All-mountain skis are great for varied terrain, but they struggle in parks. Why? Their stiffness and longer design make tricks, quick spins, and rails harder to master. If you're serious about park riding, compact options like Snowfeet Skiblades (65 cm) or Skiskates (44 cm) might be better. Skiblades offer a balance of control and stability, while Skiskates are ideal for spins, jumps, and tight maneuvers. Both are lightweight, portable, and compatible with snowboard boots, making them more comfortable than traditional setups.
| Feature | All-Mountain Skis | Snowfeet Skiblades | Snowfeet Skiskates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | Limited | Good | Excellent |
| Ease of Tricks | Challenging | Moderate | Easy |
| Portability | Bulky | Lightweight | Backpack-friendly |
| Boot Compatibility | Ski boots only | Ski & snowboard | Ski & snowboard |
For park riders, shorter gear can make a huge difference. Snowfeet's options are worth considering for more fun and flexibility in the park!
The Best Park Skis For 2025 | Reviewed & Compared At Newschoolers Gear Week
1. Traditional All-Mountain Skis
Traditional all-mountain skis might be your go-to for varied mountain conditions, but they’re not exactly a dream in the terrain park. Their design, while versatile, doesn’t align with the demands of park riding. A big issue? Stiffness.
Stiffness: A Double-Edged Sword
All-mountain skis are noticeably stiffer than park-specific skis, and that can be a problem when it comes to jumps and landings. As Uporabik points out:
"Park skis aren't as stiff as all moutain skis." – Uporabik
This stiffness means landings can feel harsh and unforgiving. Park skis, on the other hand, are built to flex more, absorbing the impact and making landings smoother and less jarring.
Struggles on Rails and Boxes
That same rigidity, which works wonders for carving on groomed runs, becomes a liability in the park. Tricks like pressing, sliding, and buttering require a ski that bends and moves with you. All-mountain skis just don’t have the flexibility for these moves, making them feel stiff and awkward when you’re trying to get creative on rails or boxes.
Built for the Mountain, Not the Park
The priorities baked into all-mountain ski design - like carving, stability, and performance in powder - don’t translate well to park needs. Lost_Discipline sums it up perfectly:
"A 'proper park ski' should be optimized for skiing switch, landing air and smearing butters, jibby stuff which doesn't really translate to carving, stability at speed, or floating on pow." – Lost_Discipline
This design mismatch becomes even more apparent when it comes to tricks like switch riding.
Switch Riding Woes
Switch riding - basically skiing backward - is a core skill in the park. But all-mountain skis aren’t built with this in mind. Their directional shape and weight distribution are tailored for forward motion, making switch riding feel clunky and unnatural.
In short, taking all-mountain skis into the park is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. They’re just not built for the kind of flexibility and playfulness park riding demands.
2. Snowfeet* Skiblades
If you've ever felt limited by traditional all-mountain skis in the terrain park, Snowfeet* Skiblades might just be the game-changer you're looking for. These compact skis, measuring just 65 cm (about 26 inches), are specifically designed to excel in park settings. Their shorter length makes them a perfect fit for riders who want more control and precision while tackling park features.
Why They Shine in the Park
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Quick Turns and Easy Maneuvering
Thanks to their small size, these skiblades make quick directional changes a breeze. Whether you're weaving through crowded areas or lining up for a feature, their agility is hard to beat. -
Built to Last
Made with durable, high-quality materials, these skiblades are tough enough to handle the wear and tear of park riding. And at $450, they deliver serious performance without breaking the bank.
For park enthusiasts, Snowfeet* Skiblades combine agility and durability in a compact package that’s ready to take on any feature.
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3. Snowfeet* Skiskates
If you're all about hitting the park and pulling off tricks, Snowfeet* Skiskates might just become your new best friend. At just 44 cm (about 17 inches) long, these skates are shorter than the Snowfeet* Skiblades, giving you the control and agility you need to nail jumps, spins, and tight maneuvers on park features.
Designed for the Park
Thanks to their compact size, Skiskates let you move in a way that feels similar to ice hockey or rollerblading. This means quick pivots, sharp turns, and effortless balance adjustments are all part of the package. Whether you're working on 180s, 360s, or other rotations, these skates make it easier - and way more fun. Plus, they come with versatile bindings that adapt to different boots.
Boot Compatibility for Every Style
The binding system on these skiskates is designed to work with both ski boots and snowboard boots. This flexibility lets you pick the setup that feels right for you. Many park riders love the snowboard boot option because it offers a board-like feel that’s perfect for pulling off tricks.
