Snowboards F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Next winter snowboarding season is shaping up to be one of innovation and accessibility. While some brands are innovating with high-tech wizardry, others are keeping it real by making sure everyone – whether we talk about a seasoned rider or a complete newbie – can have fun without maxing out their credit card. With a variety of price points, board types, and a few cool tricks up their sleeves, the 25/26 collections are here to make sure snowboarding stays as fun and fresh as the first tracks on a powder day. Let’s dive into what’s hot and what’s happening in the world of snowboarding for the season ahead. Ladies and gents, welcome to the 25/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide for snowboards, brought to you by Matthieu Perez.
POT-POURRI
The increasing cost of access to resorts is one of the biggest barriers facing the industry, which has put a strain on the ability of many to enjoy the sport. Amplid’s Peter Bauer gets worried: “The main challenge for the winter sport industry is the increasing prices of lift passes”. For some, the allure of snowboarding may be declining as lift passes become less affordable, especially for younger generations. Brands like Sims are taking action as explained by Philipp Schöpke, European Sales Manager: “It’s getting more and more exclusive, and that’s difficult for the next generation that want to get into snowboarding. We are happy to have a nice board under €500 in our lineup, that allows you to get into snowboarding and that’s actually just a sick board”. As Sims points out, the increasing exclusivity of the sport is becoming an issue, especially for younger riders who might struggle to enter the snowboarding world due to financial constraints.
This trend of seeking affordability while maintaining quality is mirrored by Yes Snowboards. Brand Manager, David Pitschi notices, “We see a lot of kids moving away from resorts due to the excruciating cost of a lift pass and bringing their riding to the local streets and backyards. Also the group effect of riding with your friends is trending too”. This shift highlights a larger movement toward community-driven snowboarding, where the social experience of riding with friends is as integral as the sport itself. While this camaraderie has always been a part of snowboarding’s DNA, it’s now more prominent than ever as a defining aspect of the culture. Let the new generation embrace the vibe and keep the spirit of snowboarding alive in the streets, backyards, and beyond!
Sustainability continues to be a theme for 25/26, with brands across the industry stepping up to create more eco-friendly products. For example, Bataleon has embraced high-performance, plant-based Wend Wax for all its snowboards, signaling a shift toward sustainability without sacrificing speed or durability. Similarly, Borealis is rethinking its entire approach to product design, moving toward a more simplified and sustainable collection. The brand is introducing a new logo for 25/26 to signify a shift back to core values and a streamlined product lineup. “Accompanying this is a decrease in our prices, making our line more accessible and democratic. We also rearranged the collection to make it more comprehensible”, adds Ben Hall, Owner and Manager.
Burton, one of the industry’s most iconic brands, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Custom model for the 2025/26 season. This milestone highlights Burton’s ability to blend legacy with innovation, ensuring the Custom remains a favorite among riders. “You can expect to see some hype around this”, warns Benedikt Pelikan, European Merchandising Director. The anniversary of this iconic product is expected to create significant buzz, with limited-edition releases and special collaborations adding to the excitement. DC, which had stepped away from snowboarding for a couple of years, is returning with a curated selection of snowboards for 25/26. DC’s comeback signals that even established brands can be nimble in adjusting to the ever-changing dynamics of the snowboarding industry.
The last season proved difficult for Sandy Shapes, who faced a devastating setback in July when a hailstorm destroyed the roof of their production plant, resulting in significant delays in production. Despite these challenges, Sandy Shapes worked tirelessly to deliver orders, albeit with delays. “We want to increase the quality and finishing level to a higher standard and share this with the shops. Additionally, we aim to help snowboarders improve their technique through new tools so they can truly understand what is best for them in terms of board selection”, explains Sandy Shapes’ CEO, Alessandro Marchi. Scandinavian Tur Snowboards, has proven itself agile in adapting to industry trends and is continuously seeking new creative ways to evolve its brand. “For the current season, we are releasing a new concept celebrating the Scandinavian heritage of the darkness, the ‘Mörkret Edition’. This has been released at the end of November in a limited edition snowboard together with some apparel with artwork by Swedish artist Ragnar Persson”, reminds us Zebbe Landmark, International Sales Manager. The brand is also exploring collaboration opportunities for the future, signaling an exciting period of creativity and expansion.
