All-mountain snowboards allow you the ability to ride in just about any condition. They are versatile and fun to ride, making them a popular one-quiver option for many people.
I’m a seasoned snowboarder and a certified instructor by the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors. I’ve learned a lot about the sport through this work and love sharing what I know with other riders.
My top choice for an all-mountain snowboard this year is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape.
There are a ton of other good options out there, so in the post, I’ll share with you all of my top options so you can make an informed choice and take advantage of everything these all-mountain rippers can do.
I think every rider should have a good all-mountain board in their quiver, especially if you travel. They are versatile enough to handle nearly every condition, and all of these top options are recommended.
Bring on the snow, and let’s go.
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Who Should Get This
All-mountain snowboards are an excellent option for many riders as a result of their versatility. If you are considering purchasing a snowboard for the first time, this board style works because it enables you to handle many different terrains and conditions.
As you progress in ability, you’ll want a few boards for a few different situations. However, if you want an all-around, one-board option, nothing beats all-mountain.
Part of what makes an all-mountain board so versatile is its flex. These boards are typically in the medium-to-stiff flex. That gives them excellent performance and response, but it also means they require a bit more skill to control.
If you’re a true beginner, you might want a softer board that is easier to use. All-mountain boards can work for beginners, but they aren’t as forgiving as some other options.
Top All-Mountain Snowboard
All-mountain snowboards are extremely popular these days, and there are many good options to choose from. The boards you’ll find on this list are some of the best on the current market, and all come recommended for different reasons.
1. Best Overall: Lib Tech Skunk Ape
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Powerful all-mountain option, versatile across most conditions, suitable for larger riders, light but strong, magne-traction edges.
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Ability Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Shape: Directional twin
At the top of the all-mountain category is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape. I like this board a lot and think you will too. It’s capable in so many conditions and is a good option to think about choosing if you only have one board in your quiver.
This board can do a little bit of everything well, from heavy powder lines to the park to scraped-out groomers. This versatility is key to any all-mountain option, and the Skunk Ape rips them all to shreds.
Part of these solid all-mountain capabilities is made possible by a rocker/camber hybrid profile. This allows for precision and control while also being playful and fun. You’ll get excellent pop and response and enough flex for freestyle maneuvers.
The board also comes equipped with magne-traction edges that do a fantastic job maintaining control through questionable conditions. They aren’t quite magnets, but they sure are close.
The core is 60% Aspen and 40% Paulownia, giving the board lightweight but strong capabilities that enhance durability and strength. The eco-sublimated TNT base is designed to be low maintenance as well.
This isn’t a good board for beginners as it’s a little too aggressive. You’ll struggle to stay in control if it’s your first board, and the Skunk Ape is better suited to intermediate and advanced riders.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated or Hansen Surfboards.
2. Best for Powder: Lib Tech T. Rice Orca
- Best for: Powder
- Key features: Floaty and fun, tight sidecut for carving, maximum power tail, powder-focused but still versatile.
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Ability Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Shape: Directional
The Lib Tech T. Rice Orca will give you the ability to be ready for the biggest powder days without limiting what you can do on the mountain when you don’t have an endless amount of fresh snow.
This is a powder-focused all-mountain option that is fun to ride and capable all around. It has a very long nose that increases float and allows you to carve turns in the deep stuff effortlessly. A spooned-out tail will keep you in the saddle and in control, as well.
It’s also wide enough to tackle deep days but not too wide to limit front-side activities. This versatility is crucial in all-mountain pursuits, and Lib Tech nailed the design with this mind.
The directional shape is highly engineered and intended to increase the fun you have when riding. A powder day is fun on any board, but it’s just a little bit more fun when you have something underfoot that is built to shred.
The board also comes with a tight sidecut for efficient and effective turning, no matter the condition. It’s responsive and will keep you in control at all times. A strong but lightweight core works on your side here too.
