Everything that you should know about snowskate!
What is a snowskate ?
The snowskate is a blend of skateboarding and snowboarding. There are two types of snowskates: the single decks and the bi-decks (Aka Bi-level).
Single deck Vs Bi-decks
_ The snowskates known as 'single deck' or 'flat deck' are simple decks that are quite similar to a traditional skateboard, but with a grooved plastic base that allows for easy and controlled sliding on the snow. The top of the deck is covered with foam grip.
This type of board is focused to freestyle & tricks, whether in snowy streets or in parks. These boards are not suitable for freeriding and/or carving on the slopes.
_ Snowskates Bi-Levels are a combination of a skateboard-style deck (top deck) mounted on a more or less long and wide ski (sub deck). The two are connected by trucks. The upper board is covered with a foam grip that can be complemented with studded grips (such as Harfang prism studded) for even more traction underfoot. For safety, the board is attached to the rider via a cord called a leash.
This type of snowskates offers the same possibilities as a snowboard, but with the added creativity of skateboarding and unmatched comfort. With a bi-level snowskate, you can easily ride down slopes, snow powder runs, make turns, perform tricks,...
Depending on the length and width of the ski, the snowskate will be more or less versatile and/or specialized.
The smallest sub decks will be more comfortable for tricks, intermediate-sized skis will be versatile, and finally, the longest sub-decks will be more suitable for downhill skiing on or off the slopes.
Some very wide skis will allow you to ride in deep powder (Hovland Bubba & Buckshot).
What gears wearing to snowskate?
No specific equipment is required. Wear warm clothing and avoid overly loose pants (to prevent snow from getting under your feet).
Snowshoes with minimal cleats are ideal (e.g., Vans High MTN). Avoid snowboard boots at all costs, as they restrict ankle flexibility too much!
How to snowskate?
For a first try, position yourself on a gentle slope.
_Secure your feet in the hollows created by the kicks.
_Keep your legs flexible and bent, with your weight shifted over the front foot.
_The front leg will serve as the pivot, while the rear leg sweeps to provide direction. Don't look for an edge grip, but rather rotate your body.
Learning the basic fundamentals is relatively simple if you have some knowledge of board riding.
WARNING: For your safety and the safety of other slope users, always attach your leash to the belt (avoid belt loops that could tear off).
Where to snowskate?
Few stations have a clear understanding of the discipline, and confusion often persists. Please feel free to share your experiences with us to enrich and/or correct the database.
Ski fields accepting Bi-level snowskates on slopes and ski lifts (leash mandatory):
FRANCE
_Asco(Corse)
_Avoriaz 1800 (74)
_Arèche Beaufort
_Chamonix la Balme(74). Ok in the whole ski field. The staff seems to be unaware of the permission. The ski field rules state, "Any device on which the rider is attached to their skis/snowboard while standing is allowed on the slopes", so it's okay with a leash. We tested the resort and were initially turned away. After speaking with the snow patrol manager, the rules were in our favor, and we were able to snowskate freely.
_Chamrousse(38). Allowed on the gondola only.
_Collet d'Allevard(38). Ok on the beginner slop & skilifts. Forbidden on the chairlifts
_Couchevel
_Ghisoni(Corse)
_Gourette (Pyrénées)
_Graisse en Vercors (Isere). OK only on the chairlift
_La Plagne (73) Funiculaire & télécabine uniquement(ce qui suffit pour couvrir tout le domaine)
_Lans en Vercors(38) OK if you strap your foot to the board buring your way up (if so, we are listed a snowboard) The ski field only as skilifts. Great place to snowskate, including a boardercross
_Les Brasses (74)
_Les 2 Alpes: Only the Jandri Express 1 and 2 gondolas, Superb Venosc, and the funicular (chairlift prohibited). Helmet & Leash Mandatory.
_Les 3 Vallées
_Les Houches - St Gervais(74). OK everywhere exept the 2 steeper ski lifts. The ski field rules state, "Any device on which the rider is attached to their skis/snowboard while standing is allowed on the slopes", so it's okay with a leash. In case of a trouble with the staff, request that the regulations be checked in front of you.
_Luce la Jarjatte (Drome)
_Méribel
_Saint Hugues Chartreuse (38). Ok everywhere? Very friendly, Cheap ski pass. This is a very tiny ski field ran by the villagers. Perfect place to learn how to snowskate
_Saint Pierre de Charteuse (38)
_Sauze / Super Sauze (04)
_Semnoz (74)
_Tignes (73)
_Valloire. We had opposite informations. We would recommand to give a call before you go
CANADA
_Sunpeaks
_Harper
_Bigwhite
_Silverstar
_Whistler
_Red Mountain
SUISSE
_Les Diablerets
_Les Mosses
_Les Paccots
_Leysin
Ski field where snowskates is forbidden
_Alpe D'Huez(38)
_Les 7 Laux(38)
_Mont Dore(63)
_Serre Chevallier(05)
_Val D'allos(04)