The growing demand for premium products is another trend that is shaping the industry, as evidenced by brands like Rome. With consumers increasingly seeking high-end gear, Rome is noting that riders are more willing than ever to invest in top-tier products. However, rising material costs are making it more challenging to maintain competitive pricing. Libtech, for example, has been dealing with increased material costs, but they are countering this challenge by improving factory efficiency. “We are seeing material costs go up and up, but efficiency improvements at the factory and a desire to get great snowboards on hard working class heroes, means we are cutting prices” says Pete Saari, VP of creativity at Lib Tech.
FOCUS
The next generation of snowboarding talent is also receiving attention from brands like Slash, which has continued to push its kids program for 25/26. “Our youth program is all about promoting fun and getting really good boards under feet to allow a platform for freestyle progression”, enhances Harry Mitchell Thompson, Marketing Manager.” These riders, many of whom are children of riders who grew up watching Gigi Ruf’s movie parts, are part of a new wave of snowboarding enthusiasts who are gaining visibility and making their mark on the sport. Slash’s commitment to youth development ensures the brand will remain a significant player in the snowboarding world for years to come. For Head, fostering the next generation of riders is paramount. Its Futureheads program invests in the future of snowboarding by introducing kids to the sport and supporting their progression. This ethos is echoed by Jones, whose expanded youth series aims to inspire young shredders with premium boards tailored to their needs, whether they’re learning to link turns or venturing into freeride terrain. Despite the challenges of rising costs, many companies keep focusing on their product development, making strides in materials and manufacturing methods that reduce environmental impact. Nidecker Product Manager, Antoine Floquet comments, “Prices remain quite stable on our side and sales are growing, this is enabling us to keep innovating with our marketing and logistics in each product category. It also spurred our partners to invest in new machinery, with the result that we can now build more complex parts with a higher level of quality and consistency.” These efforts reinforce Nidecker’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and delivering the best possible products to our community.
Roxy, a brand known for its focus on versatile, easy-riding shapes and contours, has continued to evolve in line with the latest trends in both product design and sustainability. For 25/26, the XOXO snowboard, designed by Chloe Kim, stands out as a perfect example of this evolution as it incorporates eco-conscious elements, made at Mervin MFG, powered by 90% renewable energy. Goodboards maintains a commitment to short transport routes and small-scale European manufacturing to minimise environmental impact.
Jones has always prioritised sustainability and continues with the introduction of responsibly sourced materials such as a partially recycled base for the Mountain Twin Pro, along with carbon-flax stringers in their Pro line. By using reclaimed aerospace-grade carbon, Jones is pushing the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing, creating high-performance boards, like Ultralight splits and the Ultralight Project X, with minimal environmental impact.
However, Nitro has observed a shift in consumer focus away from purely sustainability-driven purchases. While environmental and social responsibility will always remain important, Nitro’s Guru, Tommy Delago notes, “There has been a bit too much green washing and not enough realistic step by step process improvement recently”. Finally, no green BS at Gnu, which is an environmentally minded company since inception. Gary Gnu, King Shepherd amongst the Gnu population confirms, “We build our boards in our own factory and we like it to smell nice so we don’t print via silk-screen, we use our own water based proprietary sublimation process that allows us to eliminate solvents and keep our crew thinking clearly. We recycle our sawdust into soil with our unique composting program, we use low VOC plant based epoxy resins that bond incredibly and help us keep things clean.” Full commitment.