The Skunk Ape is excellent in just about every condition except for the park. I’d look at different options if your focus is freestyle.
==> You can get it on Evo or Buckman’s.
3. Best for Beginners: Burton Custom Flying V
- Best for: Beginners
- Key features: Flying V bend, directional shape, twin flex for riding switch, forgiving without being sloppy, brand recognition
- Flex: Soft/Medium
- Ability Level: Beginner
- Shape: Directional
If you are a beginner who wants a solid all-mountain snowboard, the Burton Custom Flying V (review) is for you. This is a solid choice to help you improve your skills all over the resort and help you progress over the beginning stages of learning quickly.
The soft/medium flex is forgiving enough to not get in your way while learning basic maneuvers yet stiff enough to handle more challenging conditions when you feel up to it. You also get a directional shape with a longer nose than tail to keep you upfront and engaged.
The Super Fly II core built into the Flying V is lightweight without compromising strength and won’t drag you down. You’ll still have plenty of pop and response to drive the board and your skills to the next level.
Another aspect I like about this board with beginners in mind is the Twin Flex that keeps a balanced ride from tip to tail. This is a significant design element to help you learn to ride switch without a considerable change in flow and feel.
A softer board has some limitations, which will be noticeable when you are at higher speeds or in more technical terrain. If you find yourself in those conditions, it’s probably time for a different board.
==> You can also get it on Evo.
4. Best for Big Guys: Gnu Anti-Gravity
- Best for: Big Guys
- Key features: Wide options available, floaty but responsive, versatile all over the mountain, all-mountain monster, magne-traction edges
- Flex: Medium
- Ability Level: Intermediate
- Shape: Directional twin
Larger riders often need a board that can keep them stable and safe when they really want to rip. Gnu has a solid option for big guys with the Anti-Gravity. It comes in a few wider sizes that provide stability.
The all-terrain attributes of this board are easy to see, whether you are a larger rider or more average-sized. It can handle the resort and backcountry with equal ease and has a responsive yet playful feel that comes in handy when you change terrains quickly.
The wood core is strong, lightweight, and made of sustainable lumber. This is great for both performance and ecological concerns in mind. A floaty nose with a slight camber and taper gives you a lot of float and easy turning in variable situations.
This is a board that will leave you with a smile on your face, no matter where you like to ride. It’s built to handle everything and really meets that mark. It’s not a great option in the park but can get you over kickers and other features when you want to go huge.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated or Christy Sports.
5. Best for Carving: Burton Family Tree
- Best for: Carving
- Key features: Front end taper promotes carving, directional flat top bend, rocker nose, floaty in powder yet still very versatile
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Ability Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Shape: Directional
One of the best options out there for carving is the Burton Family Tree. This board is equally comfortable carving perfect turns in deep powder as it is on groomers or packed out conditions. It can give you the best of both worlds when you want to dig in and flow.
A directional shape and somewhat unique design offer performance that is easy to see. The nose is a little bit longer than the tail, which gives you extra pop and turning ability with an anchor for control and stability in the back.
The nose is also rockered for added stability that comes in handy on those long winding carving turns. I think it does equally well carving wide and short turns, and this profile feature has a lot to do with that.
It has a somewhat flat profile, limiting some effectiveness in hard-pack when you want to go all out. It’s also not a good option for beginners.
==> You can also get it on Burton or Evo or Backcountry.
6. Best for Intermediate Riders: Ride Wild Life
- Best for: Intermediate Riders
- Key features: Versatile, rockered profile, directional hybrid camber, mellow performance to help you improve
- Flex: Soft/Medium
- Ability Level: Intermediate
- Shape: Directional twin
The Ride Wild Life is somewhat of a lesser-known brand than the other options listed here, but it makes for an excellent choice for intermediate riders who want all-mountain capabilities that will help them improve.
The board has a softer flex that is forgiving, but it’s firm enough to give you all the control and response you need in steeper or more technical conditions. The rocker profile gives play and pop to keep performance fun.
