Are ski boards a good way for intermediates to hit the bumps?
Your Gearness: I've been hearing about ski boards/ski blades as a good way for terminal intermediate skiers like myself to get on the bumps. What is your take on them, especially for casual skiers looking to cover more of the mountain? Greg Dallas, Texas
K2 Fatty Ski Boards
They come in two basic flavors: really wide short skis, such as the popular Kneissl Big Foots ($199 per pair, and easily recognizable due to the whimsical "toes" at the front), and devices that look a little more like traditional skis, such as K2's Fatty Ski Boards ($199) or Salomon's Snowblades ($299; www.salomonski.com).
And yeah, they're great fun. You can do all sorts of things that are possible but difficult on trad skisjumps, swooshing through powder glades, bumps, you name it. That's because they're much lighter than regular skis, and their short length makes them more maneuverable. More like having on big feet than skis.
The downside? Models such as the Snowblades track and glide reasonably well, but you're not going to get the big-slope smoothness and carving ability of a regular ski. So while you'll be able to cover some of the mountain currently off-limits to you, you'll also find that parts of the mountain you knew and loved just aren't as much fun. Life, as always, is full of compromises.
That said, I highly recommend you try a pair, either through a rental or borrowing some from a friend. And even if you buy a pair, you aren't out that much moneyeBay, for instance, has Snowblades for under $200. Add them to the gear arsenal you haul to the slopes, all the better for more fun!
For the season's slickest ski gear, read Outside's January reviews of 2006's top skis and snowboards.
Support Outside Online
Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.