Arbor is refining their product collection to make the decision-making process easier for riders. Arbor’s approach groups snowboards by use-case through terrain targets, allowing customers to find the best board for their specific needs more quickly. In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, Burton is removing traditional gender models from their product lines to create more inclusive options for all riders. By consolidating gender models with the same performance characteristics, Burton is simplifying their range, reducing confusion for consumers, and giving them more graphic customisation options. This reflects a broader trend in the snowboarding industry where inclusivity and accessibility are becoming increasingly important. As the market grows, retailers need effective tools to help them meet the demands of an increasingly diverse customer base. Brands like Ride and Capita are prioritising in-person presentations and direct partnerships with retailers to ensure their products reach the right audience. Ride is emphasising the importance of educating retailers and consumers alike. “We let them try, we explain, and we take time to highlight our innovations and our concepts. Our athletes have always played an important role as well in showcasing our products. Our unique marketing is playing a huge role too”, observes Stefan Schauer, European Marketing Manager.
For Capita, the emphasis is on providing exceptional customer service and retailer support. Capita’s knowledgeable representatives make regular in-person visits to shops to ensure retailers are up to date with the latest products and innovations. The strength of their team, which includes some of the world’s best riders, helps raise the visibility of their products.
Similarly, Never Summer values its long-term partnerships with retail locations, offering demos to help customers find the right product. “Shops that I work with directly in my territories can get support in the form of demos for the shop staff and customer base to have the chance to test products. Getting potential customers on the product helps remove any doubt of the product fit”, says Tony Sasgen, International Sales Manager.
Another development in the retail space comes from brands like Double Deck, who are offering rental programs to retailers. Their “Let to Rent” program allows shops to offer rental boards with flexible payment options, ensuring that both beginners and experienced riders can test out equipment before committing to a purchase. This program not only offers convenience but also helps shops expand their offerings without requiring significant upfront costs. While affordability and sustainability remain key considerations for many brands, others are continuing to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and performance. For instance, Tur’s products are meticulously crafted with uncompromising materials, ensuring they deliver the highest riding experience possible. Their dedication to thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship sets a benchmark for performance and quality on the slopes. Dupraz, known for its commitment to quality, which has kept the brand a favorite among serious riders, has seen the trends come and go. Serge Dupraz highlights, “We are ultra pleased with the shape of our boards and their ride, so we are more focused on improving the quality of our products with mixing parameters.”
Salomon is also stepping up its game with the introduction of the Horizon Series, a new all-mountain snowboard line designed with performance and sustainability in mind. This series, a product of years of learning from the Hillside Project, features cutting-edge design and reflects Salomon’s ongoing commitment to innovation.
K2 continues to innovate in the freeride category, introducing the Dopamine series, which is powered by Olympic gold medalist Sage Kotsenburg. This new series caters to the high-performance needs of freeriders, offering them boards that are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in challenging conditions. Adding to this landscape, United Shapes continues to champion its “Simple for a reason” ethos. They produce snowboards built with trusted technology, classic constructions, and dependable materials, aiming to create a seamless connection between the rider and the snow. “Freeriding remains our core focus however we see a broadening of this range as it truly encapsulates areas like Freestyle and Splitboarding”, says Gray Thompson, US Brand Manager.
WHAT’S HOT?
Next year, advanced materials and technologies are taking center stage. Amplid is introducing its revolutionary Hollow Tech honeycomb construction, named after the Hollow Project, which delivers superlight boards and ultraquiet tips and tails, as well as reduces weight without compromising strength and flexibility.
Similarly, Nidecker is pioneering forged carbon integration and Mega Core technology, delivering unparalleled durability and liveliness. Their Orbital Cushioning system, which dampens vibrations at the tightest board-to-binding connection points, reflects a dream realized after years of development. “You’ll find all of our technological innovations in the brand-new Megalight, which is where we’re really pushing the boundaries”, says Floquet.
