Looking for compact and fun snow gear? In 2025, shorter skis and skiboards are gaining popularity, offering agility, control, and easy handling for riders of all skill levels. Here's a quick look at three standout options:
- Snowjam Skiboards (90cm): Affordable ($199), versatile, and great for carving with twin-tip design and wood core.
- Snowfeet Skiblades: Available in 65cm, 99cm, and 120cm, these cater to beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. Prices range from $400–$650.
- Rossignol Experience 76 Skis: A classic option for groomed trails, priced at $449.95, but less versatile and requires ski boots.
Quick Comparison
Product | Length | Best For | Price | Boot Compatibility | Terrain Suitability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Snowjam Skiboards | 90cm | All-around, carving | $199 | Ski boots only | Groomed trails, moderate powder |
Snowfeet Skiblades | 65cm/99cm/120cm | Beginners to advanced | $400–$650 | Ski/snowboard boots (65/99cm); ski boots (120cm) | Mixed terrains, powder |
Rossignol Experience 76 | 150–200cm+ | Groomed trail skiing | $449.95 | Ski boots only | Groomed trails only |
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, these options provide something for everyone. Short skis like Snowjam and Snowfeet are portable, easier to learn, and perfect for fun, dynamic rides. For a traditional ski experience, Rossignol remains a solid choice for resort runs.
Are skiboards any good? My FIRST time on skiboards! | Skiing
1. Snowjam Skiboards (90cm)
The Snowjam 90cm skiboards are built with a durable wood core, delivering impressive stability even at high speeds. These twin-tip boards measure 90 cm (35.4 in) in length, with a tip and tail height of 5.5 cm (2.2 in) and a turning radius of 5.7 m (18.7 ft) [3].
Designed with a wide body, these skiboards perform well across a variety of terrains - whether you're carving on groomed trails, tackling moguls, or weaving through glades. This versatility is paired with advanced technical capabilities, supported by fully adjustable composite bindings that are seamlessly integrated into the design [3].
Bug Stroope, a Team Rider hailing from Steamboat, Colorado, shares his experience:
"The new Snowjam skiboards give me a truly excellent ride. The wider footprint affords much better stability and control... The best thing about them is they're priced right for kids, budget-minded adults and rental fleet orders." [2]
Features and Their Benefits
Feature | Performance Benefit |
---|---|
Wood Core | Provides stability and strong edge grip |
Twin-Tip Design | Allows for backward riding and spins |
Wide Body Shape | Enhances float and terrain versatility |
Composite Bindings | Ensures precise control and responsiveness |
While the boards showed minor cosmetic wear on the top finish after two days of use [3], they remain highly reliable and durable. According to the Snowjam team:
"These are truly very reliable, durable skiboards. Snowjam wood core twin tips are very easy to turn, spin, go backwards and even ride powder. These are also stable at speed due to their thick wood core." [3]
Blending a playful feel with solid performance, these 90cm skiboards are a great fit for riders of various skill levels and styles. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, they offer a fun and dependable ride.
2. Snowfeet Skiblades (65cm, 99cm, 120cm)
Snowfeet takes Snowjam's versatile design to the next level, offering skiblades tailored for precision and performance. Available in three sizes, these skiblades cater to a range of skiing styles and skill levels [1].
Size-Specific Performance
The 65cm Skiblades are perfect for navigating tight spaces and moguls. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for beginners and anyone who loves quick, sharp turns [1].
The 99cm Skiblades strike a balance between agility and stability. These are great for intermediate skiers looking to handle mixed terrains while sharpening their skills [1].
The 120cm Skiblades are designed for speed and control. With their extended length, they deliver exceptional edge grip and stability, making them ideal for advanced skiers tackling steep slopes and powder runs [1] [7].
Material Quality and Construction
Built to handle tough mountain conditions, Snowfeet skiblades are crafted from top-tier materials [6]. Here’s what sets them apart:
Feature | Benefit | Best Suited For |
---|---|---|
High-Quality Materials | Durable and responsive for long-lasting use | All models, perfect for all-mountain use |
Versatile Binding System | Works with various boot types* | 65cm & 99cm models (compatible with ski and snowboard boots) |
Responsive Design | Enables quick turns and precise control | Ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers |
*Note: The 120cm model is specifically designed for use with ski boots.
This meticulous construction ensures consistent performance across diverse terrains.
