edgehold. You can find out your optimum length based on your weight from the manufacturer of your chosen board. It’s important to note, though, that for an all-mountain experience, you’re best sticking with the recommended size for your weight and height.

WIDTH: In an ideal world, your bare feet would sit perfectly on the width of the board, toe against toe edge and heel against heel edge. If your feet are miles away from either edge, it’s going to make it harder for you to apply the necessary pressure to turn.

The easy way to find the right width of snowboard for you is by measuring your boot overhang. When strapped into your centered bindings, your boots should only have a maximum of around 2 cm overhang.

MORE INFORMATION

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