Capita has enhanced its high-end models with XT bases for added durability while maintaining lightweight performance and has introduced Hybrid Holysheet fiberglass layup on Mega Merc and Super DOA to improve precision. Meanwhile, Never Summer’s customer base has spoken loudly and the positive feedback with its new profiles that feature the R.I.P. Edge Tech, Triple Camber as well as Recurve have been overwhelmingly positive. “The Triple Camber and Recurve profile hold an edge in all conditions like nothing I’ve ever ridden before”, comments Sasgen.
Shaping innovation remains a core focus for many brands, redefining how boards perform across diverse terrains. Lib Tech is excited to introduce its new DPR directional twin all-mountain freestyle snowboard, designed to provide a high-performance experience with early rise camber for added freestyle capability. “The DPR disappears under your feet and frees your mind, body and board to travel deep into a shred flow state. Everything you want in a snowboard at a price that reminds us of the 90’s”, comments Saari.
Arbor reimagines classic designs with boards like the A-Frame, now featuring a swallowtail shape and fusing surf-inspired design with progressive directional shaping. “Equal parts precision carver and pow-day optimiser, its camber profile is paired with a progressive dual radius sidecut and RWD carbon A-Frame to provide a powerful back-foot dominant directional turning feel unlike anything before it from Arbor”, says Arbor’s Marketing Magnate, Eddie Wall. And the new Terrapin PFD, has been optimised with Powder Flotation Device with its surf-inspired directional system rocker profile.
Jones is similarly pushing the envelope with the Frontier 2.0 and Dream Weaver 2.0, emphasising manoeuvrability and deep powder performance, while the new Howler caters to freeriders seeking power and precision. “We feel riders are looking for innovative shapes with performance focused outlines and board constructions that balance weight, response and sustainability,” says Seth Lightcap, Marketing Boss at Jones. At West, for its new collection, the Swiss based company brings a brand new brushed topsheet from Isosport – “Certainly the most resistant (and expensive) topsheet on the market” adds David Lambert, founder. Last but not least, Yes has collaborated with the Helgason brothers to perfect 3D profiles on their nose and tails, enhancing modern freestyle capabilities, “For anyone who uses their board to be creative on the mountain and to have as much fun in the air as on the ground” clarifies Pitschi.
Inclusivity and versatility are reshaping snowboard collections, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse riders across skill levels, styles, and terrains. Burton leads the charge with gender-neutral designs like the Counterbalance, a directional all-mountain board, and the Cultivator, a beginner-friendly model combining the best features of their Stylus and Ripcord boards. Rossignol has similarly expanded its range to include genderless and junior models, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity.
Rome’s reinvigorated sidecuts and core shaping optimise performance, ensuring their boards resonate with a wide audience. In 25/26, Weston will be aiming to make their line more viable to more people. The Ridgeline and Riva will be consolidating into one model under the Gnarnia with expanded sizes to create a more unisex approach. Artistic and cultural collaborations are adding unique flair to this year’s offerings.
Bataleon celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Evil Twin with commemorative graphics while collaborating with Dutch artist Rop Van Mierlo on a special edition Whatever model. Nitro, in a nod to creative exploration, has partnered with Italian bike brand Cinelli for a capsule collection that includes custom boards, apparel, and even bicycles. Slash teams up with British artist Nick Thompson (Thumbs) for vibrant graphics that stand out on the mountain. Freeride and powder-specific boards are receiving significant attention, catering to the needs of adventurous riders seeking unparalleled performance in deep snow. Radair focuses on longboards like its Tanker line, designed to perform equally well in powder and on groomers.
Drake introduces the Billboard, a freeride board that promises versatility across varied terrain, while Nitro’s Guest Shaper Project delivers the Stiletto RS 166, a swallowtail powder board that epitomizes creative innovation in design.