Terrain Adaptability
Snowfeet skiblades stand out for their ability to tackle a variety of terrains, offering a unique alternative to traditional skis. Experienced rider Sonya "Bones" McNair sums it up best:
"Skiboards are versatile and the possibilities are endless!" [5]
The 65cm and 99cm models are compatible with both ski and snowboard boots, while the 120cm version is optimized exclusively for ski boots [7].
Value Proposition
Snowfeet delivers quality and performance at competitive prices. The 65cm model starts at $400, the 99cm model at $450, and the 120cm model at $650. Each skiblade comes equipped with high-quality bindings [6]. With their precision-focused design, Snowfeet skiblades offer a fantastic alternative for riders who want enhanced maneuverability and a quicker learning curve compared to traditional skis [1].
sbb-itb-17ade95
3. Rossignol Experience 76 Skis
The Rossignol Experience 76 is a classic, full-length all-mountain ski built for on-trail carving. Its design contrasts with the trend of shorter, more versatile skis, reflecting a focus on traditional skiing performance.
Design and Construction
The Experience 76 features a PEFC-certified poplar wood core, ensuring even weight distribution and stability. It also incorporates Rossignol's Drive Tip Solution technology, which enhances control and responsiveness on the slopes [9].
Feature | Specification/Comment | Performance Impact |
---|---|---|
Terrain Split | 70% slope / 30% powder | Best suited for groomed trails |
Binding System | Xpress 10 GripWalk – works with select boots | May require specific ski boots |
Core Material | PEFC-certified poplar wood | Provides a stable and balanced ride |
Performance and Terrain Adaptability
The Experience 76 shines on groomed resort trails, thanks to its All Trail Rocker profile, which delivers precise control on hard-packed snow. However, its 70/30 slope-to-powder ratio limits its versatility, especially when compared to shorter, more adaptable skis. A GearJunkie expert highlighted its strengths and limitations:
"The Experience 76 is progression-oriented and an excellent value for beginner and intermediate skiers, though it's not ideal for softer snow and deep powder" [10].
Price Point Comparison
With an MSRP of $449.95 - and discounts sometimes bringing it down to $320.97 - the Experience 76 is competitively priced for an entry-level all-mountain ski [8]. However, buyers should factor in the cost of compatible ski boots, which typically range from $200 to $400. This additional expense may lead some skiers to explore shorter, more agile ski options that offer increased portability and a lower overall investment.
For 2025, the Experience 76 remains a reliable budget-friendly choice for those focused on groomed trails, even as shorter ski designs continue to gain popularity for their fun and convenience.
Features and Limitations
When comparing these winter sports options, it's clear that each has unique strengths and weaknesses, which can make them more or less suitable depending on the rider's preferences and the conditions. Below, we break down their design, performance, cost, and terrain adaptability to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Construction Comparison
Feature | Snowjam 90cm | Snowfeet 65/99/120cm | Rossignol Experience 76 |
---|---|---|---|
Core Material | 4x4 wood core | – | PEFC-certified poplar |
Construction | Twin-tip design with bi-directional fiberglass | Specialized short ski design | Traditional ski construction |
Base Material | P-tex 2000 extruded | – | – |
Price | $199.00 | $400–$650 | $449.95 |
Each product's design impacts how it performs on the slopes. For example, the Snowjam 90cm's twin-tip design makes it versatile, while Snowfeet's specialized short skis are tailored for portability and quick learning. Meanwhile, Rossignol’s traditional construction offers a classic skiing experience.
Performance Analysis
Snowfeet offers a range of skiblades designed to cater to different skill levels and terrain preferences:
- 65cm Skiblades: Ideal for beginners or those looking for maximum control and ease of turning on gentle slopes.
- 99cm Skiblades: A balanced option, combining stability and maneuverability for mixed terrain.
- 120cm Skiblades: Geared toward advanced riders, offering enhanced speed and control.
Cost-Benefit Assessment
Here's how the pricing stacks up:
- Snowjam Skiboards: $199.00 – Affordable and accessible, especially for casual riders.
- Snowfeet Models: $400–$650 – A higher upfront cost but offers unique features like portability and versatility.
- Rossignol Experience 76: $449.95 (plus boot costs) – A premium option for those seeking a traditional ski experience.
