I’d choose POWDER 99 for short turns and light powder - not deep-snow float. These 39-inch (99 cm) skis let you keep your snowboard boots, but you must pick Snowboard Boot Bindings and check the listed US 6–14.5 fit range.
Here’s how I’d weigh the three options:
- POWDER 99: Compact gear, a forward stance, and separate control of each ski. Expect less float and less stability at speed.
- Conventional snowboard: A familiar sideways stance and more float with a powder-ready board, but more bulk to carry.
- Longer powder skis: More float and steadier tracking at speed, but more gear to store and a setup that usually needs ski boots.
Quick Comparison
| What matters | POWDER 99 | Snowboard | Longer powder skis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | Snowboard boots with the right bindings | Snowboard boots | Usually ski boots |
| Turning | Short turns; each foot steers | Both feet steer one board | Longer arcs |
| Deep powder | Less float | More float with a suitable board | More float |
| Carrying | Compact | Bulkier | Longest setup |
My first checks? Boot fit, resort rules, and binding setup. <u>POWDER 99’s snowboard bindings don’t auto-release.</u> Use the safety leashes and learn to turn and stop on easy groomers before trying powder. Check the product page for current pricing - then choose based on how you ride, not just what fits in your trunk.
POWDER 99 vs. Snowboard vs. Powder Skis
1. Snowfeet* Skiblades POWDER 99 with snowboard bindings
Boot and binding fit
Keep your snowboard boots and switch to two short skis - but check the fit first. The snowboard-binding version fits standard snowboard boots in EU sizes 38–49 / US sizes 6–14.5. Its baseplate, highback, and straps are designed for the short-ski platform. Supportive boots help with control and carving. Before riding, tighten the bolts and attach the safety leashes. These bindings do not auto-release.
The current official Snowfeet* product listing shows a price of $772.00, down from $839.00.
Once your gear is set, you’ll need to get used to a forward stance and steering each foot on its own.
Stance and turning
Snowfeet* says skaters and hockey players can adapt in about five minutes, and the 6 m (20 ft) turning radius supports tight turns.
Those tight turns help with control, but softer snow puts float to the test.
Powder float and stability
A wood core, cap construction, metal edges, and graphite base give the POWDER 99 a stable feel for a short ski. It works best on groomers, in parks, and through moguls and bumpy snow. In deep powder, though, longer powder skis offer more float and better tracking at high speeds.
Choose POWDER 99 for easier handling and powder play, not maximum float. Keep that trade-off in mind when comparing it with a conventional snowboard or full-length powder skis.
Carrying, storage, and terrain
At 99 cm (39 in) long, these skiblades are easier to store and travel with than standard long skis.
2. Conventional snowboard
Boot and binding fit
A conventional snowboard uses snowboard boots and bindings made for one board. POWDER 99 works with snowboard boots only in its snowboard-binding version, so check boot fit and platform fit separately. The next adjustment is stance: instead of moving one board, you control two skis.
Stance and turning
On a snowboard, both feet turn a single platform. POWDER 99 calls for independent-foot control. Riders need to shift from edging one board to steering each ski separately.
Powder float and stability
A conventional snowboard provides more float in deep powder and the familiar feel of holding an edge on one platform. POWDER 99 favors fast, playful movements with each foot. The snowboard is the stronger deep-powder tool, but it takes up more space.
Carrying, storage, and terrain
Typical snowboards measure 55–65 inches (140–165 cm), making them bulkier to carry and pack than the 39-inch (99 cm) POWDER 99. Longer powder skis trade that compact size for more float and stability at speed - the next comparison.
All you need to know - Snowfeet* | Skiskates | Skiboards | Snowblades | Skiblades FAQ
3. Longer powder skis
Longer powder skis offer more float than POWDER 99, but you lose its compact size and boot-friendly setup.
Boot and binding fit
Longer powder skis usually need alpine ski boots and release bindings. POWDER 99 works with snowboard boots when fitted with its snowboard-binding version.
Stance and turning
Longer powder skis commonly have turning radii of 49–72 ft (15–22 m), compared with POWDER 99’s 20 ft (6 m) radius. They make bigger, slower arcs, while POWDER 99 keeps turns quick and nimble.