Freestyle and park riders are also well-served this season, with brands continuing to innovate in shapes and performance. Bataleon updates its Whatever and Disaster+ models for enhanced park and terrain park performance. Double Deck, meanwhile, prepares to unveil its new freestyle-focused boards at key industry events, underscoring the importance of showcasing innovations directly to the market.
In order to reach the prairie, Gnu’s King Shepherd shouts, “At Gnu, we like ‘em young and wild but will always enjoy our time with those creaky boomers who keep it mild. Our newest range is free range…the Wagyu from Cannon and Jadyn delivers fence free grass fed freestyle performance at a price that is nothing but good Gnus!” The classic camber profile has made a strong comeback in recent years, reigniting enthusiasm among snowboarders who appreciate its performance advantages. Recognising this trend, Head has expanded its all-mountain lineup for the 25/26 season with two new models: the Beam and Solace. Meanwhile, Sims continues to champion camber with its unwavering dedication to this timeless profile. “We love camber boards, and they work perfectly!”comments Schöpke.
LAST WORD
As snowboarding evolves, so does the philosophy of the brands driving the activity forward. For Verdad, whether carving hard-packed slopes or navigating backcountry powder, its range speaks to the rider who seeks freedom and trust in their board.
Similarly, Ride declares, “Nothing in moderation,” committing all efforts to producing the best snowboard products on the market, while K2’s mantra, “Face. Of. Freeride,” cements their devotion to leading the freeride category with exceptional offerings. United Shapes stands apart by grounding their designs in experience, purpose, and soul, consciously avoiding the fleeting influence of industry trends. “For the 25/26 collection, we are excited to tighten up the line positioning of some of our shapes in an effort to better support the end user’s experience both understanding and riding our product”, says Thompson. Amplid stay true to their roots, emphasising purposeful design and performance-driven innovations.
“Designed for Performance. Crafted for Your Sickest Day”, claims Bauer at Amplid. CAPiTA’s creative vision, expressed through the tagline ‘Hard Choices, Easy Life’, underscores their relentless pursuit of innovation and artistry in snowboard design. “All of our taglines revolve around our consistent brand slogan ‘Everything Is Possible’, says Ryan Ensor, Marketing Coordinator. Meanwhile, NDK focuses on connecting riders to their products through enhanced storytelling, ensuring every element of their boards resonates with the rider’s experience. “We’re also laser focused on the details – like improving the look and feel of the silent salesman stickers on our bases. They’re small things but they all make a difference”, highlights Floquet.
With a hands-on approach to board building and collaboration with artists, engineers, and riders, Lib Tech creates ‘Dream Boards’ that merge innovation with passion. Pete Saari concludes, “We build our lives around our factory and board building and riding. We love our high tech toy making playground and bringing shred dreams to life.” This deep connection to the craft is mirrored by Nitro’s philosophy of ‘Forever Snowboarding’, a testament to their authenticity and commitment to supporting the snowboarding community. “Nitro provides an alternative with its privately-owned, family style approach. This is the message we put out there and riders worldwide can relate to it”, proudly stands Delago.
Finally, West’s founder, Dave Lambert encapsulates, “For the love of snowboarding (in its true and deep meaning).” A message from the heart which should resonate throughout the industry, where brands are not just creating equipment but celebrating the art form, culture, camaraderie, and freedom that define snowboarding. As snowboarding continues to evolve, retailers have an incredible array of options to consider when stocking their stores for the 25/26 season. From cutting-edge designs to purpose-driven innovations, the choices reflect the dynamic nature of the sport. Take the opportunity to try out new gear at B2B on-snow demos and bring that excitement back to your customers next season!
One thing is certain: snowboarding is much more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a culture, and a testament to the relentless passion of riders and the brands that fuel their journey. Whether carving fresh powder, hitting side hits, 50/50ing a double kink rail, or exploring backcountry lines, snowboarding is a celebration of creativity, adventure, and progression. All brands remind us that this isn’t just a pastime – it’s a journey where the best days are always ahead.
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