KATHRYN HO 

Soon winter snow resorts will have their equipment racks filled with visitors’ snowboards and skis.

Winter is upon us and while that means gloomy cold days for some, it also means snowboarding fun for those planning to hit the slopes.

Developments in manufacturing techniques and a wider availability of new materials over the past couple of years have combined to make picking out the right board an overwhelming process for people just getting into the sport.

Every rider is different, so don’t expect your equipment set up to perfectly match your friends’ gear. The ideal snowboard differs for each individual depending on one’s weight and height, skill level and preferred riding style.

Finding the correct size of snowboard is the most important factor in the quest for the perfect deck. Weight and height are key in determining the best size and shape for your snowboard.

Adult men’s snowboards range in length from 140 cm up to 172 cm, while women’s boards generally fall somewhere between 134-158 cm. Shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre but don’t provide as much stability or go downhill as fast as longer boards. A general rule to follow to determine your ideal board length is the chin-height rule: A board should stand up to your chin, with its height increasing for more speed and decreasing for more control and to learn tricks. The board should never be shorter than your collarbone.

When determining a board’s width, or waist, boot size is the first factor to consider. While strapped into the board, or while standing in the riding position on the board, the heels and toes of your boots should line up with the edge of the board. If your boots hang too far over either side of the deck, they could catch the snow as you carve. If your toes and heels don’t come close enough to the edge of the board, it will be too difficult to shift your weight and turn the board.

There is a little bit of leeway in determining the right waist for the board, of course. A wider board is more stable but not as maneuverable as a narrower board. Heavier people will often opt for a slightly wider board for additional steadiness.

There are four main types of boards. Three are specific to certain terrains and riding styles while one balances the essential features of all three in one.

Alpine snowboards are manufactured with a thick base and stiff flex — they don’t bend very easily — and provide good stability for high-speed turns. These boards are designed asymmetrically, meaning that they have a defined tail and nose. They are meant to be ridden with the nose facing downhill. These are excellent boards for riders who enjoy hard carves through tall pines and high-speed runs.

Park or freestyle snowboards are built lighter and shorter than alpine decks. The lighter weight allows for quick turns and spins on the snow and in the air. Extra flex also helps park riders pop into jumps and absorb landing impacts. These decks are made specifically for terrain parks and experienced riders who like to perform air and rail tricks.

Powder boards master the deepest, freshest snow on the mountain. They stand wider than other types and have angled edges that prevent riders from sinking too deep into the powder. These boards are best suited for riding terrain with piles of fluffy snow, but won’t fare as well on groomed runs.

All-mountain, or freeride boards, are useful for beginner riders and people who don’t have a preferred riding style. These boards fall in the middle of the category in terms of flexibility and size. They aren’t designed to dominate any particular terrain, but are meant to hold up well in powder, backcountry, park and groomed trails. Riders that don’t want to be limited to a specific spot on the mountain would be happy with this choice.

There are two main shapes of snowboards that also affect the control and ride: camber and rocker.

Camber boards contact the snow at the nose and tail ends of the board, forming a convex shape relative to the ground. This offers a stable ride, with the edges holding strong during turns. It also gives the board better pop off jumps.

Rocker decks contact the snow in the middle of the board with the nose and tail raised into the air slightly. The rocker shape offers a softer, more playful experience on the mountain and makes it easier to lock into nose and tail presses.

Progression in board manufacturing has also combined these shapes to produce hybrid  models that combine the camber and rocker shapes, giving the board up to four contact points on certain decks.

Once you’ve chosen the snowboard geared for your preferred riding style you can select the rest of the equipment to accompany it. This includes bindings, boots, goggles and helmets. These too bring a plethora of options but for the most part go with what feels comfortable and fits with your board.

Snowboard prices are generally between $200-$650, with some specialized pro boards fetching over $1000. However, novice boarders don’t need to spend $500 on a deck because most won’t be able to tell the difference between that board and a $300 one. Allowing for the cost of bindings, boots and headgear, a properly-equipped snowboarder will likely spend close to $1,000 for a full set of equipment.

Don’t let that scare you, though, because for such a vertically-challenged province, Saskatchewan has a few great spots you can visit for day trips to try out your new gear.

A couple places to keep in mind for the 2012-13 shredding season include Table Mountain, Wapiti Valley and Mission Ridge. Each of these hills offer a number of well-groomed runs and a terrain park so you can test your board to its limits. These three resorts are expecting to open their slopes to the public Dec. 1.

With files from Cole Guenter and Kevin Menz.

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Photo: Grumpyspang/Flickr