This is also a stable ride with good edge hold made possible by an innovative quadratic sidecut that’s effective at all speeds and in any condition. Directional hybrid camber keeps response mellow but present in various terrains, as well.
The Wild Life is also lightweight thanks to a topless construction and lightweight core. It has quality construction that is built to last, and you can expect decent durability.
This is a good transitional option for intermediate riders but does have its limits because of a softer flex. If you are pushing toward advanced abilities, I’d suggest something a bit more aggressive.
How to Choose an All-Mountain Snowboard That Fits You
The following tips and considerations can help you choose an all-mountain board that best suits your abilities and riding style on the mountain.
Flex
A snowboard’s flex refers to its stiffness. Boards are typically rated on a flex scale of 1 to 10, and all-mountain boards almost always fall in the 5-10 range.
You want an all-mountain snowboard to be stiffer because this leads to better response and control under demanding conditions. A beginner all-mountain board should be a bit more flexible and forgiving.
If you want an all-mountain board but still like to spend time in the park, look for a medium flex option. If you’re an aggressive rider who demands the most out of your board, look for one on the stiffer end.
Note that the flex scale isn’t universal, and can vary a bit from brand to brand or board to board.
Shape
All-mountain boards come in various shapes and sizes. That is why you should always consider your riding style when deciding which one’s best for you.
If you want to easily transition from big mountain lines to the terrain park, a twin shape is good because it will allow you to ride switch and more easily perform some aerial tricks. A twin shape means the board is more symmetrical.
If you love big mountain conditions and are constantly on the hunt for fresh powder, a directional shape is the better way to go. Directional shapes are more asymmetrical in design and are built to more effectively handle demanding on-snow conditions.
It’s harder to ride switch on a directional board, but they can perform better in difficult terrain.
Length/Width
The length and width of your board is something else you should look out for when getting an all-mountain model. These factors are related to your ability level and physical size.
Larger riders or those with more experience will want a board that’s longer and wider. Smaller riders or those who are just learning will do better with a short, narrower model.
Length and width considerations come down to personal preference, and the above suggestions are more guidelines than rules. If you want to try a different sized board, rent a few different options until you know which one you like.
Useful Tips & Resources
Throughout an entire season, all-mountain riders can expect to face challenges that will push them to become better snowboarders. When you ride in variable conditions, you’ll face many different types of terrains.
However, while it’s good to push your limits to progress, you also want to ensure you stay safe and within your ability level. If you are new to snowboarding, make sure to read these basic tips and safety guidelines.
If you’d like some tips on how to improve your all-mountain snowboarding abilities, check out this video. The best way to get better is to get on the snow and ride, but studying up on the advice in the video will help you put new techniques into practice.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some common questions about all-mountain snowboards.
What does all mountain snowboard mean?
All-mountain snowboard means just about what it sounds like – that these boards can be ridden all over the mountain. They are built to be versatile and effective in a wide range of conditions, with design and construction elements that cater to this.
What’s the difference between freeride and all mountain snowboards?
Freeride boards are built a little more aggressive than all-mountain boards and are also somewhat less versatile. All-mountain snowboards come in ability levels from beginner to advanced, while freeride boards are more geared toward intermediate and advanced.
What all mountain snowboard is best?
My top choice for an all-mountain snowboard is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape. I think this is one of the best options currently available and will give you fantastic performance and capability in nearly every condition. However, all of the boards on this list are recommended.
Final Verdict
All-mountain snowboards are some of the most popular boards in the world for a reason – they are incredibly versatile and can allow you to explore every area of the resort with ease. My favorite all-mountain board right now is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape.
No matter what type of riding style you prefer, there is an all-mountain option out there that can still give you excellent performance in that style and the ability to rip the rest of the mountain as well. I think every rider should have an all-mountain option.
About Lorraine