Snowskates

Riding a rail on a JP Walker Snowskate

Burton Junkyard Snowdeck

Is your skateboard collecting dust in the closet cuz there's a foot of snow on the ground and your mom won't let you skate in the kitchen? Don't wait for the snow to melt - grab a snowskate.

A snowskate or snowdeck is basically a skateboard designed for the snow. There are no bindings - it's just a deck with a blade on the bottom, instead of wheels. You can pop ollies, ride rails, or slide around a parking lot - all you need is snow. Riding a snowskate is a great alternative to snowboarding if you don't have a lot of cash - cuz you don't have to buy a lift ticket or extra gear like boots and bindings.

Burton Snowdecks - The guys that invented snowboards started out with the Junkyard model and have now added Source, Link and Bridge to their line of Snowdecks. Burton snowskates are a double-decker style with a deck on top and a metal sub-deck underneath. Like all Burton products, these are good quality and well designed. Costs around $150 US. For more info, head to www.burton.com.

Salomon PP3 Snowdeck - The PP3 is the only model from Salomon. Like the Burton line, the PPS is a double-decker style. The top deck has a waterproof coating which makes it a bit more durable. But you also pay for it. The PPS costs around $200 US. For more info, head to www.salomonsnowboard.com.

Premier Snowskates - Premier started the snowskate craze and have several models to choose from. Unlike Burton and Salomon, Premier snowskates have only one deck with a hard plastic base that slides directly on to the snow. All their decks have great graphics and are great for your budget too. They range in price from $50 to $100 US. Find out more at www.premiersnowsk8.com.

Several other companies that have a long history of making skateboards are now making snowskates as well - including Santa Cruz and World Industries.

If you've tried riding a snowskate, all about it.

Related Stories:

Snowbunny Goggles

Go Be A Dirtbag

K2 Genesis Pack