Best Independent Snowboard Brands for 2025


Image: Borealis, Article: Independent Snowboard Brands

In a world where mass-produced gear dominates the shelves, independent snowboard brands are standing tall, bringing innovation, craftsmanship, and passion to the slopes.

If you’re looking for something with a little more soul and a lot more personality, these four brands – Never Summer, Arbor, United Shapes, and Borealis – are leading the way with sustainable practices, rider-centric designs, and unmatched performance.

Let's dive into what makes each brand unique and why their 2025 collections deserve a spot in your quiver.


1. Never Summer

Never Summer Snowboards

Since 1991, Never Summer has been setting the bar for quality and craftsmanship.

Hand-built in Denver, Colorado, these boards are renowned for their durability and precision. Never Summer was also the first to receive a patent for hybrid camber technology, proving their commitment to pushing the boundaries of snowboard design.

By working closely with the top engineers and materials manufacturers, Never Summer creates some of the most high-performance boards on the planet. Their boards are built to last, and you can only find them at the world’s best snowboard shops.

If you're looking for a board that can handle everything from backcountry to park laps, Never Summer's line-up is hard to beat.

2. Arbor

Arbor

Arbor has been crafting boards with an eco-conscious mindset since 1995. As one of the first brands to integrate sustainability into snowboarding, Arbor leads by example. They replaced traditional plastic topsheets with sustainably sourced wood veneers and pioneered the use of bamboo and bio-plastics long before it was trendy.

Arbor's boards aren’t just good for the planet – they’re built for performance. With nearly three decades of design evolution, Arbor offers a range of boards that blend modern tech with classic craftsmanship.

Whether you’re looking for an all-mountain shredder or a backcountry beast, Arbor has you covered.

3. United Shapes

United Shapes

United Shapes is all about celebrating the simplicity and freedom of snowboarding.

Inspired by the golden era of 90s freeriding, this brand believes in making every turn an experience. Their minimalist approach is all about enhancing the rider’s connection to the mountain, focusing on fluidity, flow, and progression.

United Shapes brings a thoughtful, nostalgic touch to modern snowboarding while keeping an eye on innovation. Each board is built with a purpose, designed to enrich your experience on the slopes, whether you're carving through untouched powder or flying down groomers.

4. Borealis

Borealis

Born in the French Alps, Borealis has been building snowboards since 2013 with nature in mind.

Their boards are crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo and Greenpoxy resin, all while maintaining the highest performance standards. Borealis is known for its attention to detail, originality, and the perfect balance between eco-friendliness and technical innovation.

Each Borealis board has its own distinct identity, making them perfect for riders who want gear that matches their personality and riding style. Whether you’re riding tree runs or tackling alpine descents, Borealis delivers boards that perform as good as they look – with minimal impact on the environment.


2025 Independent Snowboard Brand Staff Picks

As we look to the 2025 season, these independent brands are delivering some serious heat with their latest releases. Here are the boards we can’t wait to get under our feet:

Arbor Coda 2025

Built for all-mountain domination, the Arbor Coda is the perfect balance of power and control. With Arbor’s signature sustainable wood topsheet and eco-friendly construction, this board is as kind to the environment as it is to your ride.

Arbor Coda

United Shapes Cadet 2025

The Cadet is United Shapes' latest masterpiece, combining precision handling with a surf-inspired shape. This board is ideal for riders who value smooth transitions and effortless turns, making every line feel like art.

United Shapes Cadet

Borealis Artefact 2025

True to Borealis’ nature-focused ethos, the Artefact is crafted from premium bamboo and designed for powder lovers. It’s ultra-light, super snappy, and built to float effortlessly through the deep stuff while still performing on hardpack.

Borealis Artefact

Never Summer Protosynthesis 2025

Never Summer’s Protosynthesis is the ultimate all-mountain freestyle board. With their patented hybrid camber tech, this board delivers pop, precision, and stability in every condition. It’s a true quiver-killer.

Never Summer Protosynthesis 2025

Never Summer Infinity (Women’s) 2025

Ladies, this one’s for you! The Never Summer Infinity is designed specifically for women who love to ride everything. This board brings together power, versatility, and a touch of freestyle fun, making it a perfect choice for any terrain - plus some super sweet graphics too!

Never Summer Infinity

Why Ride Independent Snowboard Brands?

Image: Arbor

Independent snowboard brands offer something different – a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability that you just won’t find from the big players.

Whether it’s the eco-conscious materials from Arbor and Borealis, or the hand-built precision of Never Summer and United Shapes, these brands deliver gear that stands out on the mountain and lasts for seasons to come.

By choosing an independent brand, you’re not just buying a snowboard; you’re supporting a movement of riders who care about quality, sustainability, and keeping the soul of snowboarding alive.

So, if you’re ready to take your riding to the next level, check out these top independent brands for 2025 and experience the difference for yourself!

Explore our the full range of 2025 independent snowboards and get ready for the best season yet.

Shop 2025 Snowboards

Need further advice? We're here to help!

Check out our Snowboard Buying Guides for technical tips and tricks or if you're still unsure, we can Recommend You A Snowboard.
Visit our Help Centre to speak to our experts or Sign Up to our newsletter to join our community & be the first to know our latest news, sales & competitions.