Feb 15, 2014
End-of-Season Ski & Snowboard Picks: Our Shop Favorites for Every Rider
End-of-Season Ski & Snowboard Picks: Our Shop Favorites for Every Rider
This guide originally discussed picks for the 2024–2025 winter season. Product links were reviewed September 19, 2026. These are model recommendations, not a current sale or a guarantee of stock; check each listing for today’s price, available sizes, and condition.
Whether you're a new skier grabbing your first pair of sticks, a snowboarder looking to upgrade for next season, or just trying to find a killer deal before the snow melts, we've rounded up some of our favorite skis and snowboards for every level—from beginner to expert.
Beginner Skis: Rossignol Experience 78 – Affordable, Easy to Control
If you're just getting into skiing and looking for a beginner-friendly ski, the Rossignol Experience 78 is a top pick. With a narrow waist for easy edge-to-edge control, this ski helps you build solid technique right from the start. The lighter construction makes turning easier and less tiring, which is exactly what you want when you're figuring out your form.
Bonus? The price tag. This ski is often one of the best budget skis for beginners, so you can save some cash for that après hot chocolate (or beer, we won’t judge).
Intermediate Skis: Salomon Stance 88 – One Ski to Do It All
The Salomon Stance 88 is what we call the ultimate all-mountain ski. With a moderate 88mm waist, it’s nimble enough for groomers but wide enough to handle a fresh layer of snow. If you're an intermediate skier working on your carving, or you want a versatile ski that can handle a little of everything, this is the one.
This ski hits the sweet spot between performance and fun, and if you only have room in your quiver for one ski, this is a top-tier choice.
Advanced Skis: K2 Mindbender 99 & Rossignol BlackOps – Float & Charge
Now we’re talking power. The K2 Mindbender 99 Ti and Rossignol BlackOps Sender are designed for advanced skiers who want to carve fast, float deep, and blast through variable terrain. These freeride skis come with wider underfoot platforms—perfect for powder days, off-piste exploration, and aggressive lines.
Whether you're charging bowls or weaving through trees, these skis deliver that confident, surfy feel we all dream about mid-week at work.
Beginner Snowboards: K2 Raygun & Burton Radius – Learn With Confidence
Snowboarding for the first time? No worries. The K2 Raygun and Burton Radius are both fantastic beginner snowboards. The Raygun’s flat-to-rocker profile and the Radius’s rocker profile offer forgiving options for learning. Check each model’s shape, mounting system, and available size before buying.
These boards are forgiving but still capable enough to keep up as your skills progress.
Intermediate Snowboard: Gnu Ladies Choice – Responsive & Fun
The Gnu Ladies Choice is perfect for snowboarders ready to push beyond the bunny hill. With a hybrid camber/rocker profile, this board offers a responsive, locked-in ride without being too aggressive. Whether you're learning to carve, hitting small park features, or cruising side hits, this is a versatile, playful snowboard that makes progression fun.
It’s also Mervin-built in the USA, so you’re supporting American-made gear while shredding hard.
Advanced Snowboards: Jones Ultra Mind Expander & Salomon Huck Knife – Ride Like a Legend
Looking for a high-performance snowboard that can handle deep pow and gnarly terrain? Two of our favorites are:
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Jones Ultra Mind Expander– This directional powder board has a longer nose, shorter tail, and a hybrid camber that floats through the fluff and still carves like a dream. It’s a must-have for backcountry powder days and sidecountry adventures.
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Salomon Huck Knife – This freestyle beast has a full camber profile, tons of pop, and razor-sharp edge hold. Whether you’re lapping park, carving corduroy, or cutting through chop, the Huck Knife delivers precision and power.
Score the Gear, Shred the Deals
Hopefully, this guide helps you sort out what kind of ski or snowboard fits your style and skill level. Whether you're just starting out, cruising blues with style, or chasing steep lines and fresh pow, our shop can help you compare the gear currently available and dial in your setup.
So grab your gear, wax those edges, and slay the rest of winter like the snow-loving legend you are.