Built to Perform
With cap construction and a wood core, Snowfeet* Skiskates are all about stability and responsiveness. Whether you're hitting ramps, tackling rails, or landing jumps, they deliver reliable performance without weighing you down.
Priced at $390, these skiskates combine hockey-inspired agility with sturdy construction, making them a solid choice for park riders who want something more nimble than traditional skis.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to park performance, each option has its strengths and weaknesses.
Traditional All-Mountain Skis aren’t the best fit for park-specific riding. These skis shine on varied terrain but fall short when it comes to the quick movements and tricks needed in the park. Their longer, stiffer design makes tight spins and maneuvers, like 360s, more challenging. On the bright side, they’re stable on bigger jumps and a solid choice for riders who split their time between the park and the rest of the mountain.
Snowfeet* Skiblades hit a sweet spot. At 65 cm long, they’re more agile than traditional skis while still offering enough surface area for stable landings. Plus, they’re easy to transport and work with both ski and snowboard boots, making them a versatile option.
Snowfeet* Skiskates are the go-to for park enthusiasts. Their compact design is perfect for tricks, spins, and quick movements. They’re also incredibly portable - small enough to fit in a backpack. If you’ve got experience in hockey, ice skating, or rollerblading, you’ll pick these up quickly. As Nathan F. puts it:
"Absolute game-changer! They're light, fast, and incredibly fun to ride".
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Traditional All-Mountain Skis | Snowfeet* Skiblades | Snowfeet* Skiskates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | Limited in tight spaces | Balanced control and stability | Outstanding for tricks |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Easier to master | Quick, especially for skaters |
| Portability | Bulky and heavy | Lightweight | Ultra-portable, backpack-friendly |
| General Use | Great for varied terrains | Hybrid for park and mountain | Ideal for park riding |
One more thing: traditional skis require stiff plastic ski boots, which can be uncomfortable. Both Snowfeet* options, however, are compatible with snowboard boots, offering a more comfortable and mobile experience.
Conclusion
Traditional all-mountain skis, built for versatility across terrain, often fall short in the park. Their length and stiffness can make tricks and quick maneuvers a real challenge. Enter Snowfeet* Skiblades and Skiskates - gear designed to change the game. These compact options bring unmatched maneuverability, smoother trick progression, and the added perk of easy portability. The 65 cm Skiblades strike a great balance between stability and quick response, while the smaller Skiskates excel at spins and tricks, giving riders a creative edge.
For beginners, Snowfeet* gear offers an easy-to-use design that takes the intimidation out of learning. Casual riders will love the versatility of Skiblades, and advanced riders can push their creativity with the unique capabilities of Skiskates.
Another bonus? Snowfeet* gear ditches the stiff, clunky ski boots for snowboard boots, offering more mobility and comfort for all-day fun. It’s a win-win for riders of every level.
FAQs
What makes Snowfeet Skiblades and Skiskates better than traditional all-mountain skis for park riding?
Snowfeet Skiblades and Skiskates are a game-changer for park riding, thanks to their lightweight, compact build and incredible maneuverability. Their shorter length makes them super easy to control, which is especially helpful if you’re just starting out. They’re perfect for quick, playful moves - whether you’re hitting jumps, landing tricks, or sliding rails. Unlike traditional all-mountain skis that can feel bulky and tough to manage, Snowfeet gear is all about keeping things fun and agile in the park.
One of their standout perks? Portability. These mini skis are small enough to toss in a backpack, making them a breeze to carry around for impromptu park sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into park riding, Snowfeet Skiblades and Skiskates make it easier (and more fun) to tackle features with confidence.
Can Snowfeet Skiblades and Skiskates be used with different types of boots, and why is this helpful for park riders?
Snowfeet Skiblades and Skiskates come with adjustable bindings that don’t require any tools to tweak. These bindings are designed to work with a range of boots - whether you’re rocking ski boots, snowboard boots, or even sturdy winter or hiking boots. This setup ensures a snug and secure fit, letting you choose the footwear that works best for you without sacrificing performance.
This flexibility shines in terrain parks, where quick movements and precise control are key for pulling off tricks, jumps, and hitting rails. With the ability to use different boot types, Snowfeet gear makes it easy to tailor your setup for comfort and style, while keeping things safe and fun.
Which Snowfeet product is better for beginners in the park: Skiblades or Skiskates?
For those just starting out in park skiing, Snowfeet Skiblades (65 cm) are a fantastic option. Their small size and lightweight build make them super easy to handle, which is great for boosting confidence on the slopes. Plus, skiblades are more forgiving when it comes to jumps and tricks, letting beginners focus on learning the essentials while still enjoying the thrill of the park.
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