Whether you’re a newbie, a weekend resort warrior, or an old-school ripper looking to shred the backcountry gnar, the one thing that binds veterans and novices is the allure of new gear. While we all have signature pieces that remain part of our seasonal kit, no ‘boarder can help shopping the latest and best snowboards, snow sport apparel, and accessories. But with new ski and snowboarding gear released every year, it’s hard to keep up.
That’s when we look to the very best snowboarding brands — those who consistently put out gear that’s durable, versatile, looks great, and is maybe (just maybe!) even affordable. There are hundreds of snowboarding brands on the market, and new ones debut every year. We’ve researched and field-tested dozens of them to narrow down our picks of the 10 best snowboarding brands for shredding fresh pow or groomed slopes in style.
Best snowboards, bindings, and essentials
Burton
Thanks to founder Jake Burton’s passion for snow sports dating back more than 40 years, his namesake brand has largely defined modern snowboarding. Today, the Burton name is synonymous with innovative tech, forward-thinking design, and sustainability. It’s also the rare snowboarding brand that can outfit a rider head-to-toe, from helmet to ski tip.
Weston Backcountry
Colorado’s Weston Backcountry is no stranger to award-winning boards. Founded in 2012, it’s a relative newcomer compared to some of the industry’s most recognized titans. But, the brand is committed to creating unique designs that have racked up numerous accolades and an almost cult-like following in recent years.
Mervin Manufacturing
Pro snowboarders Mike Olson and Pete Saari founded Mervin Manufacturing back in 1977. In the mainstream, it’s better known for its umbrella brands like Roxy Snowboards (for women) and Bent Metal Binding Works. Today, the source brand is highly regarded among hardcore riders for its attention to design, craftsmanship, and sustainability — all of which rank among the world’s best snowboarding brands.
RIDE Snowboards
RIDE Snowboards emerged on the scene in 1992 with just four models. Fast-forward three decades and the company has expanded into everything from boots and bindings to ski bags and snow sport apparel. With a headquarters relocation to Seattle, a recent expansion facility in Asia, and a clear innovative vision of its future line-up, it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Best snowboarding apparel
Spyder
In 1978, former Canadian National Ski Team member David Jacobs began a small mail-order business in his Colorado home. Fast forward more than 40 years, and the Spyder brand is one of the most iconic logos on the slopes. What began as a ski sweater company has evolved to include all forms of snow sport apparel and accessories, including legit race suits.
The North Face
For more than 50 years, The North Face has been a staple in the expedition and lifestyle space. Named after the coldest and most unforgiving side of a mountain, the brand began adding skiwear to its winter sports catalog in the early 1980s. The “Never Stop Exploring” slogan personifies the company’s commitment to pushing the limits of innovation, design, and, well, exploration.
Dakine
Founded in 1979 in Hawaii and now located at the base of Mount Hood in Oregon, Dakine provides a diverse catalog that includes backpacks, outerwear, apparel, and even some of the best travel bags for sports. While it has enjoyed success as an alternative sporting brand, Dakine caters to a wide range of activities, including surfing, skateboarding, skiing, and of course, snowboarding.
Best snowboarding protection
Bern
With an almost 20-year heritage of crafting some of the world’s best sports helmets, Bern delivers on the slopes as well. The brand remains at the forefront of helmet protection technology and design. New in the market, it’s teasing the world’s most advanced consumer snowboarding helmet with a carbon fiber construction.
Smith
In 1965, orthodontist Dr. Bob Smith created the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam goggles. For more than 50 years, his namesake brand has pushed the envelope of innovation in eyewear and helmets. With other innovative firsts, like interchangeable lenses and improved helmet technology (especially in its next-gen Summit Mips ), the company remains committed to creating the best snowboarding and ski products available.
Spy Optic
Founded in Southern California in 1994, Spy Optic is one of the world’s oldest independent action sports eyewear manufacturers. The brand celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019 and continues to lead the market in producing high-quality ski goggles, sports sunglasses, and prescription frames.
Best snowboarding tech
GoPro
Without proof that you nailed that rail or pushed your limits on a new backcountry run, did it really happen? The latest GoPro HERO11 Black features bleeding-edge image stabilization, incredible HD resolution, live streaming capabilities, and a whole lot more. Don’t miss a second of the action this season, whether it’s mounted to your helmet, board, wrist, or chest.
DJI
The other big name in the action sports camera game, DJI gives GoPro a run for its money. The camera maker’s Osmo Action series boasts a slew of industry-leading features, including dual screens, 4K HDR video recording, a 155° super-wide field-of-view, UHD image quality, and RockSteady electronic image stabilization — all wrapped in a durable, waterproof housing. Because: Pics — er, video — or it didn’t happen.
FAQs
What is the #1 snowboarding brand?
Of course, it’s hard to nail down just one best snowboarding brand. But, among the best of the best, if we had to pick one, we’d have to give it to Burton. For more than four decades, it’s arguably been the most popular and recognized maker of snowboards and snowboarding gear in the world.
Who makes high-quality snowboards?
There are plenty of great brands that make high-quality snowboards. Of the list above, our three favorites would have to be Burton, Ride, and Weston. You can’t go wrong with a board from any of these snowboarding brands.
What company is the leader in the snowboard industry?
Again, we’re hard-pressed to pick just one, and it sort of depends on how you define “leader.” But, we’re inclined to tip our cap to Burton. As one of the world’s great snowboarding brands, its products — including snowboards, boots, bindings, apparel, and accessories — are sold in more than 4,000 stores around the world. So, you might say they’re kind of a big deal.
Where at the best places to snowboard in the world?
Now that you know what the best snowboard equipment is; you need to know where to cut up the snow. The best place to snowboard in the world is a matter of opinion, of course, but there are a few resorts that consistently rank high for snowboarders. Here are just a few top picks:
- Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and offers over 200 kilometers of terrain for snowboarders of all levels. The resort features world-class grooming, steep chutes, and powder bowls.
- Niseko United, Japan: Niseko United is a collection of four ski resorts in Japan, known for its abundant snowfall and light, fluffy powder. The resort is also home to a variety of terrain, from beginner slopes to expert chutes.
- Mammoth Mountain, U.S.: Mammoth Mountain is a popular snowboarding destination in California that has a variety of terrains. The resort offers a long season for its customers, which runs from November to June.
- Aspen Snowmass, U.S.: Aspen Snowmass is a collection of four ski resorts in Colorado that offers over 5,000 acres of terrain for snowboarders of all skill levels. It has world-class grooming, steep chutes, and powder bowls.
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France: Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a ski resort in France and offers challenging terrain and stunning views of Mont Blanc. The resort is popular with experienced snowboarders and is home to some of the most iconic snowboarding runs in the world, such as the Vallée Blanche.