Usage Limitations
Product | Advantages | Limitations |
---|---|---|
Snowjam 90cm | Durable and comes with fixed bindings | Compatible only with ski boots |
Snowfeet 65cm | Highly portable and easy to learn | May face restrictions at some resorts; tricky for beginners |
Snowfeet 99/120cm | Performs well in powder conditions | Higher initial investment |
Rossignol Experience 76 | Offers a classic ski experience | Best suited for groomed terrain; requires specific boots |
Terrain Adaptability
Snowfeet models shine in their ability to handle a variety of conditions, from powder to groomed slopes, making them versatile for adventurous riders. Traditional skis like the Rossignol Experience 76, however, are more at home on groomed runs, offering a focused on-piste experience. The Snowjam 90cm strikes a balance, delivering versatility for both moderate powder and groomed terrain.
Best Choice Guide
Based on the performance details mentioned earlier, here's how to pick the Snowfeet product that aligns with your riding style.
For Beginners (0–1 Year Experience)
If you're just starting out, the 65cm Skiblades from Snowfeet are a fantastic choice. They offer:
- A quick and easy learning experience
- Compatibility with various boots
- Smooth, controlled rides on gentle slopes
"These are fun and easy to use. I've gotten a few compliments/questions about them while on the slopes/lift. Big plus is that I can use my snowboard boots and don't have to buy new ski boots." – Paolo Macabenta [4]
For Intermediate Riders (1–3 Years)
Riders with a bit more experience will appreciate the 99cm Skiblades, which strike a balance between stability and maneuverability. Key features include:
- Adaptability for mixed terrains
- The ability to build speed
- Reliable performance in powder
As your confidence grows, you can explore models designed for faster speeds and more demanding conditions.
For Advanced Riders (3+ Years)
For seasoned riders, the 120cm Skiblades offer top-tier performance. These are designed for:
- Stability at high speeds
- Versatility across all snow conditions
- High-quality construction for durability
Urban Riders
Urban riders looking for compact, portable options have two great choices:
Feature | Mini Ski Skates (38cm) | Snowfeet PRO (50cm) |
---|---|---|
Portability | Extremely portable | Space-saving |
Boot Compatibility | Regular winter shoes | Winter/snowboard boots |
Best Use | City slopes, parks | Mixed terrain |
Price | $140 | $230 |
Resort Riders
For those hitting the resorts, the 99cm POWDER model is ideal. It excels in:
- Performance on groomed runs
- Handling powder with ease
- A length optimized for resort conditions
While traditional brands like Rossignol, Atomic, and Head continue to deliver quality, Snowfeet's innovative approach brings unmatched convenience and performance for modern winter sports enthusiasts.
FAQs
Why are Snowjam Skiboards a better option for beginners compared to traditional skis like the Rossignol Experience 76?
Snowjam Skiboards are a great option for beginners thanks to their shorter length and lighter build. This design makes them easier to control and maneuver, giving new skiers a confidence boost as they practice turning and navigating the slopes. Plus, the wider platform enhances stability, which is a huge help when you're working on finding your balance.
On the other hand, traditional skis like the Rossignol Experience 76 are longer and demand more advanced techniques to handle speed and direction. While these skis are excellent for performance, they can feel overwhelming for someone just starting out. Snowjam Skiboards simplify the learning curve and make hitting the slopes a more enjoyable experience, so you can focus on having fun in the snow.
What size options do Snowfeet Skiblades offer, and how do they suit different skill levels?
Snowfeet Skiblades come in a range of sizes, from 44 cm to 120 cm, making them a fit for skiers of all experience levels. If you're a beginner, the 65 cm skiblades are a fantastic starting point. They're easy to handle, helping you build confidence as you navigate the slopes. For those with some experience, the 99 cm skiblades offer a great mix of agility and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of terrains. And if you're an advanced skier, the 120 cm skiblades deliver added stability and speed, perfect for mastering steep and challenging runs.
With this selection, Snowfeet ensures there's a skiblade size tailored to your skill level, helping you make the most of every moment on the mountain.
Can Snowjam Skiboards handle all types of snow and terrain, or do they have specific limitations?
Snowjam Skiboards are a solid choice for groomed runs and packed snow. Their ease of control and smooth maneuvering make them a fun option, especially for beginners and intermediate riders. That said, they can fall short in deeper powder or icy conditions, where their performance isn't as strong.
If you're looking for something that can handle a wider range of terrain, Snowfeet Skiblades could be a great pick. Built with versatility in mind, they're designed to tackle powder, off-piste trails, and tougher conditions effortlessly. This makes them an excellent option for skiers who want both excitement and reliability on varying slopes.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.