Powder float and stability
Longer powder skis offer more float in very deep snow and more stability at speed. POWDER 99’s rocker-camber profile helps in powder, but its shorter platform has less surface area.
Choose longer skis for deep, open bowls. Go with POWDER 99 for playful, mixed-terrain riding where quick direction changes matter more than maximum float.
Carrying, storage, and terrain
Powder skis often measure 67 in (170 cm) or longer, so they take up more room in transit and storage. Before buying, check boot fit, binding type, and leash compatibility.
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Before Buying: Boot Fit and Setup Checks
Before you buy, check boot fit, gear condition, and resort rules.
Confirm boot fit. Choose the “Snowboard Boot Bindings” version. Boot shape can affect fit, so confirm compatibility with Snowfeet* before ordering - especially if you’re near either size limit.
Check hardware and condition. Snowfeet* includes the bindings, mounting screws, a carry bag, and a how-to brochure. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver, then check them again after your first run. With both boots in place, center each boot in its binding and tighten the straps until there’s no wobble. Before riding, inspect the edges and base for damage. If you’re buying used skiblades, check the core, too.
Check resort and leash rules before your first lift. These bindings do not release in a fall. Start on gentle groomers, where you can practice balancing forward and back and stopping before trying deeper powder. Stay off steep terrain and out of deep powder until you can turn and stop cleanly.
Pros and Cons
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowfeet* POWDER 99 with snowboard bindings | The Snowboard Boot Bindings version works with snowboard boots. At 39 inches (99 cm) long, it’s easy to carry and store. Each foot moves on its own for playful handling. | Less float in deep powder and less stability at high speeds than a conventional snowboard or longer powder skis. Snowboarders need to change their stance. | Casual riders who want compact gear, snowboard boots, and playful powder laps - not top speed or maximum float. |
| Conventional snowboard | Keeps the sideways stance snowboarders know. A suitable powder board has a broad base for float and a surf-like ride. | Takes up more room in transit. Steering one board is less nimble in tight terrain. | Snowboarders who want familiar handling and more float in deeper snow. |
| Longer powder skis | More float, better tracking, and more stability at speed. | Bulkier to carry and store. They need ski boots and specialized bindings and can be harder to turn in narrow terrain. | Experienced skiers who put deep-snow performance and speed first. |
POWDER 99’s main trade-off is short-turn agility versus float. That balance drives the verdict.
Verdict: Choose POWDER 99 for Play, Not Maximum Float
Choose POWDER 99 for quick-turn control on moderate powder days - if you’re willing to learn independent-foot turns. You’re choosing playful control on short skis with snowboard boots over maximum float on full-size gear.
For very deep snow, fast open bowls, or long traverses, go with a snowboard or longer powder skis. They offer more float, track better, and stay steadier at speed.
For playful resort riding, Snowfeet* POWDER 99 is our pick. If that sounds like your style, check the official POWDER 99 listing for current pricing. Choose Snowboard Boot Bindings, and confirm boot fit before buying.
FAQs
How can I check my snowboard boots fit POWDER 99 before buying?
Choose the POWDER 99 model with snowboard-compatible bindings. Check that your boots fit the supported range: US sizes 6–14.5 (EU 38–49).
The custom, tool-free bindings come pre-mounted. That means no separate parts to buy and no trip to the shop for mounting.
What drills help me learn independent-foot turns on POWDER 99?
Practice short, controlled pivot turns in trees or soft snow to help break the habit of riding your snowboard sideways. Try these two drills:
- “two-step turns”: Shift pressure to one foot to start a small turn, then to the other foot to finish.
- “pause turns”: Start the turn, pause briefly with your weight centered, then finish with the second foot.
Before you ride, check your boot fit and binding tightness. Keep your heels snug to prevent unwanted movement.
How can I tell when powder is too deep for POWDER 99?
POWDER 99 cm skis float well in 4 to 12 inches of new powder, but more than 12 inches pushes their limits. Their short platform doesn’t spread your weight as well as full-length powder skis, so the tips can dive when you slow down.
They’re playful and easy to turn in resort conditions. But for bottomless bowls or deep, open terrain, long skis offer better float and stability.
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