I’ve been enjoying the unexpected snow in my area for the past few weeks. I still can’t find my snow boots so I’m using my rugged hiking shoes (introduced a few weeks ago). The shoes are working great, and my puffy jacket from Mountain Warehouse also is working adequately.
Despite being a new blog, a few people (friends) have asked for more information, so I’ll provide it here for everyone. This week is more in depth than my first-time snow skater post last week.
Curious about snow skates?
Mine is an Alibi Snow Day board from Zumiez at Mayfair Mall. You’ll also find Snow Day on the Zumiez website.
Snow skating is kinda like skateboarding on snow. Push off and slide down the snow, grind rails, and grind curbs and other obstacles. I don’t know too much about the activity other than “push off and hope” so far. Admittedly I’m a scaredy-cat (bike injuries in my past). Try to picture stand-up tobogganing or snowboarding without bindings.
I won’t get into the ollies and airtime I see others doing.
Some snow skates are built with edges, like skis have
My board doesn’t have edges. Apparently some do have edges – I think that could be challenging!
Based on my limited experience with skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing, edges help you turn. If going downhill, you definitely want edges ordinarily. On a snow skate however, they might not be necessary.
Edges might be suitable for deeper snow, ice, or riding down a steeper grade. Or for steering into jumps and obstacles, I imagine. You might need some strength and balance too, which I don’t have especially in the middle of winter.
Insights from ski and snowboarding experience
My earlier experience with snowboarding 20+ years ago offers slight insight. Back then, I had a blast with a crappy old snowboard that I got at a secondhand store. It had dull edges. It was “huge” for my height. I glided around with ease, and was able to smoothly turn whenever I wanted. I looked in a direction, and it took me there. It was like a dream. My skateboarding on big old clunky skateboards was similar over the decades – excess weight can actually be a benefit sometimes.
When I visited the nearest ski resort once or twice, I had great difficulty controlling a ‘proper’ new snowboard that I rented. I fought to make each turn happen. I recall thinking that turning required way more commitment (feeling off balance) than I needed for my old board. Looking back, I’m pretty sure I would’ve enjoyed that ski vacation with a gentler (older) board.
For snow skating today, I’m older and have some injuries, so I’m just trying to go forward without falling to the ground. In spots where nearby roads have a slight incline, my Alibi board travels fine and I have fun. And it was cheap. I wouldn’t expect turning to happen easily and I’ve not tried. I want to master going forward first.
Digging deeper into snow skate gear
Beginner tips for a good start
- Don’t aim for a perfect board at the start; something slower and more predictable might be perfect for you (and cheaper)
- If you’re a Canadian, enjoy the choices available from Canadian suppliers listed below
- You might consider attaching a leash like surfers use, especially if snowskating in a public place and it might be required for groomed snow resorts.
- Examine this thread and others at Reddit r/Snowskating https://www.reddit.com/r/Snowskating/comments/rrjn47/snowskate_newb_advice_on_what_to_practice/ – it recommends where to put your feet, etc.
- I had the best gliding and balance when holding my front arm straight out, which I discovered by accident while trying to film myself with a cell phone held out as far as I could
- For safety, I suggest wearing the usual newbie gear: knee and elbow pads, skateboard-style helmet, padded shorts
- If you’re really hammering into airborne tricks, I’d add a tooth guard
- With all that gear, you’ll be all set for skateboarding and roller skating when summer arrives
Reviews online of my Alibi Snow Day snow skate
After I had some fun several times in January to February 2025 with my beginner snow skate, I looked up reviews. At first they were hard to find, and seemed negative. Comments on Reddit said the snowboards from Alibi are crap, but I think you need to compare apples to apples – this Alibi Snow Day is a beginner snow skate. I don’t expect it to match a ‘pro’ snow skate with precision jumping and turning abiltiies.
Being a Zumiez store brand, it’s challenging to find reviews anyhow. You and I can fill in the gap! Leave your reviews here AND there!
Other brands of snow skates
Leave a comment if you’ve tried any of these. What was good or bad? Who is the ideal type of skater for it?
In alphabetical order:
- Alibi snowskates – sold at Zumiez stores and www.zumiez.ca – Canadian
- Ambition snowskates – https://ambitionsnowskates.com – Canadian
- Hovland Snow Skates – https://www.hovlandsnowskates.com/ – the City Slicker looks similar to mine; offers inspiring videos right on the home page
- Landyachts – https://landyachtz.com/cat/snow-skates/ – Canadian
Skating socially
This last section is to help you along to meet others and continue your journy in snow skating.
Where to find other snow skaters
Here are some to find tips and conversations about snow skating:
- Reddit r/Snowskating thread
Final thoughts for new snow skaters
Please DO leave a comment if you can answer this quesion: Is ‘snow skate’ spelled as one word or two?
If you have questions about snow skating, ask your questions below. I’ll find an answer for you.
Enjoy the outdoors,
Heidi
