In this fast-paced world, the creation of new alternatives is a bottomless pit you shouldn’t miss if you want to stay on-trend and have fun. Introducing: the Snow Skate.
Once again, as so often, we must look to the United States to find the origins of a new specialty. This time, it’s the latest sensation in the world of snow sports, specifically for Snowboarding. A few seasons ago, the Snow Skate was born in the "land of dreams" as a complementary tool for snowboarders training in skateparks.
This way, two very similar disciplines merge in dedicated snowboard parks, while also adding variety to the routine. With the snow skate, you can perform all the tricks you’d do on a street skateboard, though the snow demands greater finesse. In Europe, it first appeared a couple of summers ago at the Tignes resort in the French Alps, where it was also used in skateparks. It reached Spain this season, and there’s already a growing number of snowboard enthusiasts packing it in their bags for the snowpark.
The Snow Skate features a rigid hard-plastic base and, like skateboards, consists of a front section called the nose and a rear section called the tail. Its surface is a non-slip rubber with no bindings or fixtures—just place your feet freely. There are three Snow Skate models, primarily differentiated by length:
- The longest measures around ninety-six centimetres and includes extended base guides for steering or controlling the board on snow.
- The mid-sized is just under ninety centimetres and also features directional guides.
- The smallest is slightly over eighty centimetres long and, unlike the longer models, has no base guides.
The front section is stiffer and slightly longer than the tail. This design makes it easier to generate the momentum needed for tricks. The boards vary slightly in overall stiffness—the larger model is stiffer or more rigid than the smaller one.
Currently, besides being the pioneers, American brands Premier and World Industries are the leading manufacturers of these fun snow skates.
Maintenance is straightforward. Just keep an eye on the base if you frequently grind rails or similar obstacles. Don’t worry—it can be repaired on a snowboard tuning machine and restored to like-new condition.
The recommended footwear is snowboard boots, which ensure better foot security at all times. Regular trainers offer more feel initially but may lead to unexpected injuries. Clothing, of course, depends on personal cold tolerance but should always allow free movement.
For now, they’re sold in select snowboard shops, but since they’re part of the skateboard family, it’s only a matter of time before Snow Skates appear in any dedicated skate or snowboard store.
Riding a Snow Skate is very similar to street skateboarding, except without wheels and on a far slipperier surface. This demands greater technical skill to execute tricks smoothly and precisely. Without edges, you must adopt a centred stance on the board, leaning slightly onto your front leg.
Pay close attention to your posture to avoid losing balance and botching tricks. The stiffer board is easier to handle, as the hard plastic responds directly and quickly to your movements.
