All-mountain snowboarding is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – riding anywhere and everywhere on the mountain. It’s a common style of the sport because you aren’t limited in what type of terrain or conditions you can ride in.
I’m a lifelong snowboarder with a massive passion for the sport. I’ve tried nearly every type of snowboard, and all-mountain is one of my favorites. I know through first-hand experience what’s involved with each style.
This post will highlight all-mountain snowboarding. I’ll tell you what type of terrain is involved with the style, what gear you need, and some other tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Let’s get cruising.
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All-Mountain Snowboarding
All-mountain snowboarding is one of my favorite styles of the sport because it allows you to tackle just about any condition or terrain you can handle. It’s a versatile application of snowboarding and one of the most popular styles as well.
As its name implies, all-mountain snowboarding involves riding all over the mountain. You can bounce around the groomers on the front side, take a few laps through the park, and then hike to a somewhat backcountry bowl without changing up your equipment.
This is part of what makes all-mountain riding so popular. You really aren’t very limited in what you can do. Rather than having a specific freestyle or powder snowboard, you can do elements of each with an all-mountain snowboard.
At the same time, all-mountain riding is pretty generalized, and that can hold you back if you want to become better in the park or with big-mountain riding. That’s why experienced riders often have multiple snowboards.
I think an all-mountain board is the best option to travel with because it gives you the ability to be ready for anything without needing multiple boards. If you are considering going on a big snowboarding trip, I suggest using an all-mountain setup.
All-Mountain Snowboarding Equipment
All-mountain snowboarding is a specific style of the sport that also has specific equipment. You can buy all-mountain snowboards, boots, and bindings. All of this gear is very versatile to cater to the style, and it will give you the ability to ride all season long on a single board.
All-mountain setups are popular with beginners because their versatility makes them a good board to progress with. You can buy an all-mountain setup and use it for several years without outgrowing your boards, boots, or bindings.
But just like any other style-specific equipment, you’ll want to match the gear to your riding abilities. If you are a beginner, you’ll want a smaller board with more flex. The same is true for your boots and bindings.
If you are an experienced rider looking for an all-mountain setup, go with a longer board with a stiffer flex. And get stiffer boots and bindings to transfer all that extra power into your gear as you bomb all over the mountain.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to all-mountain snowboarding.
What is the difference between all mountain and freeride snowboarding?
Freeride snowboarding can be a bit more technical than all mountain riding. Freeride usually involves steeper and more technical conditions, whereas all-mountain styles include typical resort riding that is more accessible for beginner and intermediate riders.
Is an all mountain snowboard good for beginners?
All-mountain snowboards are a great option for beginners. These boards can do a little bit of everything and are generally very capable. This gives beginners the ability to explore different types of terrain without being held back.
Can you use a park snowboard for all mountain?
Technically, you can use a park snowboard for all-mountain riding. But you won’t get the same performance characteristics as you would with an all-mountain board. Freestyle boards are typically soft, which can hold you back in more technical terrain.
Final Thoughts
All-mountain snowboarding is the most versatile style of the sport, and it very literally means you can ride just about anywhere on the mountain. This is an all-around solid setup that can work for every ability level of rider.
All-mountain riding doesn’t have too many drawbacks, but you can be limited if you want to specialize in a particular riding style like powder or park. Get a specific setup for these types of riding if you plan on doing them often.
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