Who really needs that meter of fresh powder? Do perfectly groomed parks make better riders, or do they produce riders who can only ride inch-perfect corduroy?

This year we went back to basics. No long haul flights, no special terrain, just one run in a resort a short drive from home. The 45 year old Saix gondola in Samoëns, France is as bare bones as it gets, much like the gnarled Grand Cret trail that lies beneath, but with its banked turns that twist through the forest providing the backdrop, we thought there wasn’t a better canvas on which for us to lay out the next chapter.

Who really needs that meter of fresh powder? Do perfectly groomed parks make better riders, or do they produce riders who can only ride inch-perfect corduroy?

This year we went back to basics. No long haul flights, no special terrain, just one run in a resort a short drive from home. The 45 year old Saix gondola in Samoëns, France is as bare bones as it gets, much like the gnarled Grand Cret trail that lies beneath, but with its banked turns that twist through the forest providing the backdrop, we thought there wasn’t a better canvas on which for us to lay out the next chapter.

all photos: Ed Blomfield

Lewis Sonvico and Dave Crozier are back to set edges, scrape palms and burn wax, proving once and for all that snowboarding is just as fun on sludgy pistes as it is at a private Baldface session.

The core elements of riding are all here: getting outside, linking up with friends and ripping turns.

all photos: Ed Blomfield

Lewis Sonvico and Dave Crozier are back to set edges, scrape palms and burn wax, proving once and for all that snowboarding is just as fun on sludgy pistes as it is at a private Baldface session.

The core elements of riding are all here: getting outside, linking up with friends and ripping turns.

WELL PAM, WHICH WAY YOU GOING - LEFT OR RIGHT?

THE AREA

Who It’s For: Freestyle riders looking for a carving hit

With the softest flex and mellowest sidecut in the series, the Area works perfectly as an introductory carving board that still lets you lay it all out there, whilst softening the bite if you get it wrong.

This gives your carving a more freestyle feel, making jibs and butters easier to fit into your fast laps alongside your elbow diggin’. The tail holds tons of power, loading ollies up with plenty of pop for blasting over piste markers and friends.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

THE TRACER

Who It’s For: Riders who know to look sideways at snowboarding

We’re not symmetrical when we ride, so why should our boards be, especially when you’re focusing on perfecting your turn. The Tracer’s heel edge has a tighter sidecut radius, optimising the board’s turnability on both edges.

And yes, it comes in both regular and goofy flavours. It’s not just a one trick pony, this thing goes in the backcountry too, making it a team favourite both on and off piste. This year it takes the bold colour scheme to even greater heights, so if you didn’t know by now, now you do.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

THE CONCEPT

Who It’s For: Riders who want speed

At the top end of the line, the Concept features our ultra-fast sintered N-9000 base for warp speed straightlining, but when the road runs out its premium construction and progressive sidecut provide more than enough grip and bite to deal with corners. Taking tech from the highest echelons of the Nidecker range - the Megalight - this board gives the ultimate ride for the carving revolution!

FIND OUT MORE HERE

THE AREA

Who It’s For: Freestyle riders looking for a carving hit

With the softest flex and mellowest sidecut in the series, the Area works perfectly as an introductory carving board that still lets you lay it all out there, whilst softening the bite if you get it wrong.This gives your carving a more freestyle feel, making jibs and butters easier to fit into your fast laps alongside your elbow diggin’. The tail holds tons of power, loading ollies up with plenty of pop for blasting over piste markers and friends.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

THE TRACER

Who It’s For: Riders who know to look sideways at snowboarding

We’re not symmetrical when we ride, so why should our boards be, especially when you’re focusing on perfecting your turn. The Tracer’s heel edge has a tighter sidecut radius, optimising the board’s turnability on both edges.And yes, it comes in both regular and goofy flavours. It’s not just a one trick pony, this thing goes in the backcountry too, making it a team favourite both on and off piste. This year it takes the bold colour scheme to even greater heights, so if you doidn’t know by now, now you do.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

THE CONCEPT

Who It’s For: Riders who want speed

At the top end of the line, the Concept features our ultra-fast sintered N-9000 base for warp speed straightlining, but when the road runs out its premium construction and progressive sidecut provide more than enough grip and bite to deal with corners. Taking tech from the highest echelons of the Nidecker range - the Megalight - this board gives the ultimate ride for the carving revolution!

FIND OUT MORE HERE